Dragon Ball fans cannot imagine the series without its protagonist, Goku. He has been leading Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus since its inception, and even after so many years, he is still regarded as the perfect choice for the role of the main character in other sequels and spin-offs of the Dragon Ball storyline.
Goku in Dragon Ball
However, Toriyama once decided to change Goku’s role as the protagonist and hand over the baton to another character. He planned to kill Goku forever and choose his first son, Gohan, as the new driving force of the Dragon Ball franchise. He even gave Gohan a chance to prove himself as the deserving main character for one of the biggest anime and manga series of all time.
But after Gohan failed his role as the protagonist during Dragon Ball Z, Toriyama decided to bring Goku back, and since then, Goku has...
Goku in Dragon Ball
However, Toriyama once decided to change Goku’s role as the protagonist and hand over the baton to another character. He planned to kill Goku forever and choose his first son, Gohan, as the new driving force of the Dragon Ball franchise. He even gave Gohan a chance to prove himself as the deserving main character for one of the biggest anime and manga series of all time.
But after Gohan failed his role as the protagonist during Dragon Ball Z, Toriyama decided to bring Goku back, and since then, Goku has...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
The gaming world is right now trembling with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero fever. Despite there being no solid release date confirmed by Spike Chunsoft, anticipation is hyped up day by day by regular updates from the company.
Already, there has been confirmation of fan favorites like Goku, Vegeta, Brolly, Master Roshi, Jiren, and a lot more, all in various power modes. However, even after many popular names are confirmed for the Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero roster, fans have their own demands.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Fan Wants Goten in the Game Fan wants Goten in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
Despite the abundance of popular characters, a fan badly wants one of the Gotens from the two famous Dragon Ball series. The fan named Foxbop101 recently shared a post on Reddit where the two versions of Goten are shown, one from Dragon Ball End of Z and one from Dragon Ball Gt.
Already, there has been confirmation of fan favorites like Goku, Vegeta, Brolly, Master Roshi, Jiren, and a lot more, all in various power modes. However, even after many popular names are confirmed for the Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero roster, fans have their own demands.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Fan Wants Goten in the Game Fan wants Goten in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
Despite the abundance of popular characters, a fan badly wants one of the Gotens from the two famous Dragon Ball series. The fan named Foxbop101 recently shared a post on Reddit where the two versions of Goten are shown, one from Dragon Ball End of Z and one from Dragon Ball Gt.
- 4/29/2024
- by Nilendu Brahma
- FandomWire
Created by Akira Toriyama, The Dragon Ball manga and anime series has overarched in its popularity, thanks to its well-written characters, gripping storylines, and a long list of antagonists that keeps the series interesting. The saga is now in its Superhero Arc, which focuses on Piccolo and our beloved Gohan-san, as Kakarot and Vegeta are off-planet focusing on getting stronger.
Akira Toriyama | Source: egames.news
Toriyama-Sensei focused on presenting a more intrinsic, closed-loop story than the usual dynamic, and typical storyline that the franchise is usually known for. However, it looks like the mangaka artist’s vision had failed as larger-than-life visuals and a longer screen time of their favorite characters, that is Son-Goku and Vegeta were something they needed. To make things worse for Akira Toriyama, he noticed a grave slip-up in the title of the film which went unnoticed by everyone on the team.
Akira Toriyama and Team...
Akira Toriyama | Source: egames.news
Toriyama-Sensei focused on presenting a more intrinsic, closed-loop story than the usual dynamic, and typical storyline that the franchise is usually known for. However, it looks like the mangaka artist’s vision had failed as larger-than-life visuals and a longer screen time of their favorite characters, that is Son-Goku and Vegeta were something they needed. To make things worse for Akira Toriyama, he noticed a grave slip-up in the title of the film which went unnoticed by everyone on the team.
Akira Toriyama and Team...
- 4/20/2024
- by Tushar Auddy
- FandomWire
A trio of anime properties will be coming to North American theaters later this year, with the Sony-owned Crunchyroll unveiling plans at CinemaCon Tuesday during a presentation that underscored the once-underground medium has gone mainstream.
Haikyu!!: The Dumpster Battle will arrive in theaters on May 31, both subtitled and dubbed. The film is a continuation of the volleyball-themed anime. The film will finally show the showdown between two underdog teams, Karasuno High and Nekoma High. Susumu Mitsunaka directs and penned the script, from a story by Haruichi Furudate. The film has already grossed $60 million in Japan.
Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi is the first film in the Blue Lock franchise and will follow fan-favorite character Nagi Seishiro. It arrives both subtitled and dubbed on June 28 and kicks off with classmate Mikage Reo discovering Nagi Seishiro’s hidden talents and inspiring him to play soccer. One day, Nagi is...
Haikyu!!: The Dumpster Battle will arrive in theaters on May 31, both subtitled and dubbed. The film is a continuation of the volleyball-themed anime. The film will finally show the showdown between two underdog teams, Karasuno High and Nekoma High. Susumu Mitsunaka directs and penned the script, from a story by Haruichi Furudate. The film has already grossed $60 million in Japan.
Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi is the first film in the Blue Lock franchise and will follow fan-favorite character Nagi Seishiro. It arrives both subtitled and dubbed on June 28 and kicks off with classmate Mikage Reo discovering Nagi Seishiro’s hidden talents and inspiring him to play soccer. One day, Nagi is...
- 4/9/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The official website of Dragon Ball announced on March 22, 2024, that Saudi Arabia-based Qiddiya Investment Company will be constructing the world’s first-ever Dragon Ball theme park as part of its Qiddiya giga project.
Spanning an expansive 500,000 square meters, the park will feature seven distinct areas meticulously designed to recreate iconic locales from the series, such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’ Planet.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The theme park will boast over 30 attractions, including five state-of-the-art rides. A centerpiece attraction will be a towering 70-meter-high Shenron, the wish-granting dragon, housing a large-scale roller coaster within its structure.
Moreover, the Dragon Ball theme park will also feature fully stocked hotels and restaurants, allowing fans to extend their experience and immerse themselves in the world of Dragon Ball for an entire day.
Checkout a teaser video and concept art images of the Dragon Ball Park below:
Dragon Ball is...
Spanning an expansive 500,000 square meters, the park will feature seven distinct areas meticulously designed to recreate iconic locales from the series, such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’ Planet.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The theme park will boast over 30 attractions, including five state-of-the-art rides. A centerpiece attraction will be a towering 70-meter-high Shenron, the wish-granting dragon, housing a large-scale roller coaster within its structure.
Moreover, the Dragon Ball theme park will also feature fully stocked hotels and restaurants, allowing fans to extend their experience and immerse themselves in the world of Dragon Ball for an entire day.
Checkout a teaser video and concept art images of the Dragon Ball Park below:
Dragon Ball is...
- 3/22/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
Before his sudden passing in March 2024, Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama had been working on numerous ongoing and upcoming projects, including the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima anime, as well as the ongoing Dragon Ball Super manga, illustrated by Toyotarō. The manga has been ongoing since 2015 and while it had some breaks over the years, the most recent one being in 2022, it has been confirmed by Shueisha that the manga series will be going on an indefinite hiatus.
This decision makes sense, seeing how Toriyama-sensei’s death impacted the anime and manga world. And while this manga was partially Toyotarō’s, Toriyama was nevertheless the heart and soul of the series and he provided the story ideas and basic plotlines that Toyotarō drew. The last time the series had been on a hiatus was in August 2022, but it returned in December of that same year; the hiatus was in order to...
This decision makes sense, seeing how Toriyama-sensei’s death impacted the anime and manga world. And while this manga was partially Toyotarō’s, Toriyama was nevertheless the heart and soul of the series and he provided the story ideas and basic plotlines that Toyotarō drew. The last time the series had been on a hiatus was in August 2022, but it returned in December of that same year; the hiatus was in order to...
