Author Archives: Krystal Kitsune

About Krystal Kitsune

Content creator, Voice actor in training & entertainment journalist specializing in Anime & Anime adjacent content. Follow me my content here, krystal_kitsune.bio.link

KEIICHI HARA’S “LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR” Coming to Theaters Nationwide June

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Celebrating its 15th anniversary, producer and distributor of award-winning and artist-driven animation GKIDS announced the limited theatrical release of Keiichi Hara’s newest film, LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR.

KEIICHI HARA’S LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR

The film is directed by Keiichi Hara known for Miss Hokusai, Colorful, & The Wonderland. The film features animation from the lauded A-1 Pictures, and is adapted from the beloved novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura. The film is set to screen in select theaters nationwide on June 21 and 22nd only.

The film held its International Premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, making it the first time a Japanese animated feature was selected for the festival. Additionally, had its US premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, and was a box office hit during its domestic release in Japan in December 2022, grossing over one billion yen (approx. 7.3 million USD).

Keiichi Hara in 2011 at the Salón del Manga in Barcelona, Spain | (C) Mutari

Director Keiichi Hara has worked with various past collaborators on the project, including screenwriter Miho Maruo and composer Harumi Fuuki who also worked on Miss Hokusai & The Wonderland, in addition to acclaimed artist Ilya Kuvshinov (The Wonderland) for visual concept and castle designs.  

In Theaters Nationwide

GKIDS will release LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR theatrically in both its original Japanese language with an all-new English dubbed version in select theaters nationwide on June 21 and 22nd, tickets are now on sale here. GKIDS also handles North American distribution for Keiichi Hara’s films, including his previous features Summer Days with Coo (2007) and Miss Hokusai (2015). 

Film Synopsis

Shy outcast Kokoro has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. When a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game, the teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf. 

Learn more about on the official website, LonelyCastleMovie.com. You can read the novel by Mizuki Tsujimura here or listen to it in audiobook. Lonely Castle in the Mirror, by Mizuki Tsujimura is a heartfelt drama about the pains of growing up and the unlikely bonds that can bring people together. 

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“Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One” World Premiere – WonderCon 2023

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To celebrate the union of The Justice League and RWBY, Warner Bros. hosted the world premiere of the first ever collaboration between The Justice League & anime inspired series, RWBY at this year’s WonderCon!

A post-screening panel was headlined by the voice talent of Natalie Alyn Lind (Big Sky, The Goldbergs, Gotham) as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and RWBY’s long-running cast – Lindsay Jones (Camp Camp) as Ruby, Kara Eberle (RWBY: Ice Queendom) as Weiss, Arryn Zech (The Detective is Already Dead) as Blake, and Barbara Dunkelman (Blood Fest) as Yang – alongside Jeannie Tirado (Soul, Saints Row) as Green Lantern, and Tru Valentino (The Rookie, The Cuphead Show!) as Cyborg.

Also included on the panel are producer/director Kerry Shawcross (RWBY franchise) and screenwriter Meghan Fitzmartin. Watch the FULL panel below,

Film Synopsis

Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One finds the Justice League facing off against a new horror: adolescence! Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Cyborg, Green Lantern and Vixen are surprised to find that not only have they materialized on a strange world called Remnant, but they’ve also been transformed into teenagers. Meanwhile, the heroes of Remnant – Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang – find their world has been mysteriously altered. Can the combined forces of the Justice League and Team RWBY return Remnant to normal before a superpowered Grimm destroys everything they know?

Release Date

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Rooster Teeth Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One, available to purchase Digitally and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray on April 25, 2023. Available to preorder on Amazon:

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LET’S-A-GO! — The Super Mario Bros Final Trailer!

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Illumination and Nintendo released the final trailer of the highly anticipated Super Mario film.

There was little to no description on what the story was going to be centered on, back when we first shared the news of this upcoming film. Now we have a in-depth description.

