Disney's horror thriller series Gannibal, which centers around a chilling custom of cannibalism in a remote village, is making waves as it marks the entertainment giant's first large-scale live-action streaming production in Japan. The show has garnered significant attention, breaking records for viewership on Disney+ since the release of its second season on March 19, 2025.
In just nine days, Gannibal achieved over 1 million hours of viewing, making it the top-ranked series on the platform in Japan. This remarkable success is particularly noteworthy given Disney's long-standing reputation for family-friendly content, which makes the choice to adapt a story about children being consumed as offerings all the more surprising.
Narita Gaku, the Executive Director of Original Content at Disney Japan, expressed his initial astonishment at the proposal for this project. "Honestly, when this IP was first suggested to me, I was taken aback. The content seemed shockingly intense, and I had my doubts at first. But once I began reading the original work, I couldn't put it down," he remarked.
The original manga, written by Masaaki Ninomiya, ran from 2018 to 2021 and has developed a cult following, though it does not have the same widespread recognition as titles like Yu Yu Hakusho or City Hunter. The show follows the story of Daigo, played by Yuuya Yagira, who is transferred from the city to the isolated Kuge Village, where he serves as the only police officer. Upon his arrival, Daigo learns of the mysterious disappearance of his predecessor and the village's unsettling traditions.
As Daigo investigates, he uncovers a dark ritual practiced by the Goto family, the village's most powerful clan, where children are sacrificed during a summer festival. This shocking premise serves as the backdrop for the series, which explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the struggle against deeply ingrained customs.
Season 1 focused on Daigo's attempts to unravel the village's connection to these horrific practices, while Season 2 delves deeper into the origins of the Goto family's cannibalistic customs. It reveals the sacrifices made by the young head of the family, Keisuke Goto, portrayed by Sho Kasamatsu, to maintain these traditions.
"The main reason we were drawn to this work was its universal theme of family," Narita stated. He noted that discussions among the production team often circled back to the word "protect"—not just in the context of family, but also in terms of safeguarding one's values and way of life. This resonance, he believes, extends beyond Japan and speaks to global audiences amid a time of widespread anxiety and division.
The creative team behind Gannibal is composed of emerging talents, including screenwriter Takumi Oe, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Drive My Car, and producer Akihisa Yamamoto, who also received an Oscar nomination for the same film. Director Shinzo Katayama, who worked as an assistant director under acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, helmed nearly all episodes of the series.
Yamamoto estimated that the production budget for each season was about three times that of a typical Japanese live-action drama, with filming taking approximately six months—double the standard duration. "We wanted to gather craftsmen and production staff from the film industry to achieve a movie-level quality. This is a very new approach for Japan," he explained.
More than 90% of the series was filmed on location across various sites in Hyogo, Aichi, and Nagano prefectures, which adds a sense of realism and depth to the narrative, even as it incorporates fantastical elements.
As Season 2 progresses, the tension escalates, particularly in Episode 7, which was released on April 16, 2025. In this episode, Daigo and Keisuke confront a mysterious figure after discovering the whereabouts of Mashiro, a character played by Kokone Shiwakasu. The episode depicts Keisuke's torment as he grapples with his past, culminating in an emotional standoff.
The series is set to conclude with its final episode, scheduled for release on April 22, 2025. The intense narrative that has unfolded over the two seasons will reach a climax, leaving viewers eager for resolution.
Amidst the gripping storyline, the series also touches on broader themes, including the complex dynamics of power and betrayal within Kuge Village. As various factions clash, the villagers are shown to be on the verge of revolt against the Goto family, signaling a potential shift in the village's long-standing traditions.
One key character in this uprising is Takashi Kawaguchi, portrayed by Ryo Iwatsuka, who has a personal vendetta against the Goto family after losing his daughter to their sinister practices. His story hints at the underlying tensions that have been simmering within the village for years.
As the villagers unite against the Goto family, the narrative suggests that true change can only come from within the community itself. This theme resonates deeply as it reflects the struggles faced by individuals seeking to break free from oppressive legacies.
As the world of Gannibal continues to unfold, the production team is already contemplating the future of the series, although they emphasize that any continuation will depend on the approval of the original creator and Disney. "Daigo and Keisuke's story reaches a conclusion here," said Oe. "While we have ideas for future developments, we will only proceed with discussions after consulting with Ninomiya-san. Without his collaboration, we won't move forward."
Yamamoto concluded by highlighting the significant momentum currently building in Japan's content industry, citing the global popularity of anime and the success of films like Drive My Car and Godzilla-1.0. He noted the challenges posed by the entry of foreign streaming services, which are reshaping traditional production models.
"Paid streaming content is still a new concept in Japan. Everyone is exploring what kind of budget and production methods are suitable for this new era," Yamamoto explained. "In this crucial moment for the Japanese industry, we want to be recognized globally and show that we can produce high-quality live-action dramas."
