The newest film from visionary anime director Mamoru Oshii has just been acquired for stateside distribution this fall. Garm Wars: The Last Druid features Lance Henriksen and Kevin Durand in a post-apocalyptic, cyber-dystopian future that is filled with biomechanical monsters, mechanically enhanced soldiers and enough computer/human interface to please even the most dedicated Ghost in the Shell fanboy. This film is a visual buffet of anime influenced art and design, and it will be very interesting to see how audiences react to this unique, surprising and very entertaining film. Check out the official statement below and keep an eye out in October for Garm Wars: The Last Druid.
ARC Entertainment has acquired US rights to the action-sci-fi thriller Garm Wars: The Last Druid. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) and co-written by Geoffrey Gunn (Siren), the film stars newcomer Melanie St-Pierre (Barney’s Version), Kevin Durand (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and Lance Henriksen (Aliens). ARC Entertainment will be releasing the film in-theaters and on VOD on October 2, 2015. The deal was announced today by ARC Entertainment’s Head of Acquisitions Scott Moesta.
“Mamoru Oshii’s creative vision shines brilliantly throughout this film, with remarkable action and special effects from beginning to end,” said Moesta. “We’re excited to bring this unique story to the big screen for audiences, and especially genre fans to enjoy across the U.S.”
Visionary director Mamoru Oshii is best known for his seminal film Ghost in the Shell, a work famously cited by the Wachowski’s as a direct influence behind their iconic film The Matrix. 15 years in the making, Garm Wars: The Last Druid is a live action/CGI hybrid about a world on the brink of total collapse. The planet Annwn, inhabited by the Garm, is engaged in perpetual warfare among three tribes. One Columba fighter pilot, Khara (St-Pierre), embarks on a quest with an unlikely trio: Kumtak tribal elder Wydd (Henriksen), a sacred dog Gula, and one of the last remaining mystical Druids from a long forgotten time. A Briga soldier, Skellig (Durand), accompanies the small band after forging an uneasy truce with Khara. As they struggle across the land in the search for answers to their existence, they encounter raging storms, fierce giants, and mechanical mayhem. They survive these trials only to meet their most difficult challenge yet, a desperate battle against impossible odds for the truth.
Joining forces with his longtime collaborator, composer Kenji Kawai (The Ring), and three-time Oscar Nominated Sound Designer Tom Myers (Up, Toy Story) of Skywalker Sound, Palme D’Or Nominee Mamoru Oshii delivers a feast for the eyes and ears. Lending their VFX artistry is acclaimed Toronto company Intelligent Creatures (Orphan Black). Garm Wars is produced by Makoto Asanuma (Gundam Wing), Tetsu Fujimura (Tekken), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Ghost in the Shell, Attack on Titan), and Lyse Lafontaine (On the Road).