Horror-Comedy ‘Hot Spring Shark Attack’ Acquired for Release Ahead of Chattanooga Film Festival Premiere

With Jaws turning 50 this year, there’s blood in the water for shark horror. That includes Hot Spring Shark Attack; the Japanese feature has been acquired for North American release by Utopia (Shiva Baby, Holy Spider), per Deadline.

Because sharks are synonymous with summer horror fum, Utopia is planning a summer 2025 rollout. Though release dates have yet to be announced.

Hot Spring Shark Attack (aka Onsen Shâku) takes place in “a small hot spring town in Japan, a ferocious ancient shark reawakens and begins terrorizing the local hot spring facilities. As the threat escalates, the townspeople band together to protect their beloved town from the menacing predator, leading to a fierce and thrilling battle.”

The horror comedy marks the feature directorial debut of writer/director Morihito Inoue. 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.

In Japan, the shark movie appropriately premiered at the 2024 Tokyo International Shark Film Festival and took home the fest’s Audience Award. While Hot Spring Shark Attack released in Japan and other international territories last year, it had yet to make its way to shore here.

The shark movie will make its U.S. premiere this June at the Chattanooga Film Festival as the opening night film. The fest and Utopia are sponsoring a beach-themed opening night party, featuring the surf rock sounds of special guests Big Kahuna.

Get ready for a shark infested summer, and stay tuned for additional release news on this horror comedy.

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