Anime Expo Teases Grotesque, a New Film from Director Atsushi Nishigori and CloverWorks

 At the recent Anime Expo 2024, CloverWorks delighted fans with a captivating reveal during their industry panel: a teaser for their upcoming original anime film titled "Grotesque," directed by the renowned Atsushi Nishigori, best known for his work on "DARLING in the FRANXX" and "The IDOLM@STER." Scheduled for release in 2025, the film debuted with an eclectic teaser trailer that left attendees eager for more.

This project marks a significant milestone as the inaugural production from JOEN, a collaborative initiative formed in 2022. JOEN brings together powerhouse entities including CloverWorks, WIT Studio (a subsidiary of Production I.G), publisher Shueisha, and Sony's Aniplex. The alliance aims to elevate creative synergies across the animation landscape, promising a blend of artistic excellence and compelling storytelling.

Leading the charge under JOEN are Yūichi Fukushima from CloverWorks and Tetsuya Nakatake from WIT Studio, serving as representative directors. Their combined vision for "Grotesque" underscores a commitment to delivering a narrative and visual experience that will resonate globally.

Anticipation is high as JOEN plans to unveil more details about "Grotesque" in the coming months, including additional trailers and insights into the thematic depth and characters of the film. The collaborative approach of JOEN, as outlined on their official website, emphasizes optimizing production processes by leveraging diverse talents and resources. This strategic framework aims to uphold quality standards while nurturing a supportive environment for all involved in the creative process.

With industry heavyweights backing the venture, "Grotesque" promises to be a standout addition to the world of contemporary animation, setting a new benchmark for collaborative creativity in the field.