The wait is over! Fans of the outrageous and genre-defying anime Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt can finally celebrate as the teaser PV for the highly anticipated sequel, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, has dropped! This bold and vibrant series, known for its distinctive cartoon-like animation style and raunchy humor, first aired in 2010 and became a global sensation. Now, Studio TRIGGER is bringing the series back with all the flair and chaos fans love.
The teaser PV not only showcases the series’ iconic visual style but also introduces the returning and new voice cast! Arisa Ogasawara is back as the ever-sassy Panty, alongside Mariya Ise, who reprises her role as the gothic and sweet-toothed Stocking. Joining them is Akeno Watanabe as Knee Socks and Yuko Natsuyoshi as the mischievous Fastener, along with many familiar voices returning from the original series.
In addition to the cast, the production team has unveiled more key staff members and details about the music. ☆Taku Takahashi of m-flo and TeddyLoid, the powerhouse duo behind the original series’ unforgettable soundtrack, are confirmed to return. With their dynamic soundscapes, fans can expect music that perfectly complements the chaos and charm of the returning series.
Japanese voice casts comments
Arisa Ogasawara / Panty,
This is Arisa Ogasawara, the voice of Panty. I couldn’t believe it when I first heard that “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” is coming back! I thought “Huh? No way! Is this a joke?!” But it’s true! And to top it off, it’s been 14 years… I’m super surprised! I’m really excited to meet the “bitches” again. Whether you’ve seen “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” before, never watched it, or watched it but couldn’t quite understand it, I hope you’re looking forward to it!
– via press release
Mariya Ise / Stocking,
No way… Is the legendary anime “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt”… coming back?!?! I’m definitely not the only one who has been eagerly waiting for a new series… It’s going to come back even stronger and cause chaos in Daten City!! Please look forward to it!!
– via press release
Koji Ishii / Garterbelt,
Ah, so it’s being renewed… I wonder who will act Garterbelt,” I thought, and then it turned out to be me. I was honestly surprised to be taking on that physically demanding role after 14 years, and I realized that I’d have to push myself and get in shape to handle it. After all, as you all know, it’s quite a serious role… So, I’m fully focused and deter to approach it with seriousness and dedication.
– via press release
Hiroyuki Yoshino / Brief,
Wow, are we really going to release this work into a world so full of restrictions…? To everyone who enjoyed the previous series, of course, and to those who are experiencing ”Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” for the first time with this new installment, I’d be so happy if you could enjoy this bold, no-holds-barred, unapologetic work—one that hides nothing and shies away from nothing!
– via press release
☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo),
I’m really happy to be able to participate again in such an experimental and bold work among the TRIGGER productions. Each episode has its own unique tone and I had a great time creating music in a variety of styles to match that. This time, we also worked on the production while having sessions with different track makers. Compared to the previous series, I was able to communicate even more closely with the TRIGGER staff, so I’d love for you to check out how the visuals and music synchronize this time!
– via press release
After its 14-year hiatus, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is shaping up to be an electrifying continuation of the cult classic. For updates the series, visit the official website (Japanese).
What are you most excited to see in the new series? Let us know in the comments below!
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Fans of the supernatural comedy manga Ghost Cat Anzu are in for a treat with the upcoming animated film adaptation. However, this film isn’t just a direct translation of the manga — it’s taking a bold new approach. While the original manga series charmed readers with lighthearted, comedic antics, the film adds a more adventurous twist to the familiar story of Anzu, the mischievous ghost cat.
Meet The Makers
The film is a collaboration between directors Kuno Yoko and Nobuhiro Yamashita. Kuno Yoko is responsible for the animated segments, while Nobuhiro Yamashita directs the live-action segments used in the rotoscoping process.
Often compared to Aki Kaurismäki, known for his films centering on characters who are usually left alone facing the consequences, Nobuhiro Yamashita is best known for his first 35mm film, Linda Linda Linda (2005), about a group teenagers who form a band to cover songs by the Japanese punk rock band the Blue Hearts. The film was a popular success that brought him squarely into the realm of commercial cinema.
Kuno Yoko is a talented animator and manga creator recognized both nationally and internationally. She began creating manga in high school, and her debut publication, The Horn and Love of Yuiko Amagi (2017), won second prize for debut works at the Japan Media Arts Festival, where she also became the first artist to win two First Work prizes in different categories.