- 3/21/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Dragon Ball Super manga is set to conclude its current Super Hero arc with the upcoming Chapter 103, titled “Inheriting the Future.” This chapter holds particular significance for fans, especially following the passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama.
The official website of Dragon Ball recently released a limited-time storyboard preview showcasing the opening of the chapter, which will be published in the super-sized May edition of V Jump on March 21, 2024, in Japan. The chapter will also be simultaneously released on Viz.
Chapter 102 left readers on a cliffhanger, revealing an epilogue that continued the story beyond the events of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie and the battle with Cell Max.
The chapter saw a remnant of the Red Ribbon Army, Carmine, enact a new scheme, prompting Gohan to unleash his powerful Beast form once again. Goku, sensing the massive surge of energy from afar, teleports to the scene, eager...
The official website of Dragon Ball recently released a limited-time storyboard preview showcasing the opening of the chapter, which will be published in the super-sized May edition of V Jump on March 21, 2024, in Japan. The chapter will also be simultaneously released on Viz.
Chapter 102 left readers on a cliffhanger, revealing an epilogue that continued the story beyond the events of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie and the battle with Cell Max.
The chapter saw a remnant of the Red Ribbon Army, Carmine, enact a new scheme, prompting Gohan to unleash his powerful Beast form once again. Goku, sensing the massive surge of energy from afar, teleports to the scene, eager...
- 3/14/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
The Dragon Ball franchise is one of the most popular franchises worldwide. Dragon Ball began airing in 1986, and since then, no anime has come close to it. It rejuvenated when a sequel was announced in the form of Dragon Ball Z. It broke every record and paved the path for the Big Three of anime to make the industry mainstream.
Prince Vegeta was the first major antagonist of the sequel and had a grueling fight with Son Goku. But soon they joined forces and won over the hearts of every anime. Anime lover or not, everyone has heard about Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus. It is sad to hear about the passing of one of the greatest mangaka of all time, but the real value of his franchise will blow everyone’s minds.
Akira Toriyama Left A Multi-Billion Dollar Franchise Akira Toriyama (credits @YouTube: Mastar)
Akira Toriyama began writing the manga in 1984, and since then,...
Prince Vegeta was the first major antagonist of the sequel and had a grueling fight with Son Goku. But soon they joined forces and won over the hearts of every anime. Anime lover or not, everyone has heard about Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus. It is sad to hear about the passing of one of the greatest mangaka of all time, but the real value of his franchise will blow everyone’s minds.
Akira Toriyama Left A Multi-Billion Dollar Franchise Akira Toriyama (credits @YouTube: Mastar)
Akira Toriyama began writing the manga in 1984, and since then,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Priyanko Chakraborty
- FandomWire
It's not often that an artist defines a whole genre and/or medium, but the mangaka Akira Toriyama — creator of "Dragon Ball" — was one of those. Tragically, he's now left us; the official "Dragon Ball" Twitter account has confirmed that Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma. His family and loved ones have reportedly held a funeral service.
Born in 1955, Toriyama wanted to be an artist from a young age, inspired by works such as the Disney film "101 Dalmatians." He came into Weekly Shōnen Jump's good graces during his 20s after entering an art contest hosted by the magazine and, in 1980 at age 25, created his first hit manga: "Dr. Slump." After that series wrapped its four-year run, he started on "Dragon Ball."
Toriyama created "Dragon Ball" without any idea of the phenomenon it would become. The epic story of a monkey-tailed...
Born in 1955, Toriyama wanted to be an artist from a young age, inspired by works such as the Disney film "101 Dalmatians." He came into Weekly Shōnen Jump's good graces during his 20s after entering an art contest hosted by the magazine and, in 1980 at age 25, created his first hit manga: "Dr. Slump." After that series wrapped its four-year run, he started on "Dragon Ball."
Toriyama created "Dragon Ball" without any idea of the phenomenon it would become. The epic story of a monkey-tailed...
- 3/8/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, without a doubt, was a beacon of light for the anime and manga industry which ushered in a new era. It inspired and influenced a whole generation of artists and creators in Japan and overseas.
However, it wasn’t just Toriyama’s work that was iconic, the author himself served as an inspiration to many. The news of sudden passing came a shock to many in the industry, who took to Sns in order to convey their heartfelt messages for Toriyama.
From the voice actors who worked on the adaptations of his manga, to fellow manga authors who grew up reading Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, everyone pitched in with their condolences. Check them out below.
Kazuhiko Torishima (Toriyama’s fist Editor)
My last work with him was the book “Dr. Mashirito’s Strongest Manga Technique”, which was released last year. The manga “Torishima and...
However, it wasn’t just Toriyama’s work that was iconic, the author himself served as an inspiration to many. The news of sudden passing came a shock to many in the industry, who took to Sns in order to convey their heartfelt messages for Toriyama.
From the voice actors who worked on the adaptations of his manga, to fellow manga authors who grew up reading Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, everyone pitched in with their condolences. Check them out below.
Kazuhiko Torishima (Toriyama’s fist Editor)
My last work with him was the book “Dr. Mashirito’s Strongest Manga Technique”, which was released last year. The manga “Torishima and...
- 3/8/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
Akira Toriyama, the highly influential Japanese manga artist who created the medium-defining franchise “Dragon Ball” in the 1980’s and shepherded its growth as it became a global phenomenon, died March 1 due to an acute subdural hematoma. He was 68.
Toriyama’s death was confirmed by the official “Dragon Ball” website, which posted a statement honoring the creator on Thursday evening.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve,” reads the statement from Bird Studio, which includes the disclaimer that it has been machine-translated. “He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to...
Toriyama’s death was confirmed by the official “Dragon Ball” website, which posted a statement honoring the creator on Thursday evening.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve,” reads the statement from Bird Studio, which includes the disclaimer that it has been machine-translated. “He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to...
- 3/8/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Bandai Namco has announced that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 will launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 24. Players who already own the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will be able to upgrade and transfer save data to the new ones. Bandai Namco will provide more details and instructions at a later date. Related: Dragon Ball FighterZ Hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series With Rollback Netcode on February 29 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 was first released in 2016 and has had surprising longevity. Its most recent Dlc expansion added characters from Dragon Ball Super : Super Hero such as Gohan Beast and Orange Piccolo. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is available on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. As of May 2023, the game has sold over 10 million copies worldwide . Source: Bandai Namco US Twitter...
- 3/1/2024
- by George Yang
- Crunchyroll
When he’s not bringing the noise and energy for packed crowds each night, The Plot In You bassist Ethan Yoder is throwing himself into his latest anime obsessions. So naturally, we had to ask him for his top 10 list! Ethan will take the rest from here! Hey guys I'm Ethan from The Plot In You, and here's my top 10 anime list. But before I get into that I’d like just to throw out a couple of honorable mentions. Ethan's Honorable Mentions Sword Art Online Tokyo Ghoul Hunter x Hunter Cowboy Bebop Zoids Image via IMDb Gundam Wing Yu Yu Hakusho Yu-Gi-Oh! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure My Hero Academia Ethan's Anime Movie Recommendations The Boy and the Heron Image via Gkids "Great score. Great characters. Great movie honestly." - Ethan Yoder My Neighbor Totoro Image via Max "If you're looking for something cute, fun and light-hearted." - Ethan Yoder Your Name.
- 2/18/2024
- by Guest Author
- Crunchyroll
Dragon Ball Daima Special Panel at Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2024, which was held in Los Angeles on Jan 28, 2024, unveiled a brand new character trailer featuring Goku for the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima anime series.
