A live-action film adaptation of Satoru Nii’s WIND BREAKER manga has been officially announced following the broadcast of the final episode of the anime’s second season.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters in Dec 2025.
A teaser trailer and visual were revealed to commemorate the announcement.
The film was shot entirely in Okinawa over a two month span from February to April.
The film also features original developments not found in the manga, created in collaboration with the author.
Staff Share Their Vision for the Live-Action Adaptation
Director Kentaro Hagiwara described the film as a reexamination of the traditional yankee film genre, aiming to break away from outdated tropes and offer something socially relevant.
“This film is a challenge to what may seem like an outdated genre — the ‘yankee movie.’ In other words, it’s an attempt to break free from stereotypes. Can we deliver a message of hope to youth through violence that cannot be justified? I took on this film believing that the answer lies in questioning the norm, breaking it, and reconstructing something new — together with young, passionate actors. Please look forward to its release.“
Screenwriter Yosuke Masaike said he approached the project with a clear goal in mind, to capture the essence of every character and fill the film with standout moments.
He also worked directly with original creator Satoru Nii to develop scenes and story elements unique to the live-action adaptation.
“I approached the WIND BREAKER script with the determination to pack in every single bit of the characters’ charm. While imagining Sakura and his crew clashing, shouting, and fighting their way forward, we worked through countless script meetings to create a story filled with scenes that are all showstoppers. We also developed original elements unique to the film through discussions with the manga’s creator, Nii-sensei. I believe this is a completely new kind of yankee film — one that could reach the ‘top’ — created with my beloved director Kentaro Hagiwara. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, I’m sure it’ll resonate with you. Please hang tight until the release!“
Producer Yoshitaka Kamo said the film was born from the emotional core of the original manga, the way friendship can cut through isolation and inner struggle.
He was drawn to the story’s message that even the darkest moments can be overcome when you’re not alone, and said that idea became the foundation for bringing WIND BREAKER to the big screen.
“The powerful friendship among the group breaks through the loneliness and inner conflict carried by the protagonist, Sakura. Moved by this exhilarating storyline, I planned this live-action adaptation. I believe everyone has felt loneliness at some point — and the original manga’s powerful message that ‘even the deepest darkness can be overcome with friends’ became the driving force for this project.
From the start, we’ve worked closely with creator Satoru Nii, director Kentaro Hagiwara, and screenwriter Yousuke Masaike, uniting our passion to make a film that audiences will truly enjoy. With the dynamic action unique to live-action and a heartfelt friendship-driven story, we’ve created what we believe will be the top entertainment experience this winter. Please look forward to it!“
Satoru Nii launched WIND BREAKER manga on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket manga website in January 2021. As of June 2025, the series’ individual chapters have been collected in 22 tankobon volumes.
An anime television series adaptation produced by CloverWorks aired from April to June 2024. A second season aired from April to June 2025.
Source: Comic Natalie