Credit: John Salangsang for AIF
She was a rotoscoping animation director known for her work on Shunji Iwai’s The Case of Hana and Alice (2015) and for directing the opening film for the puppet show Gara Piko Pu in 2016. She also worked as a character designer for Shiriri in Alien Shiriri from the Crayon Shin-chan series, created animations for Crayon Shin-chan: Kung-fu Boys Ramen Scrimmage in 2017, and directed episodes of Houseki no Kuni / Age of Crystals, earning significant international recognition. Ghost Cat Anzu marks her feature film directorial debut.
Rotoscoping Ghost Cat Anzu
The film is stands out from most anime films as the production team used a technique called rotoscoping. Rotoscoping involves artists tracing over live-action footage, one frame at a time, to make the animations look more realistic.
This method helps animators capture lifelike movements and is often used to blend animated characters with live-action scenes. While time-consuming, rotoscoping is great for creating detailed, realistic animations.
As you watch the film, you can hear the actors’ voices as if they were recorded along with the live-action scenes, and that’s because they were! The characters’ voices were captured on-site, which enhances the authenticity of the film’s sound design. This blend of live-action and animation creates a unique viewing experience, with real locations being animated over to create a surreal effect.
INTERVIEW
We had the pleasure to briefly speak with director Kuno Yoko and producer Keiichi Kondo at this year’s Animation Is Film Festival,
The Ghost Cat Anzu manga is loved for its fun, slice-of-life style, revolving around Anzu, a mischievous bakeneko (ghost cat), and the residents of his town. The lighthearted interactions between characters are shown with simple and defined artwork, where humor and charm come from Anzu’s everyday situations. The manga focuses on episodic stories instead of one continuous plot. But the film takes the story in a different direction…
The film diverges from the manga by focusing on a complete, full adventure with Aznu and a new character, Karin, a precocious tween who unexpectedly moves to rural Japan to live with her grandfather.
Karin’s distrust of Anzu becomes a central theme in the movie, which contrasts with the lighter and more comedic tone of the manga. Karin actively resists Anzu’s attempts to help her, giving the film a more rebellious and adventurous feel. It’s essential to highlight that the film incorporates various short stories from the manga, adding Karin to the mix while significantly altering other pivotal characters like Anzu’s “mother” and Tetsuya.
According to directors Kuno Yoko and Nobuhiro Yamashita,
In the original work, Anzu is a ghost cat living with a monk in a temple. Unlike the typical expectations associated with ghost cats, which are supposed to surprise and scare people, Anzu behaves like an idle old man: he aimlessly sleeps, works part-time as a massage therapist, and is seen urinating in front of the temple. To present Anzu in a more appealing light, the film required a character to contrast with him. This is how we introduced the original character of Karin into the film, a girl as difficult to deal with as Anzu.
– Via Press Release
What Fans Can Expect from the Film
The film promises a blend of comedy, action, and emotional depth, with Karin and Anzu having to face the demonic consequences of Karin’s impulsive and rebellious actions. Fans can expect intense action scenes and dramatic tension that weren’t present in the manga while still holding onto the comedic elements that make Ghost Cat Anzu beloved.
Fans of the original manga will observe significant shifts in the tone, character dynamics, and stakes of the story. While the manga presents a relaxed, slice-of-life narrative, the film elevates the emotional stakes, infuses dramatic action, and establishes a more compelling plot arc. Despite these transformations, the film preserves the essence of Ghost Cat Anzu by maintaining its comedic core.
That being said, the film faces challenges with narrative coherence and structure; for a runtime of 97 minutes, the film would have been better as short film. However, for fans of the manga the film delivers a cinematic interpretation that skillfully balances humor, adventure, and emotional resonance. This new adaptation presents an innovative perspective on Ghost Cat Anzu, providing an enjoyable experience for both dedicated fans and those new to the series.
Gensho Yasuda, a member of Xenotoon Inc., is a rising star in the world of animation. With a social media following exceeding 6 million, Yasuda has captured the attention of a global audience through his innovative and captivating anime shorts. His breakthrough came with the self-produced anime “Make Love,” which garnered critical acclaim and won a prize at the prestigious 29th CG Anime Contest in 2020, Japan’s oldest CG animation contest. Building on this success, Yasuda has taken on the role of director for his latest project, “MAKE A GIRL,” further showcasing his talent and vision in the animation industry.