The event also revealed original character illustrations and designs created by Akira Toriyama. Check them out below:
Dragon Ball Daima is set to release in Fall 2024. The exact date is yet to be revealed.
Dragon Ball Daima is stated to be an original anime with the plot revolving around Z characters along with the Supreme Kai who were turned into children by a nemesis.
Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama overlooked the the story and designed the characters for the upcoming anime.
Aya Komaki along with Yoshitaka Yashima will serve as the directors, with Yuuko Kakihara in charge of the series script. It has also been confirmed that Katusyoshi Nakatsuru will handle the character designs.
Moreover,...
The event also revealed original character illustrations and designs created by Akira Toriyama. Check them out below:
Dragon Ball Daima is set to release in Fall 2024. The exact date is yet to be revealed.
Dragon Ball Daima is stated to be an original anime with the plot revolving around Z characters along with the Supreme Kai who were turned into children by a nemesis.
Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama overlooked the the story and designed the characters for the upcoming anime.
Aya Komaki along with Yoshitaka Yashima will serve as the directors, with Yuuko Kakihara in charge of the series script. It has also been confirmed that Katusyoshi Nakatsuru will handle the character designs.
Moreover,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
You all know his name, and you all know his power level, but the legendary Son Goku looks a little different in a brand-new character trailer released today for the previously announced Dragon Ball Daima anime series, which is set to premiere in Fall 2024 ! Original character illustrations and designs by Akira Toriyama were also shown during a special livestream today at the Dragon Ball Daima Special Panel at Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2024, depicting familiar heroes, unfamiliar opponents and a self-portrait. Goku and Krillin Mr. Satan, Android 18, Chi-Chi and Majin Buu New characters Self-portrait Related: Dragon Ball Daima Anime Revealed, Release Set for Fall 2024 Most recently, Toriyama's series inspired the Dragon Ball Super TV anime, followed by a handful of anime films, including 2022's Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero . All of the television anime series are available to stream on Crunchryoll, who describes the classic Dragon Ball anime like so: Goku is a strange,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Liam Dempsey
- Crunchyroll
Hayao Miyazaki’s latest anime film – The Boy and the Heron has become the fourth highest grossing anime film in the U.S. overtaking Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, which previously held the position.
The anime film released in the country on Dec 8, 2023, and has earned over 39 million Usd in over one month from its theatrical run.
The Boy and the Heron is preceded by two Pokemon movies and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. Check out the top 4 anime movies and their earnings below:
Sr. NoMovie NameTotal Gross1.Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes BackUSD 85,744,6622.Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen TrainUSD 49,505,0083.Pokémon the Movie 2000Usd 43,758,6844.The Boy and the HeronUSD 39,703,394.5.Dragon Ball Super: Super HeroUSD 38,112,140
The Boy and the Heron earned Usd 1,817,762 in its opening weekend in the U.S. and came in at the 12th position in the box office.
The movie has also been a critical success,...
The anime film released in the country on Dec 8, 2023, and has earned over 39 million Usd in over one month from its theatrical run.
The Boy and the Heron is preceded by two Pokemon movies and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. Check out the top 4 anime movies and their earnings below:
Sr. NoMovie NameTotal Gross1.Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes BackUSD 85,744,6622.Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen TrainUSD 49,505,0083.Pokémon the Movie 2000Usd 43,758,6844.The Boy and the HeronUSD 39,703,394.5.Dragon Ball Super: Super HeroUSD 38,112,140
The Boy and the Heron earned Usd 1,817,762 in its opening weekend in the U.S. and came in at the 12th position in the box office.
The movie has also been a critical success,...
- 1/12/2024
- by A.R. Madillo
- AnimeHunch
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Amazon once again has launched a number of new offers on its Prime Video Channels page, which allow you to subscribe to premium streaming services and download movies using your Amazon account — for cheap. Just one of the many perks for Amazon Prime members.
Get Amazon Prime 30-day Free Trial
Prime Video Channels typically cost between $4.99 and $11.99 per month (the price they’d be if you subscribed on...
Amazon once again has launched a number of new offers on its Prime Video Channels page, which allow you to subscribe to premium streaming services and download movies using your Amazon account — for cheap. Just one of the many perks for Amazon Prime members.
Get Amazon Prime 30-day Free Trial
Prime Video Channels typically cost between $4.99 and $11.99 per month (the price they’d be if you subscribed on...
- 12/21/2023
- by RS Editors
- Rollingstone.com
It had been a quiet couple of weeks at the box office until "Wonka" arrived to liven things up with a bigger-than-expected debut. Luckily, "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" has had long legs, or theaters would truly be in rough shape, as Disney's "Wish" flopped pretty hard and "Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce" didn't hold nearly as well as "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" did. Thankfully, a pair of imports from Japan emerged as unexpected saviors.
Toho's "Godzilla Minus One" and Studio Ghibli's "The Boy and the Heron" have both overperformed at the box office in North America in recent weeks. Director Takashi Yamazaki's wildly acclaimed new take on the King of the Monsters has remained in the top five for three weekends now, and even topped the U.S. charts for several days. Toho has since extended the film's run well beyond what was originally intended,...
Toho's "Godzilla Minus One" and Studio Ghibli's "The Boy and the Heron" have both overperformed at the box office in North America in recent weeks. Director Takashi Yamazaki's wildly acclaimed new take on the King of the Monsters has remained in the top five for three weekends now, and even topped the U.S. charts for several days. Toho has since extended the film's run well beyond what was originally intended,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The Japanese Film Project (Jfp) released the results of a survey that was conducted to investigate gender disparities and improve the working environment in the Japanese film industry’s production sites on Dec 12, 2023.
This time, the survey expanded its scope to include both anime films and also theatre works. In addition to that, the new survey also examined the gender ratio in “assistant roles” in the anime film industry, instead of just focusing on the decision making positions.
The movies that were considered for the survey included One Piece: Film Red, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Suzume no Tojimari, Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bond, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night, and others which released in 2022 and managed to earn over 1 billion yen in box office revenue.
The results found gender disparities in...
This time, the survey expanded its scope to include both anime films and also theatre works. In addition to that, the new survey also examined the gender ratio in “assistant roles” in the anime film industry, instead of just focusing on the decision making positions.
The movies that were considered for the survey included One Piece: Film Red, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Suzume no Tojimari, Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bond, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Scherzo of Deep Night, and others which released in 2022 and managed to earn over 1 billion yen in box office revenue.
The results found gender disparities in...
- 12/14/2023
- by A.R. Madillo
- AnimeHunch
When was the last time that Warner Bros had a hefty trifecta at the Christmas box office?
Jason Momoa as Aquaman
No Oompa Loompa is set to jinx the David Zaslav-run Warner Bros Discovery over the holidays for by Christmas week, it’s conceivable that the studio will own the top three movies at the box office between DC’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, The Oprah Winfrey-Steven Spielberg produced feature musical The Color Purple, and Wonka, the latter which fires up this weekend in U.S. and Canada.
Outlook for the Timothée Chalamet starring musical is over/under $40M stateside at 4,150 theaters, with an additional $35M abroad inclusive of new markets which include France, Belgium, Holland, Australia, Nz, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. All in that’s $75M worldwide for this weekend. By Sunday, the Paul King directed, David Heyman produced musical will have a global...
Jason Momoa as Aquaman
No Oompa Loompa is set to jinx the David Zaslav-run Warner Bros Discovery over the holidays for by Christmas week, it’s conceivable that the studio will own the top three movies at the box office between DC’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, The Oprah Winfrey-Steven Spielberg produced feature musical The Color Purple, and Wonka, the latter which fires up this weekend in U.S. and Canada.
