Road Pictures Acquires Theatrical Rights for ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning’ in China
Road Pictures has secured the theater rights for “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning” for release in China in April. The film signifies a major collaboration between respected anime studios and has achieved significant box office success. Road Pictures, a key distributor of Japanese anime in China, is capitalizing on the medium’s growing popularity following the success of various recent anime titles.
Pioneering distributor Road Pictures, based in Beijing, has acquired the theatrical rights for the popular Japanese anime film “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning” in China. The film is slated for release in April. This announcement was made during the Filmart content market held in Hong Kong.
The film represents a significant creative collaboration, merging the talents of Japan’s Khara studio, known for the cult series “Evangelion,” and Sunrise, the renowned studio behind the “Mobile Suit Gundam” franchise. Released in Japan in January, it has already grossed over $25 million, with a limited North American release generating $1.2 million since February 28.
Road Pictures has established a dominant position in China’s theatrical market for anime, outperforming major Hollywood releases. In 2023, the company distributed two of the largest anime hits: Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume” ($110 million) and Toei Animation’s “The First Slam Dunk” ($90 million). The company has also expanded into anime merchandising, opening 40 stores across China and projecting that it will account for about 70 percent of Japanese animated films distributed annually in the country.
The increasing popularity of animation in China, driven partly by local successes such as the $2 billion box office of “Ne Zha 2,” provides an encouraging backdrop for Road’s release of “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning.” This film is a groundbreaking addition to the Gundam universe, directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, with a screenplay co-written by renowned anime figures such as Yoji Enokido and Hideaki Anno, appealing to both veteran fans and newcomers alike.
The plot follows a war between Zeon and the Earth Federation, focusing on a stolen prototype Gundam. Years later, a girl with unique abilities discovers her destiny as she pilots a new Gundam amid underground mech battles, seeking answers about her powers.
In summary, Road Pictures has successfully positioned itself as a leader in distributing Japanese anime in China with the acquisition of “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning.” The collaboration between prestigious anime studios and the film’s strong box office performance illustrates the growing appeal of anime within China. Additionally, the film’s captivating storyline and creative team are expected to attract a wide audience, further solidifying Road Pictures’ dominance in the market.
Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
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