Nirvana’s music is crossing over into the anime medium through a unique collaboration, drawing praise from former Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl, who believes Kurt Cobain would have embraced the project.
Originally born out of Sumiko Arai's popular music-based web manga, The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All centers on Aya, an outgoing high school student who develops a crush on a stylish record shop employee brought together by their mutual appreciation of rock music. Unbeknownst to Aya, her mysterious crush is actually Mitsuki, her quiet classmate who cultivates an entirely alternative persona outside school hours.
Production Pedigree and Staff Insights
The upcoming television series brings together an impressive roster of industry talent. Masashi Ishihama, recognized for his visual work on Spy x Family and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, takes the director's chair. Character designs are spearheaded by Kanna Hirayama, whose previous credits include Oshi no Ko and Rent-a-Girlfriend.
The central voice cast features industry veterans Mariya Ise and Akari Kito, known for iconic roles in Hunter x Hunter and Demon Slayer respectively.
Dave Grohl's Endorsement
During a promotional discussion with creator Sumiko Arai, Dave Grohl was treated to an early preview of the anime's soundtrack, which notably utilizes Nirvana's track "Breed" as its opening theme music.
I think that Kurt definitely would’ve loved this. It seems like the same message, aesthetic, and the vibe, you know? It’s cool.
Dave Grohl, Musician
The series is scheduled to premiere in January 2027, giving fans plenty of time to experience the source material.