Outlook for the Timothée Chalamet starring musical is over/under $40M stateside at 4,150 theaters, with an additional $35M abroad inclusive of new markets which include France, Belgium, Holland, Australia, Nz, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. All in that’s $75M worldwide for this weekend. By Sunday, the Paul King directed, David Heyman produced musical will have a global...
- 12/13/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Last weekend’s champion Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé plummets 77.1%.
Updated: Hayao Miyazaki’s animated feature The Boy And The Heron opened top at the North American box office on an estimated $12.8m via GKids in what the distributor said was the first entirely non-us production to do so this year.
The story of a grieving boy who enters a life-changing magical world becomes the first original animé not based on existing IP to lead the charts and only the third animé to do so after Pokemon: The First Movie in 1999 and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero last year.
The Boy And The Heron...
Updated: Hayao Miyazaki’s animated feature The Boy And The Heron opened top at the North American box office on an estimated $12.8m via GKids in what the distributor said was the first entirely non-us production to do so this year.
The story of a grieving boy who enters a life-changing magical world becomes the first original animé not based on existing IP to lead the charts and only the third animé to do so after Pokemon: The First Movie in 1999 and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero last year.
The Boy And The Heron...
- 12/10/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Box Office: ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Rises to No. 1 in North America With Projected $10 Million Debut
Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” looks to soar atop domestic charts this weekend after earning about $5.4 million across Friday and various preview screenings. Playing in 2,205 theaters, the GKids release has the benefit of Imax and other premium large format auditoriums to boost those numbers.
It’s another modest win for theaters in a marketplace that may not ever recover to pre-covid levels. “The Boy and the Heron” is the latest in a series of more successful targeted event releases with smaller marketing spends. See last weekend’s openings of “Godzilla Minus One,” staying in third place for its sophomore outing, or even “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” which topped charts in its debut. Then there’s previous animated features from established anime like last year’s “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” ($38 million domestic) or the first “Demon Slayer” ($49 million domestic). Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli generally don’t dabble in IP; but,...
It’s another modest win for theaters in a marketplace that may not ever recover to pre-covid levels. “The Boy and the Heron” is the latest in a series of more successful targeted event releases with smaller marketing spends. See last weekend’s openings of “Godzilla Minus One,” staying in third place for its sophomore outing, or even “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” which topped charts in its debut. Then there’s previous animated features from established anime like last year’s “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” ($38 million domestic) or the first “Demon Slayer” ($49 million domestic). Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli generally don’t dabble in IP; but,...
- 12/9/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
This is one of those weekend’s where you can see the effects of both the covid backlog and the strikes merging together to give us a relatively quiet weekend. We are in the second week of December and the biggest new release on the schedule is Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron. Granted, Miyazaki has earned his reputation as one of the best ever in the animation game with such classics as Castle In The Sky, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo and The Wind Rises (with Spirited Away landing the legendary filmmaker an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature).
With The Boy and the Heron taking over premium screens this weekend, it is possible that studios decided to back off to ensure their own large scale releases have access to those screens. It does appear that there is excitement in the air for this...
With The Boy and the Heron taking over premium screens this weekend, it is possible that studios decided to back off to ensure their own large scale releases have access to those screens. It does appear that there is excitement in the air for this...
- 12/7/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Crunchyroll, a distribution company that specializes in anime, has acquired North American rights for the film “The Concierge.”
It is set to be released by Aniplex in Japan on Oct. 20 and is expected to come to Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures theatrical territories in 2024.
Yoshimi Itazu (“Welcome to the Ballroom”) directed “The Concierge,” an adaptation of Tsuchika Nishimura’s “The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store.” The story follows a trainee concierge named Akino, who works at a store that caters exclusively to animals. She runs around to fulfill the whims and wishes of customers — extinct species are most valued — with a myriad of needs in her pursuit to become a full-fledged concierge.
“The word ‘no’ doesn’t exist in a concierge’s dictionary!” Akino laments in the trailer. But she has a special regard for Hokkyoku. “This is a store for people who are doing their best,” she later says.
“The...
It is set to be released by Aniplex in Japan on Oct. 20 and is expected to come to Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures theatrical territories in 2024.
Yoshimi Itazu (“Welcome to the Ballroom”) directed “The Concierge,” an adaptation of Tsuchika Nishimura’s “The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store.” The story follows a trainee concierge named Akino, who works at a store that caters exclusively to animals. She runs around to fulfill the whims and wishes of customers — extinct species are most valued — with a myriad of needs in her pursuit to become a full-fledged concierge.
“The word ‘no’ doesn’t exist in a concierge’s dictionary!” Akino laments in the trailer. But she has a special regard for Hokkyoku. “This is a store for people who are doing their best,” she later says.
“The...
- 10/5/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Sunday Am: Writethru after Saturday Am Post Even though this weekend’s new entries – Warner Bros/DC’s Blue Beetle and Universal’s Strays – aren’t coming in at the top of their projections, with respective lower weekends of $25.4M and $8.3M, the overall health of the theatrical business is still in good shape. It’s being further bolstered by the fifth weekends of Barbie ($21.5M) and Oppenheimer ($10.6M), which are fueling an estimated $100.7M weekend that’s +28% over the same August frame a year ago. That was a dry spell, led by CrunchyRoll’s Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero ($21.1M).
It remains to be seen what the toll will be on today’s box office in Los Angeles from the onset of Hurricane Hilary. If it’s heavy rains, no one is going out. Blue Beetle is currently overperforming in LA.
Seriously, this weekend could have seen the subtraction...
It remains to be seen what the toll will be on today’s box office in Los Angeles from the onset of Hurricane Hilary. If it’s heavy rains, no one is going out. Blue Beetle is currently overperforming in LA.
Seriously, this weekend could have seen the subtraction...
- 8/20/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Gita Rebbapragada grew up reading manga. Becoming the chief marketing officer of Crunchyroll, the world’s leading streamer of anime, was “like this kismet thing that happened,” she said.
Math was her favorite subject in school, she told TheWrap for this week’s Office With a View, but “I also loved art. To me, they’re like this perfect blend of the two things about design and stories.”
That led her to the burgeoning field of performance-based marketing, which she called “a marriage between art and science.”
That passion for math and a love for how entertainment connects people brought her to Sony as an SVP of marketing in 2018. She moved over to Funimation, which Sony combined with Crunchyroll in 2021.
Combining the marketing organizations and catering to the quirks of anime fans, she realized, required a common skill: listening.
“The better listener that you become, I think the better leader you are,...
Math was her favorite subject in school, she told TheWrap for this week’s Office With a View, but “I also loved art. To me, they’re like this perfect blend of the two things about design and stories.”
That led her to the burgeoning field of performance-based marketing, which she called “a marriage between art and science.”
That passion for math and a love for how entertainment connects people brought her to Sony as an SVP of marketing in 2018. She moved over to Funimation, which Sony combined with Crunchyroll in 2021.
Combining the marketing organizations and catering to the quirks of anime fans, she realized, required a common skill: listening.
“The better listener that you become, I think the better leader you are,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
As anime continues to grow worldwide and is woven into the pop cultural zeitgeist, there’s no better way to experience anime than at the biggest entertainment fan event of the year – San Diego Comic-Con!
Crunchyroll will once again head down to sunny San Diego Comic-Con to bring anime fans a slate of ani-mazing events, including the first-ever Crunchyroll Ultimate Anime Fitness Challenge, massive and immersive show floor pieces, insightful panels and first-ever anime exhibits at the Comic-Con Museum.
