Takahide Hori’s highly anticipated stop-motion anime film, Junk World, has released its full trailer, offering a glimpse into the bizarre and captivating world set 1,042 years before the events of his previous film, Junk Head. Junk World is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on June 13, 2025.
Delving into the Dystopian Depths
Junk World explores a dystopian future where humanity has achieved longevity but lost the ability to reproduce. To combat the dwindling workforce, artificial lifeforms called Mulligans were created. However, the Mulligans rebelled and formed their own subterranean society.
The film follows Robin, a robot who also appeared in Junk Head under the name Parton, as he escorts Tris, a human female captain, through an underground city. Together, they investigate anomalies in what is supposedly a ghost town, uncovering secrets about the monstrous evolution of the Mulligans.
Takahide Hori’s One-Man Show
Takahide Hori is the driving force behind Junk World, serving as the director, screenwriter, character designer, editor, musician, storyboard artist, modeler, and voice actor. His dedication and unique artistic vision have made Junk World a highly anticipated project in the stop-motion animation world.
To fund the film, Hori launched two crowdfunding campaigns, raising over 13 million yen each. These funds have been used to acquire additional equipment and staff, enhancing the film’s efficiency and quality.
A Prequel to Junk Head
Junk World is a prequel to Junk Head, a stop-motion film released in 2021. Junk Head is set in a future where a virus ravages humanity, and a lone human is sent into the depths to investigate the secrets of the Mulligans’ reproduction. The film gained popularity on the arthouse circuit and is available on several streaming platforms in the United States.
Stop-Motion Animation
Junk World utilizes stop-motion animation, a technique that involves manipulating physical objects in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played as a continuous sequence. This method gives the film a unique and tactile aesthetic, setting it apart from traditional computer-animated films.
A Trilogy in the Making
Junk World is the second film in a planned trilogy set in the Junk Head universe. This indicates that Hori has a larger vision for this world and its characters, with more stories to tell in the future.
Release Information
Junk World will be released in Japanese theaters on June 13, 2025. As of now, there is no information regarding a release date outside of Japan.
A Unique Vision
Junk World promises to be a visually stunning and narratively engaging film. With its unique stop-motion animation, dystopian setting, and the creative vision of Takahide Hori, Junk World is poised to be a significant addition to the world of independent animation.
