Takeshi Kitano is set to commence work on his latest work “Kubi” (Neck), which is widely being reported to be the last time the Japanese icon will direct a film.
“Kubi”, which is based on Kitano’s 2019 novel of the same name, is a period action piece, one of the many fictional retelling of the famous real-life Honnoji Incident, in which famed warlord Oda Nobunaga was assassinated at a temple in Kyoto in 1582. The characters are mainly real historical figures, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Nobunaga retainer who avenges his dead lord in battle, and Sorori Shinzaemon, a Hideyoshi attendant noted for his wit. Kitano’s novel starts prior to the assassination as Shinzaemon captures Araki Murashige, a Nobunaga general accused of disloyalty. The plot revolves around the fate of Murashige, whose neck Nobunaga aims to sever.
Production supposedly commences on the project in May, 2021 with a new staff that will not include Kitano’s long-term producer Mori Masayuki. No news about the casting has been forthcoming as yet.
