Atsushi Nishigori and CloverWorks’ ‘GROTESQQQUE’ Adds Akio Otsuka, Unveils 7 New Cuts for ‘Elians’ Segment
Akio Otsuka joins the cast of 'GROTESQQQUE' as the space bureau chief in the 'Elians' segment. 7 new scene cuts released. Film opens Nov 6, 2026.
2026-07-27OkabeRintarou3 min read
The original anime film GROTESQQQUE-グロテスク-, a collaboration between director Atsushi Nishigori and animation studio CloverWorks, is set to hit theaters nationwide in Japan on November 6, 2026. The film is composed of three distinct storylines: “Elians,” “Yoroshiku Shoujo,” and “Nocturne ~Kono Grotesque na Yoru ni~.” Ahead of the release, a special feature on the “Elians” segment kicked off on July 24, revealing an additional cast member and seven new scene stills.
Nishigori, known for directing “The iDOLM@STER” and “Darling in the Franxx” and serving as chief animation director on “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time,” takes on the roles of director, scriptwriter, and original character designer for this project. CloverWorks, the studio behind hits like “SPY×FAMILY” and “Bocchi the Rock!,” handles animation production.
The film boasts a star-studded cast including Ichinose Kana, Minami Sara, Inoue Kazu (Nogizaka46), Nakanishi Aruno (Nogizaka46), Ichinose Miku (Nogizaka46), Tomisato Nao (Nogizaka46), Hasegawa Ikumi, Hayami Saori, Uchida Maaya, Asami Tomoka, Tomita Miyu, Okubo Rumi, Kugimiya Rie, and Hoshino Gen, among others. A massive lineup of 35 musical artists contributes to the film’s soundtrack, including ASCA, Akki, Ichinose Mika, VaVa, eba, Otoha, Uekita Ken, Sato Kotoko (yutori), sabio/Takamura Futa, SEE, Shinozaki Kaho, Shinozaki Ayato, Junna, Suisou, Surii, Taku Inoue, Tachibana Ryosuke, tsumiki, Nakajima Yushi (Gusokumuzu), Nakano+, Natsukawa Shiina, Nanahira, Noguchi Iori (=LOVE), Haneoto, Hashimelo, Horie Shota, Myuk, MIRI, METALVERSE, Momosumomosu, Yagi Kairi, Yasuda Rei, Yuyoyuppe, Runaar, and Reol (listed in alphabetical order). The opening theme is performed by METALVERSE.
Set on Earth in an era of interplanetary exchange, “Elians” follows Ellie (voiced by Ichinose Kana), an alien girl who arrives as a goodwill ambassador despite widespread prejudice and fear toward extraterrestrials. Ellie loves Earth culture and its mundane daily life. She teams up with Kunizo Kenjin (voiced by Hoshino Gen), a civil servant at the space bureau, to search for “friends.” However, Ellie’s powers sometimes go out of control, and her mysterious nature draws suspicion, eventually branding her as a potential “invader.” When hostile aliens suddenly appear, chaos ensues in this slapstick comedy about a full-throttle alien girl.
Newly announced cast member Akio Otsuka joins as the chief of the space bureau where Kunizo works. His character harbors wariness toward Ellie, the goodwill ambassador. How will the bureau chief’s interactions with Ellie and Kunizo shape the story?
Seven new scene stills from “Elians” have also been released. They depict Ellie entering a school, stuffing bread into her mouth with a cheerful expression, a serious-looking Kunizo, a stern-faced bureau chief, the duo walking together with a sense of determination, and Ellie enjoying fun times with Earth women—eating meals and taking purikura (sticker photos). The colorful, cute art style highlights the characters’ personalities and the comedic atmosphere of the segment. Fans can look forward to seeing whether Ellie will succeed in making the “friends” she so desires.
GROTESQQQUE-グロテスク- opens nationwide on November 6, 2026.
(C)Atsushi Nishigori, CloverWorks/Project GTQ
