GKIDS announced today that they’ve acquired the North American distribution rights to the latest Lupin the 3rd theatrical feature, Lupin the 3rd: The First! GKIDS will release the film theatrically later this year, both in its original Japanese with English subtitles and with an all-new English dub.
This film was released in Japan last December and is the first all-CG feature film in the Lupin the 3rd franchise. The film was written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, known for his previous work on CG-reimagines of classic anime franchises, like Stand by Me Doraemon and Dragon Quest: Your Story.
More details can be found in GKIDS’ official press release below. It’s exciting to see Lupin return to North American theaters for the first time since Fathom Events’ 2017 re-release of the Castle of Cagliostro!
NEW YORK (March 26, 2020) – GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, announced that it has acquired the North American distribution rights for the animated feature LUPIN THE 3RD: THE FIRST, a new animated feature from director/screenwriter Takashi Yamazaki (STAND BY ME DORAEMON, DRAGON QUEST: YOUR STORY). The “LUPIN THE 3RD” franchise, from original creator Monkey Punch, began in 1967 and has spanned a variety of manga, TV, game, theme park ride, and musical adaptations, including The Castle of Cagliostro (1979), the feature film debut from the acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. GKIDS will release LUPIN THE 3RD: THE FIRST theatrically in 2020 in both Japanese and an all-new English language dub. The deal for North American rights was negotiated by GKIDS President David Jesteadt and Sam Maseba, Director of Licensing for TMS Entertainment.
“As someone who has been a fan of Lupin III since The Castle of Cagliostro, I was blown away by quality of animation and storytelling in LUPIN THE 3RD: THE FIRST,” said GKIDS President David Jesteadt. “Director Takashi Yamazaki has taken such incredible care and detail in creating Lupin’s first adventure in CG, and I am hopeful that audiences fall in love with the film as much as I have.”
”Lupin III has been stealing hearts of audiences of all ages for over 50 years, and we’re proud to be able to present the latest evolution of the world’s greatest thief,” said TMS Entertainment, Vice President Masami Tokunaga. “We are truly excited to be collaborating with GKIDS to bring this amazing film to our fans in North America.”
SYNOPSIS:
The iconic “gentleman thief” Lupin III returns in an action-packed, continent-spanning adventure, as Lupin III and his colorful underworld companions race to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Bresson Diary, before it falls into the hands of a dark cabal that will stop at nothing to resurrect the Third Reich. The gang undertakes trap-filled tombs, aerial escapades and daring prison escapes with the trademark wit and visual finesse that have made LUPIN THE 3RD one of the most storied animation franchises in the world, in a thrilling new caper that is sure to delight fans old and new.
About GKIDS:
GKIDS is a New York-based producer and distributor of award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. Since 2009, the company has scored eleven Best Animated Feature Oscar® nominations with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, Ernest & Celestine in 2014, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea in 2015, Boy and the World and When Marnie Was There in 2016, My Life as a Zucchini in 2017, The Breadwinner in 2018, and Mirai in 2019. GKIDS also handles North American distribution for the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and more. GKIDS also produces the annual LA-based film festival, ANIMATION IS FILM, which embraces the highest aspirations of animation as a cinematic art form and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of their work to the fullest range of expression of which the medium is capable.
FACEBOOK: http://Facebook.com/gkidsfilms
About TMS Entertainment:
TMS Entertainment (better known as TMS) is one of the world’s largest and most distinguished animation studios. TMS has won recognition from the international filmmaking industry for its highly-acclaimed animation, pioneering techniques and proud commitment to quality. With a dedicated team of development, production and design executives, TMS’s growing reputation is reflected by the versatility, artistry and originality of the programs the company has produced for international markets worldwide.
Established in 1964, TMS has produced more than 200 features, and over 100 TV program series, with a total of 12,000 half hours for global distribution. TMS programs have attained worldwide recognition and continue to strive for excellence.
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