Exit 8, the live-action adaptation of the viral “spot-the-anomaly” endless loop game that surpassed 1.4 million downloads worldwide, is set to hit theaters on August 29.

Starring Kazunari Ninomiya as the “Man Who Gets Lost,” the film takes place in an eerily structured underground passage filled with inexplicable and escalating anomalies. The announcement also unveiled a striking poster featuring a bold red “8” and a teaser video brimming with unsettling imagery.

Directed by Renowned Producer Genki Kawamura

The project is helmed by Genki Kawamura, known for producing major live-action films such as Confessions (2010), Villain (2010), and Monster (2023), as well as hit anime features like Your Name. (2016), Belle (2021), and Suzume (2022). This marks his second directorial feature, following Hyakka (2022).

Kawamura expressed excitement about the film’s unique premise:

“An infinitely looping maze in a meticulously organized Japanese underground tunnel—when I encountered ‘Exit 8,’ I knew it was an invention that could succeed globally. It’s the most unpredictable project I’ve ever worked on, but that’s what makes it perfect for a theatrical experience.”

Ninomiya’s Magnetic Performance in a Dialogue-Minimal Role

Kawamura praised Kazunari Ninomiya for his powerful presence, even in silence:
“He has an extraordinary ability to pull viewers in, even when he's simply walking or observing. Clint Eastwood discovered that magnetism in Letters from Iwo Jima, and I wanted to make full use of it in Exit 8. From scripting to filming, his ideas and versatile acting were a tremendous asset.”

This marks Ninomiya and co-star Yamato Kawachi’s second collaboration since VIVANT (2023, TBS). Ninomiya shared:
“I’ve long wanted to work with Director Kawamura, so I was thrilled to join the project. It’s hard to put this film into words, but we’ve poured our hearts into every single second. I hope viewers enjoy spotting the ‘anomalies’—and make it safely out of the theater.”

International Recognition Before Release

The film has already attracted over 15 international sales through the Berlin Film Festival’s film market, despite plot details remaining largely undisclosed.

With the tagline “Leave through Exit 8.”, the poster hints at an eerie, reality-bending experience. Can the man truly escape the labyrinth beneath the city?

Exit 8 Teaser Movie

Source : ORICON NEWS