Boy Kills World Director Reveals How Manga & Anime Influenced Bill Skarsgård’s Latest Thriller

Bill Skarsgård, renowned for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in It, is set to captivate audiences in a different genre with his latest film, Boy Kills World. Directed by Moritz Mohr and produced by Sam Raimi, the action-packed thriller presents Skarsgård as Boy, a deaf assassin on a vengeful quest after his family’s murder.

Boy Kills World is a melting pot of influences, drawing from the worlds of video games, comics, anime, and action movies. Director Moritz Mohr shared his eclectic inspirations with Total Film (via Games Radar), stating:

“I love old kung-fu movies. I love Asian cinema. I play a lot of video games and I read a lot of manga. Anime is a big influence. But also shitty little Saturday-morning cartoons that I loved growing up. I knew I wanted to make a revenge movie with a deaf protagonist, but that was literally the one constant.”

Watch Boy Kills World trailer below:

Mohr’s vision was clear from the outset: to create a revenge story centered around a deaf protagonist, a concept that remained constant throughout the film’s development. The movie boasts an impressive cast, with H. Jon Benjamin voicing Boy’s inner thoughts, adding a unique narrative dimension. The ensemble is rounded out by Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, and Sharlto Copley, each contributing to the film’s dynamic storytelling.

Casting Skarsgård as the lead was initially a challenge due to his towering height, which Mohr felt was not very “boyish.” However, the director ultimately found Skarsgård’s childlike innocence and combat skills to be a perfect fit for the character of Boy. Mohr said:

Critics Applaud Boy Kills World for Its Energetic and Immersive Experience

Boy Kills World has already caught the attention of critics following its selection for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). With a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is praised for its energetic and immersive experience. Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting highlighted the film’s ability to engage audiences, saying:

“It takes a while to smooth out its roughest edges. By the end, it’ll leave you clamoring to join Boy for a match of Super Dragon Punch Force II over a bowl of the sugariest breakfast cereal. And that sums up exactly what type of brawler this is.”

Alan Ng of Film Threat described the film as “a two-hour roller coaster” that leaves viewers feeling both exhausted and empowered.

Boy Kills World is not just an action movie; it’s a testament to the power of diverse influences coming together to create a unique cinematic experience. With Skarsgård’s compelling performance and Mohr’s visionary direction, the film is poised to be a standout addition to the action genre. As it explores themes of revenge and resilience, Boy Kills World promises to be a thrilling ride for audiences worldwide.