Have you ever wanted to train like your favorite anime character? Crunchyroll is teaming up with Hardcore Fitness in Downtown San Diego to create
Crunchyroll’s Ultimate Anime Fitness Challenge, putting bodies in motion for a unique training arc. Crunchyroll subscribers and Sdcc badge holders looking to get swole can sign up for sessions at 9:00Am and 10Am on Friday, Jul 21st and Saturday, July 22nd. Fitness writer, influencer and...
Crunchyroll will once again head down to sunny San Diego Comic-Con to bring anime fans a slate of ani-mazing events, including the first-ever Crunchyroll Ultimate Anime Fitness Challenge, massive and immersive show floor pieces, insightful panels and first-ever anime exhibits at the Comic-Con Museum.
Have you ever wanted to train like your favorite anime character? Crunchyroll is teaming up with Hardcore Fitness in Downtown San Diego to create
Crunchyroll’s Ultimate Anime Fitness Challenge, putting bodies in motion for a unique training arc. Crunchyroll subscribers and Sdcc badge holders looking to get swole can sign up for sessions at 9:00Am and 10Am on Friday, Jul 21st and Saturday, July 22nd. Fitness writer, influencer and...
- 7/8/2023
- by Stephen Nepa
- Age of the Nerd
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” left its box office competitors in the dust, scoring a massive $87 million in its second weekend of release. Ticket sales declined just 41% from its debut, resulting in the best sophomore outing ever for an animated film. So far, the video game adaptation has grossed $347.8 million in North America and $678 million globally.
“Mario” stayed strong even as several new movies entered the theatrical race, to varying results. In a surprise finish, Universal’s wacky horror-comedy “Renfield,” which sees Nicolas Cage as Count Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his rebelling henchmen, landed in fourth place with a disappointing $7.7 million from 3,375 locations. Heading into the weekend, it seemed like the film would take the No. 2 slot. Instead, “Renfield” arrived behind Sony’s R-rated demonic thriller “The Pope’s Exorcist,” which also fell slightly short of expectations with $9.1 million, and Lionsgate’s “John Wick: Chapter 4.”
It’s a particularly...
“Mario” stayed strong even as several new movies entered the theatrical race, to varying results. In a surprise finish, Universal’s wacky horror-comedy “Renfield,” which sees Nicolas Cage as Count Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his rebelling henchmen, landed in fourth place with a disappointing $7.7 million from 3,375 locations. Heading into the weekend, it seemed like the film would take the No. 2 slot. Instead, “Renfield” arrived behind Sony’s R-rated demonic thriller “The Pope’s Exorcist,” which also fell slightly short of expectations with $9.1 million, and Lionsgate’s “John Wick: Chapter 4.”
It’s a particularly...
- 4/16/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
“65” (Sony) and “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” (Warner Bros. Discovery), both $19.99, were the sole new entries on VOD charts on an otherwise static week. However, three’s a trend: The new titles join last week’s “Creed III” in arriving on PVOD in 28 days or fewer after their theatrical releases.
As home-release strategies evolve, it’s clear that distributors love that lucrative PVOD revenue. At the same time, these charts reinforce the idea that playing in theaters elevates these titles.
“65” was a modest theatrical performer ($31 million in 31 days), but with its sci-fi genre and Adam Driver as the lead it can draw early home viewers. And since Sony doesn’t own a streamer, it has more incentive to maximize VOD.
“Shazam” sequel after 21 days is atypical for Wbd, especially for a DC title. After Wbd ended its disruptive same-day theatrical/HBO Max strategy, the studio said any theatrical...
As home-release strategies evolve, it’s clear that distributors love that lucrative PVOD revenue. At the same time, these charts reinforce the idea that playing in theaters elevates these titles.
“65” was a modest theatrical performer ($31 million in 31 days), but with its sci-fi genre and Adam Driver as the lead it can draw early home viewers. And since Sony doesn’t own a streamer, it has more incentive to maximize VOD.
“Shazam” sequel after 21 days is atypical for Wbd, especially for a DC title. After Wbd ended its disruptive same-day theatrical/HBO Max strategy, the studio said any theatrical...
- 4/11/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
UK and Ireland cinema admissions were up 60% to 128 million in 2022.
2022 was a year of solid post-pandemic recovery in almost every area of UK and Ireland film releasing, according to data collated in the 21st edition of Film Distributors’ Association Yearbook 2023 launched today (April 4).
“2022 delivered continued improvement in the sector’s recovery journey, and although not fully back to the record business levels crested immediately pre-pandemic, there were certainly positive signs for a promising road ahead,” Andy Leyshon, Fda chief executive officer, wrote in his foreword to the yearbook.
The data showed that a handful of US films continue to...
2022 was a year of solid post-pandemic recovery in almost every area of UK and Ireland film releasing, according to data collated in the 21st edition of Film Distributors’ Association Yearbook 2023 launched today (April 4).
“2022 delivered continued improvement in the sector’s recovery journey, and although not fully back to the record business levels crested immediately pre-pandemic, there were certainly positive signs for a promising road ahead,” Andy Leyshon, Fda chief executive officer, wrote in his foreword to the yearbook.
The data showed that a handful of US films continue to...
- 4/4/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Two major hits debuted for home viewing this week, with very different gaps between their theatrical releases and PVOD availability. “Avatar: The Way of Water” (Disney), which appeared after 100 days and $680 million in domestic gross, is currently #1 everywhere. “Creed III” (MGM) arrived after only 28 days to place #2, also on all charts. “The Way of Water” is available to buy for $19.99, while “Creed III” can only be rented for 48 hours.
Also debuting is “Champions”, consistent with the company’s usual post-third weekend release. It made two lists, as high as #4 at Vudu. Vudu also has the latest DC Comics home video original “Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham” (Warner Bros. Discovery) at #9 for $14.99.
Two films that made all three lists are now available at $5.99 with “A Man Called Otto” (Sony) and “Puss in Boots: The Last Exit” (Universal). “Cocaine Bear” (Universal), still at $19.99, also made all three and charted as high as #3 at Vudu.
Also debuting is “Champions”, consistent with the company’s usual post-third weekend release. It made two lists, as high as #4 at Vudu. Vudu also has the latest DC Comics home video original “Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham” (Warner Bros. Discovery) at #9 for $14.99.
Two films that made all three lists are now available at $5.99 with “A Man Called Otto” (Sony) and “Puss in Boots: The Last Exit” (Universal). “Cocaine Bear” (Universal), still at $19.99, also made all three and charted as high as #3 at Vudu.
- 4/3/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
“The Whale” repeated as #1 on two of three VOD charts this week, with Brendan Fraser’s Best Actor Oscar propelling significant new interest for Darren Aronofsky’s film. It leads at iTunes and Google Play, while its lower price placed it behind two $19.99 titles at the revenue-calculating Vudu.
However, the biggest impact on the VOD charts this week may come from the theatrical debut of “John Wick: Chapter 4.” Prior titles in the Lionsgate action franchise occupied six of the 20 slots at iTunes and Google Play. That’s less likely at the revenue-driven Vudu chart, where the three previous titles are available for $3.99.
But even “Wick 4” saw interest — that despite it lacking any immediate availability other than at theaters. Most platforms announced presales on Friday for Est (buying a digital download), even though that option is weeks or months away. It currently is #4, but briefly hit #1 over the weekend.
iTunes...
However, the biggest impact on the VOD charts this week may come from the theatrical debut of “John Wick: Chapter 4.” Prior titles in the Lionsgate action franchise occupied six of the 20 slots at iTunes and Google Play. That’s less likely at the revenue-driven Vudu chart, where the three previous titles are available for $3.99.
But even “Wick 4” saw interest — that despite it lacking any immediate availability other than at theaters. Most platforms announced presales on Friday for Est (buying a digital download), even though that option is weeks or months away. It currently is #4, but briefly hit #1 over the weekend.
iTunes...
