Kazuo Ishiguro teams with Tim Burton on a postwar Japan-set next film
Tim Burton is teaming with a Nobel Prize–winning author on a new film headed to post–World War II Japan.
An original feature is taking shape for Tim Burton: a collaboration with Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro, who has written an original screenplay set in Japan just after World War II. The project is still under wraps — no title, plot specifics, or cast — with Burton expected to direct, according to Deadline’s report.
The film is an original Kazuo Ishiguro script set in postwar Japan.
Per Deadline, the movie is not an adaptation of any Ishiguro novel, published or upcoming. There’s no distributor yet; the plan is to lock in key talent and then take the package to market. The project is said to be the filmmaker’s main focus since production on Wednesday Season 3 wrapped.
‘Corpse Bride’ climbs again
While the new film develops, one of Burton’s past favorites is back near the top of the streaming charts. Corpse Bride reached No. 4 on Max in October 2026, based on FlixPatrol data cited by Collider, ranking ahead of Coraline as well as horror mainstays like The Shining and A Nightmare on Elm Street. The rise came without a new sequel or tie-in pushing it there.
Co-directed by Burton and Mike Johnson, the stop-motion film follows a jittery groom who slips into the land of the dead after accidentally marrying a ghostly bride. Voice cast highlights include:
- Johnny Depp — Victor Van Dort
- Helena Bonham Carter — Emily (the Corpse Bride)
- Emily Watson — Victoria Everglot
What’s next
The Burton–Ishiguro feature remains in development with no casting or distributor announced. As reported, the team aims to assemble the right roster of talent before shopping the film to buyers.