Utopia announces the official release of the acclaimed horror-comedy Hot Spring Shark Attack, set to debut in select theaters and on major streaming and cable platforms on July 11. The film, which premiered at the 2024 Tokyo International Shark Film Festival and won the Audience Award, previously saw an international release last year.
Morihito Inoue makes his feature directorial debut with this horror-comedy, which he also wrote. The cast includes Takuya Fujimura (One Cut of the Dead), Daniel Aguilar (Shin Godzilla), Shôichirô Akaboshi, Masaki Naito, Koichi Makigami, Kiyobumi Kaneko, and Mio Takaki.
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What is Hot Spring Shark Attack?
Hot Spring Shark Attack features a storyline where a ferocious ancient shark reawakens in a small Japanese hot spring town, terrorizing local facilities. As the threat escalates, the townspeople unite to protect their community, leading to a thrilling confrontation with the predator.
Can I watch Hot Spring Shark Attack in a theater?
Inoue expressed his excitement for the U.S. rollout, noting the growing demand for shark films in Japan and his film’s positive reception from both genre enthusiasts and new viewers domestically. He anticipates its reception outside of Japan.
“Shark movies are popular in Japan as well, but the number of shark films produced here has not yet met the growing demand. My film was made domestically in Japan and received great acclaim, not only from regular shark movie enthusiasts but also from many viewers who were previously unfamiliar with the genre. I’m very excited to see how this work will be received outside of Japan..” Inoue said in a release to media.
Hot Spring Shark Attack will offer special preview screenings at various Alamo Drafthouse locations on Wednesday, July 9. The film officially opens theatrically for extended runs and special engagements on Friday, July 11, in key markets including Los Angeles and New York City. On the same day, North American audiences can rent or own the film via Cable VOD and Digital HD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, iNDEMAND, and Vubiquity.
Selected July 11 theatrical openings include:
- Los Angeles: Laemmle Glendale (weeklong)
- New York: Posteritati (one night)
- Dallas: Texas Theatre (one night)
- Atlanta: The Plaza (one night)
Hot Spring Shark Attack releases in select theaters and on VOD July 11, 2025.