- 3/28/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
This week in home viewing, the whale topped a bear. “Cocaine Bear” ($19.99) came out on PVOD after its third weekend — standard timing for Universal. Since it was still strong in theaters, home availability would usually guarantee across-the-board #1 rankings at iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
But surprise — A24 lowered the price of “The Whale” to $4.99 just before Brendan Fraser’s Best Actor win. The film soared to the top at iTunes and Google Play right after the Oscars.
Both sites rank by transaction, which benefits any lower-cost rental. However, Darren Aronofsky’s film is also #2 at Vudu, which counts by revenue. (Vudu has “Cocaine Bear” at #1).
Meantime, Oscar juggernaut “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — available on streaming as well as theaters — stayed strong at $19.99. That price may have discouraged some buyers, but it still placed fourth or fifth on all charts.
“A Man Called Otto” (Sony), with its price reduced to $5.99, continued its strong chart showing.
But surprise — A24 lowered the price of “The Whale” to $4.99 just before Brendan Fraser’s Best Actor win. The film soared to the top at iTunes and Google Play right after the Oscars.
Both sites rank by transaction, which benefits any lower-cost rental. However, Darren Aronofsky’s film is also #2 at Vudu, which counts by revenue. (Vudu has “Cocaine Bear” at #1).
Meantime, Oscar juggernaut “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — available on streaming as well as theaters — stayed strong at $19.99. That price may have discouraged some buyers, but it still placed fourth or fifth on all charts.
“A Man Called Otto” (Sony), with its price reduced to $5.99, continued its strong chart showing.
- 3/20/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
As the global streaming business underwent a surprise, secular reassessment last year, Sony’s anime service Crunchyroll found the whole industry suddenly contemplating the same strategies it had been prioritizing for years. Out was the gusher approach to content spending in pursuit of limitless subscriber growth. In were financial discipline, multi-tiered subscription options and a more diversified approach to revenue generation.
The Crunchyroll of today is actually a merged service comprised of two former U.S.-based entities: Funimation, an anime platform founded by industry pioneer Gen Fukunaga in 1994, which Sony snapped up for $143 million in 2017; and Crunchyroll, the then-second-largest dedicated anime service, which the Japanese entertainment giant bought from AT&T in 2020 in a deal valued at $1.18 billion. Sony once was thought to be paying a steep premium in the latter acquisition, but given the success and opportunity the company has created for itself in consolidating the anime niche, many...
The Crunchyroll of today is actually a merged service comprised of two former U.S.-based entities: Funimation, an anime platform founded by industry pioneer Gen Fukunaga in 1994, which Sony snapped up for $143 million in 2017; and Crunchyroll, the then-second-largest dedicated anime service, which the Japanese entertainment giant bought from AT&T in 2020 in a deal valued at $1.18 billion. Sony once was thought to be paying a steep premium in the latter acquisition, but given the success and opportunity the company has created for itself in consolidating the anime niche, many...
- 3/15/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tuesday’s iTunes chart saw a surge for two A24 Oscar-winning films. However, neither of the winning Netflix titles saw its winners reenter the top 10 chart. This week also saw three different films lead the top VOD charts, which is unusual, but even weirder is none placed on all three.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” ($19.99) and “The Whale” ($4.99) jumped to #1 and 2 at iTunes, a platform that’s typically quick to reflect increased interest. The films also climbed to second and third at Google Play, more likely reflecting weekend pre-Oscars interest.
Google Play has “Dragon Ball Hero: Super Hero” on top, while Vudu showed “80 for Brady” as #1. Among the chart leaders, “Everything” and “Dragon Ball” made one other list, while “Brady” is only on Vudu’s. These differences can be accounted for by various factors: Vudu elevates PVOD releases with its revenue-based rankings, Google Play lags a few days behind,...
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” ($19.99) and “The Whale” ($4.99) jumped to #1 and 2 at iTunes, a platform that’s typically quick to reflect increased interest. The films also climbed to second and third at Google Play, more likely reflecting weekend pre-Oscars interest.
Google Play has “Dragon Ball Hero: Super Hero” on top, while Vudu showed “80 for Brady” as #1. Among the chart leaders, “Everything” and “Dragon Ball” made one other list, while “Brady” is only on Vudu’s. These differences can be accounted for by various factors: Vudu elevates PVOD releases with its revenue-based rankings, Google Play lags a few days behind,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Anime scored again at the box office last weekend, and that’s not just counting the anime-influenced “Creed III.” Crunchyroll’s “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba — To the Swordsmith Village” earned $10.1 million in its domestic debut. Its initial success is another example of how anime has become a reliable and bankable genre in times of theatrical feast and multiplex famine.
In pre-covid times, such specialty films commanding relatively modest box office would be curiosities alongside tentpoles and conventional studio programmers, with a mere appearance in the weekend top 10 becoming noteworthy in and of itself. But now, out-of-the-ordinary big-screen experiences are finding favor with audiences, with exhibitors gratefully turning to anything with a loyal fan base they can count on to show up at theaters.
“With ‘To the Swordsmith Village’ we had a unique theatrical opportunity,” Crunchyroll SVP of Global Commerce Mitchel Berger told TheWrap. “Not only did fans get...
In pre-covid times, such specialty films commanding relatively modest box office would be curiosities alongside tentpoles and conventional studio programmers, with a mere appearance in the weekend top 10 becoming noteworthy in and of itself. But now, out-of-the-ordinary big-screen experiences are finding favor with audiences, with exhibitors gratefully turning to anything with a loyal fan base they can count on to show up at theaters.
“With ‘To the Swordsmith Village’ we had a unique theatrical opportunity,” Crunchyroll SVP of Global Commerce Mitchel Berger told TheWrap. “Not only did fans get...
- 3/10/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
“A Man Called Otto” (Sony/$14.99) was a flop as an adult-appeal awards contender, but it came out on top of VOD charts the week before the Oscars. Challenging its dominance is a strong performance by “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” (Crunchyroll/$9.99), which took #1 at Google Play while “Otto” led at Vudu and iTunes.
Netflix has an eye-popping nine theatrical releases on its top 10, including six studio sequels. Among those are four separate “Hunger Games” franchise entries, despite those films spending years in constant basic-cable rotation.
Neither “Otto” nor “Dragon” spent much time at a premium price. Sony quickly dropped the price of “Otto” from its initial $19.99. “Dragon,” from the Sony-owned Japanese anime label Crunchyroll, was introduced as a $9.99 purchase. It opened in U.S. theaters last August, the same week that “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village” opened to over $10 million.
“The Whale” (A24/$19.99), whose stars...
Netflix has an eye-popping nine theatrical releases on its top 10, including six studio sequels. Among those are four separate “Hunger Games” franchise entries, despite those films spending years in constant basic-cable rotation.
Neither “Otto” nor “Dragon” spent much time at a premium price. Sony quickly dropped the price of “Otto” from its initial $19.99. “Dragon,” from the Sony-owned Japanese anime label Crunchyroll, was introduced as a $9.99 purchase. It opened in U.S. theaters last August, the same week that “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village” opened to over $10 million.
“The Whale” (A24/$19.99), whose stars...
- 3/7/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
It's the start of a new week, which means another anime film making big bucks at the box office. At this point, it shouldn't come as a big surprise that the release of an anime film, especially one based on a hugely popular TV show -- let alone one as popular as "Demon Slayer" -- would make bank, but here we are.