According to the trailer’s description, while working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and brother Luigi (Charlie Day) are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world. But when the brothers are separated, Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi.

With the assistance of a Mushroom Kingdom resident Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and some training from the strong-willed ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Mario taps into his own power.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie features an extraordinary comedic cast, including Jack Black (Jumanji films) as Bowser, Seth Rogen (Neighbors franchise) as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Saturday Night Live) as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson (American Dad!, Family Guy) as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco (Green Book) as Spike, plus a special voice appearance by Charles Martinet, who has voiced the characters of Mario and Luigi in the Super Mario games for more than 30 years.

This is the third film adaptation of the game franchise following the 1986 Japanese animated adventure comedy film Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! and the terrible but cult classic, 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros

The film was initially set to be released on April 7, 2023 but changed to April 5th with Japan opening on April 28th.

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Yusuke Murata Illustrator of One-Punch Man to release original Anime series – Zaiyuki

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Yusuke Murata, most notably known as the Illustrator of One Punch Man, took to Twitter to tease his newest project, Zaiyuki, an original anime series produced by his animation studio, Village Studio. As fans may remember, Yusuke Murata set up his animation studio while working on One-Punch Man, and he is finally ready for his first production.

In late February, Murata released a teaser video via Twitter showcasing the main characters of Zaiyuki, including character sketches. 

Earlier this week, Murata released “A Part” of Zaiyuki via Twitter in two tweets since the sneak peek video was too long for one tweet alone. According to the Murata’s tweets, he states since ‘A Part’ was completed, he decided to add subtitles and release it to the public.

According to Murata’s Twitter account, the story is based on The Journey to the West with a modern twist. The story centers around a weak Kappa or water sprite boy who gets caught up in turmoil and has to grow up quickly after encountering a group of treasure hunters. 

There has yet to be an official date on when Zaiyuki will be released or how many episodes it will contain; however, with the high-quality work of Murata’s work as an Illustrator, we can expect a high-quality animation and story from this upcoming original animation. We’re definitely in for a treat!

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NEW Pokemon Series Trailer

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It is shocking to think that, after 25 years, Ash Ketchum will no longer be the face of the Pokemon Anime series. As covered in our article back in December, The Pokemon Company announced Ash Ketchum’s departure from the anime series shortly after achieving his long dream of becoming a Pokemon Master in the 42nd episode of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys.

The New Pokemon Leads

Meet Liko, Roy, and their partner Pokemon, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Liko and Ray are set to star in a brand new Pokemon series set to air in April 2023, alongside a new Pokemon Professor, Friede, and his partner Pokemon, Captain Pikachu.

LIKO

Described as “The girl with the awe-inspiring pendant.”, Liko has a crystal-like pendant that seems to have some power, hinting at a possible connection between the pendent itself and certain Pokemon. Maybe it can produce a rare, special ability? Could the pendant have something to do with Terapagos’ small hexagonal protrusion on the center of its shell or Ogerpon’s crystal-like object on its mask?

ROY

Roy is described as “the boy with the mysterious Poke Ball” Could this be old, ancient technology? New, secret technology? Something made by Friede, perhaps…?

FRIEDE & CAPT. PIKACHU

Not much is known of Professor Friede and his Pokemon, Captain Pikachu. They seem laid back but ready to fight if given no choice. Based on the trailer, Professor Friede is passionate about his work as a Pokemon researcher.

The New Trailer

There is no exact title for this new series; however, according to the newly released trailer, the series is set to air on April 14th in Japan. No word yet, on its English dub or cast. Watch the trailer below for a sneak peek at the upcoming journey, new villains, and familiar faces from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

What do you guys think of the new series without Ash? Will you be watching? We’d love to hear from you; Comment your opinions below!

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STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 Kicks off with 35th Anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro  

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STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 is back this year bigger than ever, with celebration of the 35th Anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro on March 25th! All 10 of Hayao Miyazaki’s Masterpieces will be screened in theaters throughout the year including the 35th Anniversary screenings of My Neighbor Totoro, 15th Anniversary screenings of Ponyo, and the first-ever North American screenings of SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage, featuring two separate full performances filmed during the production’s acclaimed run in Tokyo last year.