MAKE A GIRL is scheduled for release in Japan sometime in 2025. Film’s synopsis is as follows,
Akira Mizutamari, a scientific genius who succeeded in developing and commercializing SALT, a robot that supports people’s lives, finds himself stuck in a rut when all of his new inventions fail. After hearing from a friend that he can “power up” by creating a girlfriend, he does literally that and scientifically creates an “artificial” girlfriend named “No. Zero”. Torn between her programmed emotions and her growing feelings, No. Zero starts to waver. Is it “love” that buds between her and Akira, who is unaccustomed to communicating with others, or perhaps……?
The fascinating characters in this story are brought to life by Atsumi Tanezaki (No. Zero), known for her versatile performances as Anya in “SPY x FAMILY” and Frieren in “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” and Shun Horie (Akira Mizutamari), who has captivated audiences in leading roles such as Kyoutarou Ichikawa in “The Dangers in My Heart.”
We had the opportunity to interview Yasuda-san regarding his latest project, “MAKE A GIRL” who Yasuda serves as the director. Before we could ask our questions, KADOKAWA promotion team had the following questions for Yasuda-san,
KADOKAWA PT: Yasuda-san published many CG animations on SNS and YouTube. Total number of social media followers is more than 6 million followers. His works have been seen all over the world. What made you decide to create and post your own CG animation?
Gensho Yasuda: I enjoy reading and creating stories as a hobby. I work as a 3D animator, and I’ve been wanting to make 3D animations based on my own stories. In Japan, many creators, like mangakas, don’t frequently use social media to promote their work. Therefore, I’ve decided to use social media to promote my own creations.
KADOKAWA PT: For the production of the film “MAKE A GIRL,” you have set up a studio called Gensho Yasuda Studio. Is there any difference between working alone and working with a studio?
Gensho Yasuda: so working on my own the freedom that I experience is really the best part. It really allows me to set up and think about the technical approach in detail before starting so it’s really the advantage is being able to research while I’m working. So it’s kind of like a two birds one stone situation. Working in teams, in contrast really it’s a strength in numbers. The workload is reduced. The research can be done much faster. And in terms of MAKE A GIRL we worked with that eight-person team and so it was kind of like eight times the work was done in a very short amount of time. The research was done eight times faster, but it wasn’t just that it was that each animator brought with them their unique careers and their unique ideas and techniques, they discovered new techniques and they even taught me new techniques as well. So the ideas that weren’t mine got to be incorporated into this as well, which was a huge strength of working with that team.
KADOKAWA PT: What are some of the highlights of the film? What should the audience keep an eye out for?
Gensho Yasuda: So I’ve made a lot of short animes and in these short animes that were online I didn’t use any voice actors and it was just about the movement. It was simply only the visual that was involved which required some imagination from the audience and this time in this film, I’ve used voice actors and they really gave life to these characters so you can enjoy it a lot more like a classic anime. And in the sort of CG action scenes, that’s one of my strengths and one of my deeper wells of experience I would say so I think that will be a really fun and exciting part for audiences to watch as well.
Our Questions
Gensho Yasuda & Krystal during Anime Expo 2024
KRYSTAL: Usually your animations have little to no voiceover, for each character in this project has a voice actor. Do you think this project will resonate with your audience?
Gensho Yasuda: Yeah, I think so, but you know until now, imagination was such a big part of the shorts that hit, as you said, and people were just kind of free to imagine what they wanted based on their life experiences and what came to mind. This is a lot more like classic anime, so there isn’t as much that people can use their imagination with, so yeah. That’s a point that will be interesting to see how people relate to this.
KRYSTAL: Tell how you came up with initial story of MAKE A GIRL?
Gensho Yasuda: it’s literally ‘make a girlfriend’, is how you described when you get a girlfriend or that kind of thing. So thinking about the sentence written down I thought about how there could be a lot of different meanings to that sentence and the noun of girlfriend can be thought of in different ways. So I thought well what if there was a scientist that used science to create his girlfriend and I love science fiction and it’s sort of a meta expression of my love of SF that I put into this piece this film.’
KRYSTAL: What were some of the challenges that you faced in this project?
Gensho Yasuda: So the biggest challenge was really just making the film itself. There were 8 members including myself in this project and to get each of these people to become this fully fleshed-out animator was a process especially because I have a very unique know-how and I have some very interesting specialties that I taught these other people so that was the most challenging part was like creating the environment for that to happen before we even started making the film. However, at the same time, you know, six months or about a year in, each person focused on a different section, for example, like 3D modeling or background work, that sort of thing. And so each person kind of became a specialist in each area and so much so that their level of detail and expertise became deeper than mine in those areas. So I really came to rely on them and learn from them.