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba -- To the Swordsmith Village" took the fourth spot at the domestic box office in its opening weekend with an estimated $10.12 million gross (via Box Office Mojo). This is just under "Cocaine Bear" and its $11 million haul in its second weekend. Indeed, the first weekend of March was a pretty great time for anime fans in general. Not only did we get a new "Demon Slayer" movie in theaters, but "Attack on Titan" made its triumphant return with the first half of its apocalyptic finale,...
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba -- To the Swordsmith Village" took the fourth spot at the domestic box office in its opening weekend with an estimated $10.12 million gross (via Box Office Mojo). This is just under "Cocaine Bear" and its $11 million haul in its second weekend. Indeed, the first weekend of March was a pretty great time for anime fans in general. Not only did we get a new "Demon Slayer" movie in theaters, but "Attack on Titan" made its triumphant return with the first half of its apocalyptic finale,...
- 3/6/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
It’s the battle of the threequels at the weekend box office. Michael B. Jordan’s sports drama “Creed III” is taking on two-time champ “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” at the movies, though the heavyweight boxer is expected to emerge victorious over Marvel’s tiniest Avenger.
“Creed III,” which Jordan directed in his feature filmmaking debut, is projected to earn a trilogy-best $36 million to $40 million from 4,007 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Those ticket sales will easily be enough to defeat Disney’s superhero tentpole “Ant-Man 3,” which looks to add $16 million to $19 million in its third weekend of release. So far, the comic book adventure has grossed $170 million domestically and $366 million globally.
Come Sunday, though, the third “Creed” installment needs to leave the ring within those tracking expectations to notch the best start in the spinoff franchise. The original “Creed,” which re-launched the decades-old “Rocky” film series in 2015, debuted to $29.6 million,...
“Creed III,” which Jordan directed in his feature filmmaking debut, is projected to earn a trilogy-best $36 million to $40 million from 4,007 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Those ticket sales will easily be enough to defeat Disney’s superhero tentpole “Ant-Man 3,” which looks to add $16 million to $19 million in its third weekend of release. So far, the comic book adventure has grossed $170 million domestically and $366 million globally.
Come Sunday, though, the third “Creed” installment needs to leave the ring within those tracking expectations to notch the best start in the spinoff franchise. The original “Creed,” which re-launched the decades-old “Rocky” film series in 2015, debuted to $29.6 million,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Another weekend has come and gone. If you are a Jacksonville Jaguars or New York Giants fan, perhaps it wasn’t the best weekend for you If football isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps you took the opportunity to check out a delightful feature film at your local theater. Much to the surprise of no one, Avatar: The Way of Water has topped the charts for the sixth week in a row with an estimated take of 19.6 million, raising its domestic total to just under 600 million. At this time last year, Spider-Man: No Way Home pulled in 14 million in its sixth week of release, which I only note as Avatar 2 officially took its spot in sixth place on the All-Time Worldwide box office chart earlier this week. The film has officially surpassed the 2 billion mark at the worldwide box office (becoming only the sixth film to ever do...
- 1/22/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Spy x Family leads the field with 19 nominations for Crunchyroll’s seventh annual Anime Awards, which be handed out in March. Ranking of Kings is next with 16, spread across two seasons, followed by Cyberpunk: Edgerunners with 13 noms, which were revealed today. See the full list below.
All three series will vie for the marquee Anime of the Year prize against Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc and Lycoris Recoil. All of those except Lycoris Recoil also are up for Best Animation, joined by Akebi’s Sailor Uniform.
A pair of 2022 box office hits — the No. 1-debuting Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and No. 2-bowing One Piece Film Red — will battle for Best Film against Bubble, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, The Deer King and Inu-Oh, which is up for Best Indie Feature at the Annie Awards.
The awards, which honor anime creators, musicians...
All three series will vie for the marquee Anime of the Year prize against Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc and Lycoris Recoil. All of those except Lycoris Recoil also are up for Best Animation, joined by Akebi’s Sailor Uniform.
A pair of 2022 box office hits — the No. 1-debuting Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and No. 2-bowing One Piece Film Red — will battle for Best Film against Bubble, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, The Deer King and Inu-Oh, which is up for Best Indie Feature at the Annie Awards.
The awards, which honor anime creators, musicians...
- 1/19/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Imax is demonstrating its bullishness on the Japanese theatrical market. The company unveiled a deal Wednesday with local exhibitor Aeon Entertainment to add seven new, state-of-the-art Imax with laser theaters across Japan this year. All seven systems are scheduled to be installed in existing multiplexes by summer 2023 in regions previously untapped by Imax. The expansion follows an agreement between Aeon and Imax that was unveiled at CinemaCon in April 2022 for two new locations outside Tokyo and Osaka.
The pact continues a strategy of steady expansion for Imax in Japan, the world’s third-largest theatrical market. Imax has nearly tripled its network in Japan over the last decade, from just 16 locations in 2012 to 41 today. Japan also was Imax’s third highest grossing global market in 2022 with more than 73 million in box office and home to six of the company’s top 15 highest grossing locations. And the company reports that 31 of its...
The pact continues a strategy of steady expansion for Imax in Japan, the world’s third-largest theatrical market. Imax has nearly tripled its network in Japan over the last decade, from just 16 locations in 2012 to 41 today. Japan also was Imax’s third highest grossing global market in 2022 with more than 73 million in box office and home to six of the company’s top 15 highest grossing locations. And the company reports that 31 of its...
- 1/19/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aeon Entertainment and IMAX Corporation announced an agreement Wednesday that will open seven new IMAX auditoriums with Laser systems across Japan in 2023.
Under the deal, all seven systems will be installed in existing multiplexes by summer 2023 in areas largely untapped by IMAX. This is the second major deal between IMAX and Aeon — a leading Japanese exhibition company with 800 screens nationwide — in under a year. The two agreed during the 2022 CinemaCon to create two new locations outside Tokyo and Osaka.
IMAX has nearly tripled its network in Japan over the last 10 years, from just 16 locations in 2012 to 41 today. Japan was IMAX’s third highest grossing global market in 2022, with over 73 million in theatrical revenue. It was also home to six of IMAX’s top 15 highest grossing locations. Thirty-one IMAX auditoriums generated theatrical grosses of more than 1 million each in 2022 — a figure second only to the United States.
Also Read:
Superheroes Are...
Under the deal, all seven systems will be installed in existing multiplexes by summer 2023 in areas largely untapped by IMAX. This is the second major deal between IMAX and Aeon — a leading Japanese exhibition company with 800 screens nationwide — in under a year. The two agreed during the 2022 CinemaCon to create two new locations outside Tokyo and Osaka.
IMAX has nearly tripled its network in Japan over the last 10 years, from just 16 locations in 2012 to 41 today. Japan was IMAX’s third highest grossing global market in 2022, with over 73 million in theatrical revenue. It was also home to six of IMAX’s top 15 highest grossing locations. Thirty-one IMAX auditoriums generated theatrical grosses of more than 1 million each in 2022 — a figure second only to the United States.
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Superheroes Are...
- 1/19/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
“Avatar: The Way of Water” continued its uneven box office career in mainland China with a fourth weekend at the top of the charts.
The film earned 16.5 million (RMB114 million) between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That represented 55 of the weekend’s nationwide cinema revenue total.
By Sunday evening, the film had a cumulative total of more 189 million (RMB1.31 billion), making it the top-grossing Hollywood film from 2022 to be released in China.
It is a total that only a few weeks ago seemed unlikely and ticketing agency Maoyan, has revised its forecast for the film’s likely final total upwards to RMB1.5 billion or some 225 million.
Approval of the release of “Avatar 2” in China came early enough for distributors to launch a comprehensive marketing campaign, book cinemas and synchronize with its outing in North America and other territories.
The Chinese government’s subsequent decision...
The film earned 16.5 million (RMB114 million) between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That represented 55 of the weekend’s nationwide cinema revenue total.
