Manga 'THE LONG HAIR IN THE ATTIC' by Junji Ito Will Be Adapted Into a Live-Action Film

Kapanlagi.com - THE LONG HAIR IN THE ATTIC by Junji Ito is officially going to be adapted into a live-action film. This project was announced on Monday as a collaboration between Toei, the Thai film studio M Studio, and the South Korean production company Showbox, which will handle cross-country development.

The film will be directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, a Thai director known for THE RED LINE, HUNGER, and INHUMAN KISS. The production team aims to complete the development stage within this year, with filming scheduled to start in 2027. This project is also referred to as one of the largest international adaptations of Junji Ito's works.

This adaptation adds to the long list of Junji Ito's works that have been brought to the big screen and television, following several previous adaptations into both live-action and anime formats. So what is the terrifying story behind THE LONG HAIR IN THE ATTIC?

1. The Tragic Story Behind Chiemi's Long Hair

Psychological horror typical of Junji Ito (credit: Junji Ito / Asahi Sonorama)

The story THE LONG HAIR IN THE ATTIC centers around a girl named Chiemi who has long hair. After breaking up with her boyfriend because she was deemed incompatible, she begins to recall her past when she used to have short hair.

Chiemi then realizes that she grew her hair long only because her ex-boyfriend said he liked girls with long hair. In an emotional state, she decides to cut her hair again, which marks the beginning of a series of horrifying events.

When her sister, Eri, tries to find scissors to help, she instead discovers a tragic incident that ends with Chiemi's very brutal death.

2. The Long Journey of Adapting Junji Ito's Works

The adaptation of Junji Ito continues (credit: Junji Ito / Asahi Sonorama)

THE LONG HAIR IN THE ATTIC was first published in 1988 in Asahi Sonorama's Monthly Halloween magazine. Since then, this work has become one of the iconic short horror stories in Junji Ito's catalog.

This manga was previously adapted into a Japanese live-action film in 2000 and appeared in an anime version as part of JUNJI ITO MANIAC: JAPANESE TALES OF THE MACABRE in 2023. Additionally, its story has been released in various English collections by several major publishers.

With this latest project, the classic tale is being revived through a larger and more modern international collaboration.

(kpl/afd)