KRYSTAL: I know it’s probably too early to tell but you have created a numerous characters throughout your career releasing your shorts. Do you think you’ll create a film or a larger animations based on the other characters you’ve created?
Gensho Yasuda: In terms of characters I’d like to expand upon, definitely the cursed doll and the Miko character, I’d like to flesh out their stories. I have a clear image of how their stories end and how their journey ends but I don’t know exactly what medium would be best to tell that story. So it might be short, it might be long, I’m not too sure yet.
KRYSTAL: During the casting, was there a moment where you said to yourself, “Ah, There! There’s the voice of my main character”?
Gensho Yasuda: So I’d say yes, Akira’s- Yeah, I had an idea of what sort of acting I wanted to use for the character of Akira and then Shun Horie who played him really did an incredible job with like small nuances at the end of sentences or doing that sort of thing in bringing him to life because if you just read his dialogue, he’s not a very likeable character and yet he truly became Akira and even I think was somewhat likable and there were moments like that. That really made me think. Oh, yeah, this is this is Akira for sure.
KRYSTAL: Have you given any thought to venturing into other mediums, such as 2D animation or hand-drawn animation?
Gensho Yasuda: No, I have not. I think the reason is that people who can’t draw enter 3D; that is really why I entered. The 3D that I create look like hand-drawn and feels hand-drawn animation, and to do that, there are interesting adjustments that need to be done over and over again, and in making these adjustments, I find myself learning a little bit more skills in drawing, but that doesn’t mean I can draw anime.
You can follow Gensho Yasuda on social media here. Visit the film’s official website. I would to special thanks to KADOKAWA and the MAKE A GIRL PR team for this wonderful interview opportunity.
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After a 14-year hiatus since its original broadcast, the iconic MADE IN JAPAN cartoon anime ‘PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT‘ is making a spectacular comeback. Alongside this announcement, the teaser visual and title logo have been unveiled, and the official website, X, and Instagram accounts are now live and buzzing with excitement.
The new series, officially titled ‘New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT,‘ promises to bring back all the characters we love. The teaser visual showcases PANTY, STOCKING, BRIEF, GARTERBELT, CHUCK, and their adversaries KNEESOCKS, SCANTY, and FASTENER, all in one stylish image. The new pop and stylish logo is sure to grab your attention.
Additionaly, the main staff for the new series has been revealed, and their first talk video has been uploaded on the TRIGGER YouTube channel. In the video, director Hiroyuki Imaishi, series composition and concept planner Hiromi Wakabayashi, character designer and art director Shigeto Koyama, and character designers/animation directors SUSHiO and Masaru Sakamoto discuss the visuals and their enthusiasm for the new series.
The animation will be produced by the renowned studio TRIGGER, famous for works like ‘KILL la KILL,’ ‘PROMARE,’ and ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.’ Hiroyuki Imaishi returns as the director, with Atushi Nishigori back as the original character designer. Hiromi Wakabayashi will handle the series composition, and Shigeto Koyama, SUSHiO, and Masaru Sakamoto will lead the character design. Adding to the excitement, Yoh Yoshinari, a prominent creator at TRIGGER, will join as a special “specialist“.
Expectations are sky-high for this new project from the globally acclaimed TRIGGER. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare for an explosive return of ‘New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT’!
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The series is produced by Skydace and Japan’s Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, B: The Beginning) and written by Mattson Tomlin, who will also act as the showrunner. Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, President and CEO of Production I.G stated the following in 2021 during Netflix’s initial series announcement,
“I asked my long-time friend and colleague Mamoru Oshii what he thought about the idea of turning Terminator into an animated series. His response was “Ishikawa, are you out of your mind?” At that instant, I was confident we should get onboard. As huge fans, our team at Production I.G is putting their heart and souls into creating this series. We hope fans will enjoy it!”
In the same announcement, showrunner and writer Mattson Tomlin added,
“Anyone who knows my writing knows I believe in taking big swings and going for the heart. I’m honored that Netflix and Skydance have given me the opportunity to approach Terminator in a way that breaks conventions, subverts expectations and has real guts.”
According to Stephan Lee, writing for Netflix, Terminator Zero will exist within the Terminator universe but will focus on brand new characters.
2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.
Caught between the future and this past is a soldier sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity. As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.
The canon timeline for the anime series has not been officially stated. There is no official confirmation regarding when or where the events of the anime will take place in relation to the films.
When will it be released?