By Sunday evening, the film had a cumulative total of more 189 million (RMB1.31 billion), making it the top-grossing Hollywood film from 2022 to be released in China.
It is a total that only a few weeks ago seemed unlikely and ticketing agency Maoyan, has revised its forecast for the film’s likely final total upwards to RMB1.5 billion or some 225 million.
Approval of the release of “Avatar 2” in China came early enough for distributors to launch a comprehensive marketing campaign, book cinemas and synchronize with its outing in North America and other territories.
The Chinese government’s subsequent decision...
- 1/9/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Santa Monica-based mini-studio Lionsgate has struck a deal with Canada’s Cineplex Pictures that will see Lionsgate’s 2023 theatrical slate released in Canadian cinemas.
The lineup spans 11 feature films over the course of the year, of which three release in the first quarter: “Plane,” starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter; “Jesus Revolution,” starring Kelsey Grammer; and the highly anticipated “John Wick: Chapter 4,” starring Keanu Reeves.
The full 2023 slate also includes: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “About My Father,” “The Blackening,” an untitled Adele Lim comedy, “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” “The Expendables 4,” the next installment of the “Saw” horror franchise, and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” the prequel to the multibillion dollar “Hunger Games” franchise.
Cineplex Pictures is the genre film releasing subsidiary of the Cineplex stock market-listed Cineplex conglomerate that also includes some 170 cinemas. Its recent releases included “The Good House,...
The lineup spans 11 feature films over the course of the year, of which three release in the first quarter: “Plane,” starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter; “Jesus Revolution,” starring Kelsey Grammer; and the highly anticipated “John Wick: Chapter 4,” starring Keanu Reeves.
The full 2023 slate also includes: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “About My Father,” “The Blackening,” an untitled Adele Lim comedy, “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” “The Expendables 4,” the next installment of the “Saw” horror franchise, and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” the prequel to the multibillion dollar “Hunger Games” franchise.
Cineplex Pictures is the genre film releasing subsidiary of the Cineplex stock market-listed Cineplex conglomerate that also includes some 170 cinemas. Its recent releases included “The Good House,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate has entered into a theatrical distribution agreement with Canada’s Cineplex Pictures for its 2023 slate which counts 11 titles.
Starting with Gerard Butler’s Plane on Jan. 13, Cineplex Pictures will release throughout Canada such movies as Jesus Revolution starring Kelsey Grammer and John Wick: Chapter 4 starring Keanu Reeves. There’s also Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, About My Father, The Blackening, the untitled Adele Lim comedy, White Bird: A Wonder Story, The Expendables 4, the next installment of the billion-dollar box office Saw franchise and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
“We’re delighted to expand our collaboration with our partners at Cineplex in this key theatrical market,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Theatrical Distribution David Spitz. “With Cineplex’s name recognition, distribution prowess and expertise in the Canadian marketplace, our slate is in great hands in Canada.”
“Cineplex has a longstanding relationship...
Starting with Gerard Butler’s Plane on Jan. 13, Cineplex Pictures will release throughout Canada such movies as Jesus Revolution starring Kelsey Grammer and John Wick: Chapter 4 starring Keanu Reeves. There’s also Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, About My Father, The Blackening, the untitled Adele Lim comedy, White Bird: A Wonder Story, The Expendables 4, the next installment of the billion-dollar box office Saw franchise and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
“We’re delighted to expand our collaboration with our partners at Cineplex in this key theatrical market,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Theatrical Distribution David Spitz. “With Cineplex’s name recognition, distribution prowess and expertise in the Canadian marketplace, our slate is in great hands in Canada.”
“Cineplex has a longstanding relationship...
- 1/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
So many people in the movie business looked to 2021 as the year that was going to save the industry following the disaster that was 2020. Not quite. In truth, the recovery has been more gradual and uneven than any of us expected, though 2022 brought us much closer to something resembling normalcy. And sure, a big part of that was expected hits like "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" and "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" bringing in the big bucks. Heck, even "Halloween Ends" did over 100 million against largely negative reviews with a day-and-date release on Peacock. It was closer to business as usual and, with any luck, 2023 will be even better.
But a big part of what helped is that there were a number of surprise winners at the box office this year to go along with the likes of "Jurassic World Dominion" pulling in 1 billion. And yeah, sure, we had...
But a big part of what helped is that there were a number of surprise winners at the box office this year to go along with the likes of "Jurassic World Dominion" pulling in 1 billion. And yeah, sure, we had...
- 12/15/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
2022 has been another big year for anime and manga in the United States. This fall's "Chainsaw Man" anime is earning rave reviews. "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero" earned 32 million worldwide in its first week. Netflix's "Cyberpunk Edgerunners" convinced folks to give the messy "Cyberpunk 2077" another shot, rocketing the game up the Steam rankings. On the manga front, the blockbuster success of Junji Ito has led publishers to take chances on other horror artists like Kazuo Umezu and Kanako Inuki. There's even a fledgling indie manga movement in the United States, with small publishers like Glacier Bay Books and Star Fruit Books distributing titles that might never otherwise see the light of day. We're long past the time of executives chopping up anime series in the editing docket to be marketable to American children. Anime and manga are now respected in their own right, if only because it sells.
Hollywood,...
Hollywood,...
- 12/15/2022
- by Adam Wescott
- Slash Film
Look out, demon scum! "Demon Slayer" is gearing up for 2023 with a new promotional reel announcing that season 3, aka "Swordsmith Village Arc," will premiere with a one-hour TV special in April 2023. But if you can't wait until then, "Demon Slayer" is going on a theatrical world tour with screenings of the final two episodes coupled with the first episode of season 3.
The box office has struggled to get back to its former glory in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with theatrical windows shortened and both studios and audiences pivoting to streaming movies rather than seeing them on the big screen. But the softening of the box office has only highlighted the fact that tie-in movies for anime shows are serious contenders. In August, "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero" debuted at #1 in the U.S. with a 20.1 million opening, and "One Piece Film: Red" came close to toppling "Black Adam...
The box office has struggled to get back to its former glory in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with theatrical windows shortened and both studios and audiences pivoting to streaming movies rather than seeing them on the big screen. But the softening of the box office has only highlighted the fact that tie-in movies for anime shows are serious contenders. In August, "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero" debuted at #1 in the U.S. with a 20.1 million opening, and "One Piece Film: Red" came close to toppling "Black Adam...
- 12/10/2022
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
It’s hard to say just when One Piece crossed the line from cult manga comic to global media phenomenon.
But with 15 feature films, more than a dozen television specials and multiple video game spin-offs, not to mention Eiichirō Oda’s original comic, which has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates have become as well-known to the current generation of fantasy fans as those of Harry Potter were to the one before.
The latest One Piece feature film, One Piece Film: Red, was the first to go truly global, earning 198 million worldwide as of Dec. 2, according to box office analysts at Comscore, making it the sixth most successful Japanese film of all time.
In the U.S., One Piece Film: Red was one of a string of box office hits for Crunchyroll,...
It’s hard to say just when One Piece crossed the line from cult manga comic to global media phenomenon.
But with 15 feature films, more than a dozen television specials and multiple video game spin-offs, not to mention Eiichirō Oda’s original comic, which has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates have become as well-known to the current generation of fantasy fans as those of Harry Potter were to the one before.
The latest One Piece feature film, One Piece Film: Red, was the first to go truly global, earning 198 million worldwide as of Dec. 2, according to box office analysts at Comscore, making it the sixth most successful Japanese film of all time.
In the U.S., One Piece Film: Red was one of a string of box office hits for Crunchyroll,...
- 12/9/2022
- by Gianmaria Tammaro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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