GKIDS, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, are proud to continue their partnership with Fathom events and expand STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 to more screening dates than ever before to meet increased fan demand.

Each of the 10 animated features will be shown in both original Japanese and English dubbed versions and will include exclusive selections from the documentary series 10 Years With Hayao Miyazaki. Tickets for STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 can be purchased online now by visiting FathomEvents.comGhibliFest.com or at participating theater box offices. (Theater participants are subject to change). 

STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2023 SCHEDULE ( All event listings are in local time):

My Neighbor Totoro 35th Anniversary

●       Saturday, March 25 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, March 26 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, March 27 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

SPIRITED AWAY: Live on Stage *All performances in Japanese with English Subtitles*

●       Sunday, April 23 at 4:00 PM (with Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro)

●       Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 PM (with Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro)

Ponyo 15th Anniversary

●       Sunday, May 7 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, May 8 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, May 10 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Kiki’s Delivery Service

●       Sunday, June 11 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, June 12 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

●       Sunday, July 9 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, July 11 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Castle in the Sky

●       Monday, July 10 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Wednesday, July 12 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Princess Mononoke

●       Saturday, August 5 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, August 6 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, August 7 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, August 9 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

Porco Rosso

●       Sunday, August 20 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

The Wind Rises 10th Anniversary

●       Monday, August 21 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Wednesday, August 23 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

Howl’s Moving Castle

●       Saturday, September 23 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, September 24 at 4:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles) and 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Monday, September 25 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, September 27 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

Spirited Away

●       Saturday, October 28 at 3:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Sunday, October 29 at 4:00 PM (English Dubbed) and 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Monday, October 30 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

●       Tuesday, October 31 at 7:00 PM (Japanese with Subtitles)

●       Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 PM (English Dubbed)

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DIGIMON Fan Meet Up Overview – Los Angeles

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Over the weekend, Bandai Namco held a free event for all Digimon fans at the convention center in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Convention Center is the site of Anime Expo, but for Digimon fans, that experience came a bit early as fans gathered to celebrate Digimon’s 25th anniversary! The event featured a DigiMuseum, which consisted of original artwork from the Digimon card game and included the artwork winners of the illustration competition. In addition, the museum also featured an all-new illustration by Digimon designer Kenji Watanabe. The artwork represents the past, present, and future of Digimon.

Illustration by Kenji Watanabe

Attendees could also purchase Digimon Merchandise directly from the Bandai merch booth. Merchandise included Anime Heroes Digimon figures, Vital Hero Digimon bracelets, and Digimon V-pet devices designed by Kenji Watanabe. Not surprisingly, the merch booth sold out by noon on the first day. Luckily for fans, Bandai restocked by the following and sold merchandise throughout the event.

DigiMuseum also had a small area dedicated to Bandai’s upcoming Digimon Project, Digimon Seekers. Fans could get a preview of the new Digivices and lead character costumes, as shown below.

Digimon Seekers is a project comprising a novel, A live-action short, and brand-new Digimon products. The novel will start serialization on April 3, 2023, at Digimon Web, with chapters being updated every week. A live-action short will be used to promote the novel. Japanese actor and YouTuber Syota Hatani will portray Nagasumi Eiji, the lead protagonist of Digimon Seekers. In addition to the novel and trailers, new merchandise based on Digimon Seekers is set to be released. Watch the Digimon Seekers Live-Action Teaser Trailer!

Digimon’s newest video game, Digimon World: Next Order, was available for the fans to enjoy, and those who participated received a special Digimon promo card. Every fan who attended the event received a card pack, Digimon sticker and exclusive event guidebook, and a limited edition Digimon postcard celebrating Digimon Frontiers’ 25th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Digimon Partners.