On Judgment Day, August 29th, 2024. Of course, as revealed in the first 1991 film, Judgment Day is on August 29th, 1997.
The direction of this anime series and its connection with the films remains to be seen. Will it align with each movie in the franchise, or will some or all be excluded? Only time will provide the answer. What we do know is that the series will consist of 8 Episodes written by Mattson Tomlin and directed by Japanese animator Masashi Kudo, best known for his work in the hit anime series BLEACH.
After months of anticipation, Spy x Family CODE: White debuts in theaters worldwide! Preceding its release, Crunchyroll hosted a red-carpet event to commemorate the English dub premiere of the series’ first film. On April 11, fans and celebrities gathered at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles to witness the beloved Forger family on the big screen, joined by voice talent: Alex Organ (Loid), Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor), Tyler Walker (Bond), Anthony Bowling (Franky), Tyson Rinehart (Luca), Phil Parson (Domitri), and Lindsay Seidel (Nightfall), with additional attendance by actors Dara Reneé, Emery Kelly, Max Ehrich and Zeno Robinson; rapper 24kGoldn; musician Kim Dracula; model, singer, actor and producer Skye Aurelia; and content creators Billy Yue, Jacki Jing, Nicewigg, Neekolul, Izzy Kento, Magdaline Janet and Stella Chu.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) Tyson Rinehart, Anthony Bowling, Tyler Walker, Phil Parsons, Megan Shipman, Alex Organ, Natalie Van Sistine, Cris George, and Lindsay Seidel attend World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)
We had the thrilling opportunity to attend and view the film firsthand, and we are eager to share the excitement surrounding it!
Spy x Family CODE: White
When Loid faces a critical directive: his role in Operation Strix is slated for replacement and with it entire Forger family. Determined to maintain his position, he embarks on a mission to assist Anya in winning a cooking competition at her school to win a Stella Star and earn him one step closer to his objective; Donovan Desmond. Under the guise of a family vacation, the Forgers embark on a journey to seek the principal’s favorite dessert. However, their seemingly harmless quest sets off a series of events that threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of peace and ignite a full-blown conflict between the two nations.
The Forgers In Action On The Big Screen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: A general view of atmosphere at World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)
Spy x Family is a series I enjoy a lot with its unique concept, storytelling, and loveable characters. Watching the film on the big screen in theaters felt different. The animation is what I would expect from the likes of Wit Studio and Cloverworks; clean and detailed. Its production showcases the high-quality animation that WitStudios and Cloverworks are known for. Fans can look forward to the film knowing it got the seal of approval by having Tatsuya Endo serve as the production supervisor, ensuring the film stayed true to the Spy x Family series.
The action scenes for Loid and especially for Yor’s fighting scenes, were animated with high attention to detail, allowing the audience to enjoy the thrill of the fight. In contrast, there were a lots of heartwarming moments between the Forgers as they enjoyed their little family “vacation”.
While the series balanced action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, the movie felt like it leaned towards the comedic aspect of the Spy x Family series. There wasn’t a time within the movie when the audience was not bursting with laughter. The family’s secrecy about each other’s identity and intentions often led to hilarious misunderstandings between Loid and Yorn. We also can’t forget about the mischievous Anya, who basically launched the film’s storyline through her innocent but troublesome methods.
Family Stays Together
I’ve always been excited to see how the Forgers grow not just as individuals but also as a family with every season. It’s one of the things I enjoy watching in Spy x Family. The movie also focuses on that theme and emphasizes it a lot throughout. It was quite prominent compared to what I saw during the series. Each character played a certain role that led to them being one step closer to learning what a family is.
Loid, who never had a family and created the Forgers specifically for the mission, is still learning what family is and what it means to be one. We could see Loid express his confusion about the meaning of family and why he desires to protect the family even though it’s fake. Yor, who has her little brother, Yuri, became sort of like a guide for Loid, guiding him on what a family means based on her experience. Anya, who wanted a family of her own, kept the family together in her Anya-like way and was the reason that Loid was acting more like a father of the family and learning what it means to be one.
First Time Watching In English Dub
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor) and Alex Organ (Loid) | (Photo by Krystal Kitsune/TKN)
This was my first time watching Spy x Family in English, and it was an interesting experience. I am more of a Japanese dub fan and watch most of my anime series in English sub, including Spy x Family. Listening to the English dub cast was different from watching the English sub, perhaps because I can understand the Japanese version and am already used to their voice actors.
