Pop superstar Charli xcx is trading her “Brat” persona for something far darker.
The chart-topping artist will star in legendary director Takashi Miike’s upcoming untitled slasher-horror film, set to begin production in Japan next month.
And this isn’t just another celebrity cameo—Charli will play a woman possessed by a violent, tortured spirit in what promises to be a terrifying exploration of Japanese horror traditions.
The film, currently known as Untitled Kyoto, brings together an impressive cast including House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock, The Walking Dead‘s Norman Reedus, actress-model-singer Kiko Mizuhara, and Show Kasamatsu from Tokyo Vice.
From Pop Star to Possession Victim
The storyline centers on three best friends reuniting in Kyoto to rekindle their lifelong bond. What begins as a carefree girls’ trip quickly transforms into a living nightmare when Katie—played by Charli xcx—becomes possessed by Mizuhara’s violent, tortured spirit.
This marks a significant evolution in Charli’s rapidly expanding film career. She’s not just acting in the project—she’s producing through her studio365 banner, demonstrating her commitment to building a serious presence behind the camera as well.
The script comes from an original idea conceived by both Charli and Miike himself, with Ross Evans and Yumiko Aoyagi handling the screenplay. Miike’s longtime producing partner Misako Saka will produce on his behalf.
A Director Known for Extreme Vision
Takashi Miike brings an unparalleled pedigree to the project. With 59 feature films under his belt, the Japanese director has built a reputation for singular violence and transgressive content that pushes boundaries.
His notable works include cult classics like Audition (1999), Ichi the Killer (2001), and 13 Assassins (2010), which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. His Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011) debuted at Cannes, cementing his status as an auteur filmmaker.
Miike’s films often explore horror, samurai, and yakuza genres with unflinching intensity. For Charli xcx to anchor a Miike horror film represents both a bold career move and a testament to her range as a performer.
Charli’s Cinematic Expansion
This horror project is just one piece of Charli’s impressive film slate. She recently wrapped filming on several high-profile projects, showcasing remarkable versatility:
- Daniel Goldhaber’s remake of Faces of Death (1978 cult horror)
- Greg Araki’s erotic thriller I Want Your Sex
- Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist
- Julia Jackman’s period fantasy 100 Nights of Hero
- Romain Gavras’ satirical action film Sacrifice
- Pete Ohs’ intimate drama Erupcja
Her studio365 banner’s The Moment is currently in theatrical release via A24. The film just achieved A24’s third-biggest limited release, proving Charli’s box office appeal extends beyond music.
A Powerhouse Supporting Cast
Milly Alcock brings serious genre credentials after her breakthrough role in House of the Dragon. She recently wrapped filming the lead in Daina Oniunas-Pusić’s dark comedy Thumb and has DC’s Supergirl on the horizon.
Norman Reedus, beloved for his iconic role in The Walking Dead, will soon reprise his character in the third installment of The Boondock Saints. His involvement adds star power and horror genre experience to the ensemble.
Kiko Mizuhara plays the tortured spirit possessing Charli’s character. She recently wrapped Eugene Kotlyarenko’s Vintage Violence opposite Cole Sprouse, and her background in Attack on Titan demonstrates comfort with intense, supernatural material.
Show Kasamatsu makes his English-language feature debut after acclaimed work in HBO Max’s Tokyo Vice and The Narrow Road to the Deep North. He’ll soon appear opposite Cynthia Erivo in Lionsgate thriller Karoshi.
Industry Buzz Building
The Veterans and CAA Media Finance are launching international sales on the project ahead of next week’s European Film Market in Berlin. Horror movies are clearly dominating the marketplace, and this package arrives with considerable buzz.
Screenwriter Ross Evans is best known for his black comedy How to Save a Marriage, which sold to Sony with Rob Pattinson attached after a seven-figure multi-studio bidding war. He’s set to make his directorial debut this summer with DeNovo, starring Lakeith Stanfield and Keke Palmer.
Co-writer Yumiko Aoyagi is one of Japan’s most prominent writer-producers. Her credits include DCU: Deep Crime Unit, one of Japan’s highest-rated shows, and the country’s first remake of a BBC series with Orphan Black.
What to Expect
Given Miike’s reputation for extreme content and Charli’s involvement from conception, Untitled Kyoto promises to deliver authentic Japanese horror with international appeal. The possession storyline taps into rich Japanese supernatural traditions while the friendship-gone-wrong premise offers emotional stakes.
Filming begins next month in Japan, suggesting a potential 2026 release depending on post-production schedules. With A24 distributing Charli’s other projects and the talent assembled here, major festival premieres seem likely.
For Charli xcx, this represents another calculated step in building a multi-hyphenate career. She’s not just crossing over from music to film—she’s producing, developing original concepts, and choosing projects with serious artistic credentials.
The combination of Miike’s uncompromising vision, Charli’s creative involvement, and a talented international cast creates one of the most anticipated horror projects on the horizon.