Other activities included a card trading station, card purchasing tables, and participation in the 2022 Digimon Card Game Championship Finals. However, the highlight of the event was the special meet and greet with Digimon designer Kenji Watanabe and Digimon Seekers’ Art Director Fumiya Kobayashi.

Attendees wait in line for Kenji Watanabe

Digimon fans had the opportunity to have their Digimon memorabilia signed and take photos with the guests. Kenji Watanabe is known for designing various Digimon known today and the mind behind the Tamagotchi virtual pets series. Fumiya Kobayashi is the art director for the upcoming Digimon Seekers and various other Digimon projects such as Universe App Monsters, Pendulum Z and the Vital Bracelets.

Kenji Watanabe and I

The event could be a gateway to gaining knowledge on Digimon, its card game, new products, and making new friendships.

Special thanks to Vincent Reyes for providing various photos for this coverage article.

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Highly anticipated DEEMO Memorial Keys Coming to Bluray and Digital

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Produced by famed animation studios Production I.G. (Psycho-Pass, Ghost in the Shell, Attack on Titan) and Signal.MD (Birthday Wonderland, Cyborg 009: Call of Justice) comes the eagerly awaited feature film adaption inspired by the internationally acclaimed “DEEMO” rhythm video game, which has over 28 million downloads worldwide. Featuring visually stunning animation by Production I.G. and Signal.MD, DEEMO Memorial Keys is directed by Shuhei Matsushita (Fuse: Memoirs of a Huntress) with Junichi Fujisaku (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Blood franchise) as a general director. Yuki Kajiura, a prominent music composer and producer who has worked on the scores for multiple anime hits (Demon Slayer, Fate/Zero), created the film’s theme and image songs.

This spring, step inside the extraordinary, ethereal world of DEEMO and beguiled by the awe-inspiring anime movie adventure packed with whimsical characters, beautiful animation, and unforgettable music with gorgeous melodies when DEEMO Memorial Keys hits home entertainment shelves and digital download on March 28, 2023 from Eleven Arts and Shout! Factory, following its nationwide theatrical release.

Film’s Snypois

Fall in love with the enchanting tale of Deemo, a mysterious, lonely character who lives in solitude, playing the piano in a castle. One day a girl who has lost her memory falls from the sky. Wanting to help her recover her memories and return to her world, Deemo discovers that a tree kept atop the piano will grow whenever the piano is played. But if Deemo succeeds in the helping her, will the loss of her companionship prove to be too much? This gentle, ephemeral story of love spun by Deemo, the girl, the mystical residents of the castle, and a tree that grows with the sound of the piano will make you want to return to this world again and again.

English Cast

The movie will feature the English voice talents of Michelle Marie (Ryoma! The Prince of Tennis, The House of the Lost on the Cape), Anairis Quinones (Rainbow High, My Hero Academia), Bryce Papenbrook (Attack on Titan, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir), Mike Pollock (A Night Before Christmas, A Cat in Paris), Luci Christian (Gintama: The Movie, My Hero Academia) and Stephanie Sheh (Your Name, Sailor Moon Crystal).

Preorder Now

 DEEMO Memorial Keys is available for pre-order now on Amazon and will be available in stores and other fine retailers on March 28, 2023.

We’ll keep you updated on the theatrical release of DEEMO; meanwhile, subscribe to our articles below, and don’t miss any upcoming exclusive content!

Join 576 other subscribers

Check our other content here:

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Spirited Away: LIVE ON STAGE Coming To Theaters

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Acclaimed producer and distributor, GKIDS announced it has acquired North American right for SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage, during the hit production’s 2022 run at the historic Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, Japan. The production is a live stage performance of Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award®-winning animated feature of the same name.

The live stage production was adapted and directed for the stage by Tony Award®-winner John Caird, Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, who gained international acclaim for adapting and directing the world premiere of the landmark production Les Misérables.

GKIDS is set to release two separate filmed performances of the production, starring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, double-cast as the lead heroine Chihiro.