Although there were a couple of times when I cringed at some of the lines they said in the English dub, the English voice cast did a fantastic job voicing their characters, very fitting. Being able to understand them even made the whole movie much funnier than I anticipated.
Conclusion
Packed with action, thrills, and comedy, Spy x Family CODE: White is what you would expect to see in a Spy x Family movie. I love seeing how the Forgers grow as a family as they navigate their way on what it means to be one. The movie might have even given us a glimpse or even an idea that we might see in the series in the future. We won’t know this for sure since the series only has two seasons so far. If you’re a manga reader, then you might have already gotten some foresight into how the Forgers act as a family. As for those of us who only watch anime, it will be a while before you get to see some family development in possible future seasons. Until then, the movie is great for anyone who wants to see more of the Forgers and scratch that itch until a new season is announced.
Spy x Family CODE: White is now in theaters, get your tickets now!Can’t get enough? Check out our YouTube Channel, and watch my interviews with the English dub cast of Spy x Family at the red-carpet premiere!
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GKIDS, known for bringing beloved animated films to North American audiences, is thrilled to share the exciting news: Studio Ghibli’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON,” has clinched the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. This victory marks a significant achievement for the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, who adds yet another Oscar to his collection after his groundbreaking “Spirited Away” triumph in 2003. Miyazaki, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, received well-deserved recognition at the 2014 Governors Awards for their exceptional contributions to cinema.
“Spirited Away” and “THE BOY AND THE HERON” are the only hand-drawn films to secure this honor since the category’s inception in 2002. This win also signifies the first Oscar triumph for producer Toshio Suzuki, adding to Studio Ghibli’s impressive track record, which boasts seven nominations and two wins.
For GKIDS, this win is particularly sweet, marking their first victory after an impressive 13 nominations in the Best Animated Feature category. Their journey began in 2010 with “The Secret of Kells” and includes notable titles like “Ernest & Celestine,” “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,” and “Wolfwalkers.”
“THE BOY AND THE HERON” has not only broken records as GKIDS’ highest-grossing release but is also Studio Ghibli’s top-earning film in North America, with over $46 million at the box office and the highest-grossing original Japanese animated film domestically. To celebrate, GKIDS plans a re-release across North American theaters later this month.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, presenting from the Dolby Theater, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Miyazaki and Suzuki, who remained in Japan. Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima conveyed producer Toshio Suzuki’s heartfelt appreciation backstage in Los Angeles,
“As producer of The Boy and the Heron, I am extremely honored to receive the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Academy. I would also like to give my thanks to those who were involved in the production of this film, and to all those who worked to distribute the film worldwide. This film began with director Hayao Miyazaki retracting his retirement statement. Following that, we spent seven years in the production of this work. It has been ten years since Hayao Miyazaki’s previous film, The Wind Rises, during which time there have been dramatic changes in the environment surrounding films. This film was truly difficult to bring to completion. I am very appreciative that the work that was created after overcoming these difficulties has been seen by so many people around the world, and that it has received this recognition. Both Hayao Miyazaki and I have aged a considerable amount. I am grateful to receive such an honor at my age, and taking this as a message to continue our work, I will devote myself to work harder in the future. Thank you very much.”
– Toshio Suzuki via Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima
In response to this landmark win, GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman and President David Jesteadt expressed gratitude to the Academy and Studio Ghibli, reflecting on their longstanding partnership and dedication to bringing masterful animation to worldwide audiences.
With the passing of founder Isao Takahata in 2018, Miyazaki and Suzuki remain the driving forces behind Studio Ghibli’s legacy. Their combined efforts have garnered numerous Oscar nominations, solidifying their place in animation history.
GKIDS’ impact on cinema extends beyond Studio Ghibli, introducing audiences to a diverse array of master filmmakers from around the world. From Mamoru Hosoda to Makoto Shinkai, their catalog showcases the artistry and storytelling prowess of animation.
“THE BOY AND THE HERON” made waves internationally, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out screenings and rave reviews. It has since garnered accolades from BAFTA, Golden Globe, and various critics’ associations. Adding to the excitement, the film’s IMAX debut and its star-studded English-language version continue to captivate audiences worldwide, proving once again the timeless appeal and artistic excellence of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
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The legacy of Code Geass continues to captivate fans as a thrilling new chapter unfolds! Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, the brand new anime film set to release May 2024. This latest addition, first announced in December 2020, promises to reignite the fervor surrounding the beloved franchise.
