Werner Herzog Announces Animation Debut with ‘The Twilight World’
Acclaimed German filmmaker Werner Herzog, celebrated for works like Grizzly Man and The Wrath of God, is set to enter the realm of animation with his upcoming project titled The Twilight World. This film is based on Herzog’s best-selling novel of the same name.
A Unique Story of Persistence
Narrated by Herzog himself, The Twilight World recounts the extraordinary true story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer. Onoda, unable to believe that World War II had concluded, continued his solitary struggle in the jungles of the Philippines for an astonishing thirty years.
Collaboration and Creative Team
The screenplay adaptation is a collaborative effort, featuring Herzog along with Michael Arias, known for his work on Tekkonkinkreet and The Animatrix. Supporting them in this project is Luca Vitale.
Producing the animation is Sun Creature Studio, recognized for their BAFTA and Oscar-nominated film Flee. They are expected to bring their expertise from their workshop in France, working in conjunction with French animation artists. Additionally, Psyop, a prominent animation studio with bases in both Germany and the U.S., is co-producing the film.
Herzog’s Vision Unfolds
Herzog expressed a long-held belief that Onoda’s story was more suited for literary exploration rather than cinematic portrayal, stating, “I always felt that Hiroo Onoda’s story… was best suited for literature, not cinema—which is why I chose to tell it through a novel.” However, Herzog’s perspective shifted when approached by Psyop, leading him to recognize the unique storytelling potential that animation offers.
Producer Andrew Linsk of Psyop remarked, “Working with Werner is a masterclass in nuanced storytelling,” emphasizing the distinct expressive nature of the screenplay, which he described as “unconventional.”
Along with Linsk, Amanda Miller is also producing this innovative project at Psyop. Miller highlighted their ongoing relationship with Sun Creature, asserting that their collaborative sensibility and access to talented French animators make them an ideal fit for The Twilight World.
Production Insights and Future Plans
The Twilight World is currently under development, with production anticipated to start in early 2026. Herzog has recently completed work on his next live-action film, Bucking Fastard, featuring sisters Kate and Rooney Mara.
The film will be showcased during the upcoming Cartoon Movie, an event focused on animation co-production, set to take place in Bordeaux, France.