Actor Mari Natsuki, who voiced previously voiced the sorceress Yubaba and her twin sister Zeniba in the original motion picture, returns to her original role, accompanied by voice actor Romi Park. They are accompanied by a star-studded cast of Japan’s finest actors.

SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage was created in association with Studio Ghibli, and presented by Toho Co., Ltd. The deal was negotiated between GKIDS and Toho. GKIDS will release the stage production theatrically in spring 2023.

GKids President David Jesteadt stated the following,“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for Studio Ghibli fans in America to experience the stage production that wowed Japanese press and audiences last year,” He added“This imaginative stage adaptation by the legendary John Caird, featuring two wonderful performances by lead actors Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, helps bring to life one of the greatest films of all time in a dazzling new way.”

Via Press Release

Live Stage Synopsis

While traveling to their new home, Chihiro and her family stumble into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.

Full Cast

  • Chihiro: Kanna Hashimoto/Mone Kamishiraishi
  • Haku: Kotaro Daigo /Hiroki Miura
  • No Face: Koharu Sugawara/Tomohiko Tsujimoto
  • Lin/Chihiro’s Mother: Miyu Sakihi/Fu Hinami
  • Kamaji: Tomorowo Taguchi/Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Yubaba/Zeniba: Mari Natsuki/Romi Park
  • Aniyaku/Chihiro’s Father: Kenya Osumi
  • Chichiyaku: Sunao Yoshimura
  • Aogaeru: Obata no Oniisan

GKIDS has yet to announce the official theatrical release date.

We’ll keep you updated on the theatrical release; meanwhile, subscribe to our articles below, and don’t miss any upcoming exclusive content!

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Resident Evil Death Island – Coming Summer 2023

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The production staff of “Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness” gathers again, and a new story begins on Prison Island!

Resident Evil death Island is the 6th CGI film, following the 2017 film Resident Evil: Vendetta and the 2021 miniseries Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. According to promotional video, the series is set to release in summer of this year.

When does Death Island take place?

According to CAPCOM, Death Island will take place one year after the events shown in Vendetta (set in 2013) and just two years before Resident Evil 7 (set in 2017). The new film is set in San Francisco in 2015, and follows Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield as try to hunt down an abducted scientist with valuable information and the mysteries that lie within the prison walls of the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island. This film marks the return of fan-favourite character Jill Valentine!

Death Island Synopsis

Under direct order from the U.S. President, Leon finds himself chasing after a group of armed men who have abducted Dr. Antonio Taylor, who hold vital information that could the world at risk. Suddenly, Leon interrupted mysterious woman who let’s arm men escape. Switching over to Chris Redfield; Working as an agent of the anti-bioterrorist organization “BSAA”, Chris Redfield is in charged with controlling an zombie outbreak in San Francisco. He’s tasked to find out where the infection began, and his research leads him to the infamous prison island, Alcatraz.

The film is written by Makoto Fukami who previously worked on Psycho-Pass and directed by Eiichiro Hasumi, known for the live action adaptation of Assassination Classroom and its sequel. Director Hasumi said the following about the film’s production,

Eiichiro Hasumi – Netflix

“Following the success of “Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness,” it was a very exciting production period for me to be immersed in the world of Resident Evil again. The staff was mostly the same, so this time we all worked together to scale up the film to screen size while aiming for a film that will be especially enjoyable for users who have been familiar with the Resident Evil games for many years.” – Eiichiro Hasumi

Director Hasumi via Capcom.com

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will distribute the film worldwide, excluding Japan, this summer. No official release date has been announced nor mention of the English cast, although it’s speculated that Nick Apostolides will voice Leon S.Kennedy as he set return to voice him the upcoming Resident Evil 4 remake.

We’ll keep you updated on the theatrical release, meanwhile, subscribe to our articles below, and don’t miss any upcoming exclusive content!

Interview With Nick Apostolides (Leon S.Kennedy) – Resident Evil II REmake

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