Scheduled for a theatrical release in four parts starting from May 2024, the anime project unveiled exciting details, including the cast lineup and theme song. Cast members include, Kohei Amasaki takes on the role of Rozé, with Makoto Furukawa as Ashe.
Adding to the excitement, MIYAVI, the globally recognized guitarist known for his unique “slap guitar” style, is gearing up to release his latest song, “Running In My Head,” on May 8, 2024. The track will serve as the theme song for the eagerly anticipated anime filmCode Geass: Roze of the Recapture, and promises to be a treat for fans of both MIYAVI’s music and those eagerly awaiting the return of the Code Geass series.
Having already performed the song live, MIYAVI’s “Running In My Head” boasts an electrifying up-tempo rock vibe, characterized by his signature powerful guitar riffs. Fans can also look forward to a specially drawn anime CD jacket accompanying the single release, the illustration is yet to be released by Mood Records
Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, the latest installment in the beloved Code Geass franchise, is set for a four-part release starting in May 2024. The most recent teaser trailer for the film features a snippet of “Running In My Head,”.
In addition to his involvement with the anime film, MIYAVI has also announced his upcoming studio album, “Lost In Love, Found In Pain.” and his digital single “Broken Fantasy / Tragedy Of Us” is now available, featuring two captivating tracks to tide fans over until the release of “Running In My Head.”
Set in the visually captivating world crafted by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi, this new installment is directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi at studio Sunrise with scriptwriting by Noboru Kimura, while new character designs by CLAMP. Animation by Takahiro Kimura and Hidekazu Shimamura.
GKIDS the renowned producer and distributor celebrated for bringing captivating animation from diverse corners of the world to audiences, has unveiled a teaser featuring insights from Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. In this interview, Suzuki delves into the visionary mind of Hayao Miyazaki, shedding light on Miyazaki’s latest creation, “The Boy and the Heron,” and offering glimpses into the future landscape of animation.
Video content created by GKIDS
“The Boy and the Heron” recently won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, adding to its accolades with a nomination for Best Original Score. The film has garnered further acclaim with nominations at the British Academy Film and Television Awards and the Critic’s Choice Awards, while also vying for recognition in multiple categories at the Producers Guild Awards, Art Directors Guild Awards, Cinema Audio Society Awards, and the ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards.
The international debut of “The Boy and the Heron” was a landmark event, serving as the Opening Night Gala of the 48th Toronto International Film Festival. The demand for tickets was unprecedented, with all five screenings at TIFF selling out rapidly. Following its success in Toronto, the film continued to captivate audiences worldwide, with premieres in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. These screenings, held at esteemed venues such as the New York Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival, further solidified its global appeal.
The film has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, winning Best Animated Feature at numerous prestigious award events, including those presented by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, New York Film Critics Circle, Chicago Film Critics Association, and many others across various regions such as San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, San Diego, Philadelphia, Dallas Ft. Worth, Florida, New Mexico, and Greater Western New York.
This hand-drawn animated masterpiece marks Miyazaki’s return to the director’s chair after a decade, featuring an original story crafted and directed by the master himself. Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki led the production serving as the film’s producer. The musical score was created by Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator, Joe Hisaishi, who worked on Studio Ghibli titles such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, to mention a few. Furthermore, the captivating theme song “Spinning Globe” is performed by the acclaimed J-pop sensation Kenshi Yonezu, adding another layer of allure to this cinematic experience.
Photo by Kazuhei Kimura
The English dubbed version of the film, features the voices of renowned star-studded English language cast, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. It’s worth noting that the English language dub was created in compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.
GKIDS takes charge of distributing Studio Ghibli’s renowned collection across North America, ensuring these beloved classics reach audiences through theaters, home video, digital, and streaming platforms. GKIDS also promotes recent releases like “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya” and “When Marnie Was There,” alongside beloved favorites such as “From Up on Poppy Hill.”
Since 2017, GKIDS has organized Ghibli Festannually, a nationwide celebration showcasing Studio Ghibli films in over 800 theaters. This year’s festival highlights the unmatched cinematic legacy of Hayao Miyazaki, inviting audiences to delve into the timeless wonders of his storytelling prowess.
Additionally, GKIDS is the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions.
One Piece Film RED English Cast at AiFF 2022
Dir. Jane Wu and producers Michael Green & Amber Noizumi at AiFF 2023 | Photo Credit, John Salangsang for AIF
Mamoru Hosoda at Animation is Film Festival 2021 in Hollywood, CA
For more information on The Boy and Heron, visit GKIDS.com | Subscribe to our articles, and don’t miss upcoming, exclusive content!
