Despite initial doubts, Sony made a notable appearance at CinemaCon through their domestic distribution chief Adrian Smith. Smith took the stage to introduce the first-ever Crunchyroll presentation at the Las Vegas exhibitor and studio confab. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the label has exceeded all expectations and Sony is looking forward to what the future holds.
During the presentation, Crunchyroll’s SVP of Global Commerce, Mitchel Berger, unveiled a series of new acquisitions, theatrical release dates, and teasers for upcoming features. Some of the highly anticipated films acquired by the company for North America and select international markets include Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi, Overlord – The Sacred Kingdom, and HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle, set to release on May 31 in North America. Additionally, Berger provided a sneak peek of 10 minutes of footage from Spy x Family Code: White, the first film installment of a popular television series releasing in North American cinemas on April 19.
Berger took the opportunity to shed light on the immense popularity of anime worldwide, referring to it as a lifestyle. He highlighted that anime boasts one billion fans globally and raked in $14 billion last year, with projections to reach $37 billion at the global box office this year. This staggering growth underscores the widespread appeal and significance of anime as a cultural phenomenon.
Crunchyroll and Sony have exciting plans for the release of HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle in North American theaters on May 31, 2024, followed by a rollout in offshore markets from late May to late June. The film, initially launched in Japan on March 29, has already amassed over $60 million, making it the most successful local title of the year. The storyline revolves around Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama’s unexpected collaboration in a decisive matchup against Nekoma High, promising an intense and thrilling showdown between the underdog teams.
Among the upcoming releases is Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom, which serves as the first theatrical film in the fan-favorite franchise based on light novels by Kugane Maruyama. This installment follows Momonga, a regular salaryman transported into his favorite video game, continuing the narrative after the conclusion of season 4. Directed by Naoyuki Ito and based on an original story by Kugane Maruyama, the film offers a compelling extension of the beloved series.
Sony’s participation at CinemaCon marked a significant moment with the announcement of upcoming anime releases and acquisitions through Crunchyroll. The partnership between Crunchyroll and Sony signifies a promising future for anime enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of content and immersive experiences for viewers worldwide.
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