Before igniting a worldwide resurgence in the horror genre with his seminal J- horror masterpiece “Ringu” (98), Nakata terrified Japanese audiences with “Ghost Actress” (96) and its tale of a vengeful spirit that drives a movie crew to insanity. Now, returning to the roots of his first feature film, Nakata delves into the terrifying goings-on within a haunted playhouse.

A surefire horror hit-maker in Japan and abroad, Nakata’s films and their remakes have earned nearly half-a billion US dollars in box office revenue. His last , “The Complex” (13), grossed more than one billion yen at the Japanese box office.

“Ghost Theater” is set in a rundown playhouse. In addition to imbuing the theater with his trademark “atmospheric fear,” Nakata serves up a rollercoaster of terror, with the scares coming at breakneck speed.

Sara, a young actress, aims for the top. However, constant rejection leaves her unable to realize her quest for fame. One day a break arrives in the guise of a leading role in a major play. Sara’s joy is short-lived as the bitter rivalry between the play’s actresses erupts into out-and-out hatred. When rehearsals start, strange things begin to happen within the theater. Together with theater staffer Izumi, Sara looks into these occurrences only to discover that within the Director: seemingly innocent playhouse there lurks a very real Ghost Actress (96), Ring (98), Dark Water (02), The Complex (13) and very menacing threat. Screenplay: Junya Kato, Ryuta Miyake Cast: Haruka Shimazaki, Rika Adachi, Riho Takada, Keita Machida

Ghost Theater shares similarities to Ghost Actress in that both concern a demonic spirit that finds its way into our world. Whether a rehearsal, a dressing room, a warehouse, or a trap cellar, this evil will not stop until it has penetrated into our world. As it has been almost 20 years since Ghost Actress, I sought to confront the label of “realistic supernatural” that my work often receives, and focus on speed and disturbing imagery. I would like the younger audience members who were unable to catch Ghost Actress and Ringu during their initial releases to experience the thrill of being scared in 2015 / Color / TBD / Japan / Coming in Autumn the movie theater. © 2015 Gekijyourei Film Partners (tentative) CONTACT: Nikkatsu Corporation 3-28-12 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 TEL: +81 3 5689-1014 / FAX: +81 3 5689-1044 http://www.nikkatsu.com/en e-mail: [email protected]