The upcoming anime adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s acclaimed science fiction novel, All You Need Is Kill, has revealed key additions to its voice cast. As anticipation builds for its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025, fans are eager to learn who will bring the beloved characters to life. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced cast members and what they bring to this exciting project.
A Stellar Cast Takes Shape
The anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill is set to feature a talented cast, breathing life into the iconic characters from the novel. While specific details about additional roles remain scarce, the announcement of the main cast has generated considerable buzz.
Ai Mikami as Rita Vrataski
Ai Mikami will voice the formidable Rita Vrataski, an 18-year-old volunteer soldier instantly recognizable by her striking red hair. Rita is characterized as emotionally withdrawn, having erected walls between herself and others. Mikami, who recently starred as Yukina in the live-action Yu Yu Hakusho series and led the film Undead Lovers, brings a wealth of acting experience to her first voice acting role.
Mikami expressed her excitement and slight anxiety about portraying such an iconic character: “As someone who’s always loved anime, it was like a dream to participate in this project. At the same time, I felt anxious—wondering if I could do justice to a story I admire so much. That anxiety mirrored Rita’s own emotional barriers.” She further added that working with Natsuki Hanae during the first recording session helped her find the character’s essence, emphasizing the unique interpretations possible through animation.
Natsuki Hanae as Keiji Kiriya
Natsuki Hanae will voice Keiji Kiriya, a reserved 20-year-old systems engineer who volunteers for the military. Keiji is portrayed as someone who avoids attention, but his encounter with Rita triggers a profound personal awakening. Hanae is well-known for his roles as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Okarun in DAN DA DAN, making him a seasoned voice actor with a proven track record.
Hanae describes Keiji as initially appearing to be just another quiet young man. However, as Keiji relives the battlefield, he confronts his fears and evolves. Hanae aimed to express Keiji’s despair, inner conflict, and emerging resolve through his performance.
Production Team
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team is working to bring All You Need Is Kill to life:
- Original Author: Hiroshi Sakurazaka
- Director: Kenichiro Akimoto
- Studio: STUDIO4°C
- Producer: Warner Bros. Japan
Kenichiro Akimoto, who previously worked as a unit director on Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, is directing the anime at STUDIO4°C. The studio is known for its innovative and visually stunning animation work, promising a high-quality adaptation.
Story Overview
All You Need Is Kill takes place in a future where Earth is under attack by alien invaders known as Mimics. Keiji Kiriya, a new recruit in the United Defense Force, finds himself caught in a time loop after dying in his first battle. Each time he dies, he awakens to the day before the battle, reliving the same events. Through this cycle of death and rebirth, Keiji hones his skills as a soldier, determined to change his fate.
As Keiji progresses through the time loops, he encounters Rita Vrataski, an elite soldier also caught in a similar loop. Rita, known as the “Full Metal Bitch,” becomes a key figure in Keiji’s journey, offering guidance and support as they both strive to break free from the endless cycle.
From Novel to Anime: A History of Adaptations
Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s All You Need Is Kill has garnered international acclaim and has been adapted into various forms:
- Light Novel: The original light novel was released in Japan in 2004 and in English in 2009.
- Manga: A manga adaptation by Ryosuke Takeuchi and Takeshi Obata was serialized in 2014.
- Live-Action Film: The novel was adapted into the Hollywood film Edge of Tomorrow (2014), starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.
- Graphic Novel: A graphic novel adaptation written by Nick Mamatas and illustrated by Lee Ferguson was released in 2014.
The upcoming anime film promises to offer a fresh perspective on the story, retelling it from a different viewpoint than the novel and the Edge of Tomorrow film.
Music
The theme song for the anime, titled “Tsuretette,” is performed by AKASAKI, a university student and singer-songwriter. AKASAKI specifically wrote the song for the anime, marking her first foray into anime theme music.
Premiere and Distribution
The anime film is set to premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025, with screenings scheduled for June 9, 12, and 13. GKIDS has acquired the rights to screen the film in theaters in North America, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring a wide release for international audiences. As of June 13, 2025, there is no wide release date.
Characters
- Keiji Kiriya: The protagonist, a soldier trapped in a time loop.
- Rita Vrataski: A celebrated soldier known as the “Full Metal Bitch,” also trapped in a time loop.
- Shasta Raylle
- Jin Yonabaru
- Bartolome Ferrell
- Rachel Kisaragi
What to Expect
The anime adaptation of All You Need Is Kill is poised to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. With a talented cast and a skilled production team, the film is expected to capture the essence of the original novel while offering a unique perspective on the time-loop narrative. Fans can look forward to a gripping story, dynamic action sequences, and a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as war, sacrifice, and the search for hope in the face of despair. As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most exciting anime releases of 2025.