Hazbin Hotel, the eagerly awaited series by Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop), has finally arrived, bringing joy to long-time fans. Collaborating with colleagues from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Vivienne dedicated almost two years (2017-2019) to bringing the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode to life. Prior to the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode, Vivienne gained recognition through the animated music video “Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video,” featuring Ke$ha’s song. This newfound recognition helped Vivienne with her early career and later assisted in the success of Hazbin Hotel.
Screenshot of Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video
Released on October 13, 2019, the pilot episode received acclaim for its originality in story and artistic direction, quickly going viral. This success led to the spin-off series “Helluva Boss,” premiering on November 25, 2019.
In 2020, film production companies A24, SpindleHorse Toons, and Bento Box Entertainment took over the production of Hazbin Hotel. However, some changes occurred, including a new cast and redesigned main characters. The series was initially set for a summer 2023 release but faced a delay due to the 2023 strike. A new release date was announced in late September 2023, revealing an Amazon Prime Video premiere, and it was revealed that the now 4-year-old pilot episode would be canon to the series.
The highly anticipated series had its Los Angeles premiere in Culver City on Wednesday, January 17th. Cast members, including Vivienne Medrano, Stephanie Beatriz, Erika Henningsen, and Amir Talai, attended the event, marking a significant moment for the Hazbin Hotel fandom. A Q&A, moderated by Joseph Deckelmeier, was held after screening the first three episodes with the aforementioned cast members and series creator Vivienne Medrano.
Given the success of both “Helluva Boss” and “Hazbin Hotel,” what lies ahead for Vivienne? Could an animated theatrical film be in the works? While that remains uncertain, one thing is clear – we’re all in for one HELL of a ride!
The following are highlights from the Q&A
Joseph Deckelmeier: How does it feel coming into a show that already has such a fan base that’s so strong and hardcore? Is that a little intimidating to step into?
Admir (Alastor VA): It’s funny. I had absolutely no idea until I was well into recording it. [. . .] I auditioned, thinking it would be fun. When I saw the scripts, I thought, “Yes, this is great.” It wasn’t until later, with the new voice actors announcement, that I realized it might be a big deal. Like being the new Batman, it’s definitely intimidating but exciting.
Joseph Deckelmeier: What were your first thoughts when you saw your characters rendered?
Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): We haven’t discussed this, but I love the throwback-y sailor Moon-y coquette bow, the skirt, and the stockings- I mean, some of my earliest queer awakenings were watching Sailor Moon at, like, 05:00 a.m. I remember watching it being like, some of these girls are gay, so I just love that it’s there, that’s like a little touchstone of it. I just absolutely adore it.
Joseph Deckelmeier: One thing that really stuck out to me was the chemistry that everybody had. It is incredible the way it seems like they play off each other, but they didn’t record together, so what was it that you found in the post-production process to kind of cultivate and create that chemistry amongst the cast?
Vivienne Medrano (series creator): I know what it was, the voice director. Richard Horvitz, and I have been working together for a while. He understands my taste and knows what I want, almost reading my mind for an amazing direction. During the pandemic recordings, he would read with everybody, retaining the essence of each performance. This makes a significant difference, and I’ve witnessed many actors express how much it helps them emotionally connect with the scenes.
Joseph Deckelmeier: The heart of this show is really Charlie and Maggie’s relationship. Can you guys talk about how we see that relationship explored throughout the course of season one? ‘
Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): One beautiful aspect of this series is its exploration of redemption, questioning if it’s possible to redeem a soul from hell to heaven and whether change is achievable. Sometimes, when you fall in love, you don’t really understand that you’re deserving of that love. You don’t really believe that you are the kind of person that somebody else could be in love with. When considering their (Charlie & Vaggie) relationship, they reflect the uncertainty of feeling deserving of love. Falling in love can reveal one’s true self, and in their case, they don’t seek to change each other, embracing each other’s baggage. Vaggie’s goal is to support her partner’s dreams, raising questions about love, redemption, and self-worth.
Before releasing the Hazbin Hotel pilot episode, we had the opportunity to interview Vivenne during Anime Expo 2019, before we knew what the future held for The Hazbin Hotel!
More recently, we had the opportunity to interview Edward Bosco, the original voice of The Radio Demon, Alastor. Discover what has happened since the pilot episode, why Edward is not returning for the series, and more in our exclusive audio interview! (Giveaway opportunity towards the end!)
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