A new chapter in anime-themed entertainment is set to arrive in Southern California as Universal Studios Hollywood announces the debut of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe, an original Japanese CG anime short film, as part of its upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights event.
The experience will run on select nights from April 23 through May 16, offering fans a limited-time opportunity to step into the world of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon through a cinematic and interactive showcase.
A New Sailor Moon Story Comes to Life
Originally introduced as part of Universal Studios Japan’s “Cool Japan” initiative, the CG anime short will make its U.S. debut inside the DreamWorks Theatre. The presentation will feature Japanese audio with English subtitles and center on Super Sailor Moon as she faces a new enemy seeking the Legendary Silver Crystal.
Guests will be immersed in a story-driven experience that blends animation with audience engagement, encouraging viewers to support Sailor Moon as she battles to restore peace to the Moon Palace.
Universal Fan Fest Nights Expands Anime and Pop Culture Offerings
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event designed to celebrate fandom across anime, gaming, film, and television. The event features immersive environments, live entertainment, cosplay opportunities, themed food and merchandise, and character interactions.
Alongside the Sailor Moon attraction, the 2026 lineup includes a wide range of experiences:
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show — A live-action stage production inspired by the globally popular anime, featuring action-packed performances and fan-favorite characters.
The addition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe underscores the continued global expansion of anime as a central pillar in themed entertainment. By bringing a Japan-originated experience to U.S. audiences, Universal Studios Hollywood is further bridging international fandoms through immersive storytelling.
As anime continues to grow in popularity worldwide, events like Universal Fan Fest Nights highlight how franchises such as Sailor Moon are evolving beyond the screen—offering fans new ways to engage with beloved characters and stories in real-world environments.
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The multimedia franchise HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- is expanding the boundaries of anime exhibition with the release of Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle Interactive Movie, a feature-length production that allows audiences to determine the outcome of its central rap battles in real time.
Launched in 2017 by King Records as a character-driven rap music project, Hypnosis Mic evolved into a cross-platform property spanning CDs, manga, stage adaptations and the television anime Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle: Rhyme Anima. Set in a dystopian future where traditional weapons are banned, territorial disputes are resolved through lyrical combat using “Hypnosis Mics,” devices that amplify the psychological force of rap.
Within the narrative, divisions representing Tokyo districts compete under the authority of the Party of Words, a female-led governing body. Each team blends distinct musical styles with character-driven storylines centered on identity, rivalry and personal history. Prominent divisions include Buster Bros!!! (Ikebukuro), MAD TRIGGER CREW (Yokohama), Fling Posse (Shibuya) and Matenro (Shinjuku).
The interactive film marks the franchise’s most experimental installment to date. Rather than presenting a fixed narrative, the production integrates live audience voting at key battle moments. Viewers cast ballots via the CtrlMovie mobile application, and the story branches according to the majority decision in the theater.
According to production information from Polygon Pictures and Kino Industries, the film contains five voting sequences per screening, resulting in 48 possible narrative paths and seven distinct endings. U.S. listings indicate a runtime of 106 minutes.
The model builds upon Hypnosis Mic’s history of fan participation. Previous real-world Division Rap Battle tournaments have incorporated voting systems tied to CD sales and digital campaigns. By embedding collective decision-making directly into the cinematic structure, the interactive movie formalizes that participatory ethos on the big screen.
Industry observers note that the film arrives as studios explore new theatrical incentives amid the dominance of streaming platforms. By combining concert-style performance energy with branching narrative design, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle Interactive Movie blurs the distinction between spectator and participant.
Voting Guide
Our Interactive Cinema Experience
We had an opportunity to attend a screening of Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle this week at Regal L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. Our familiarity with the HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- franchise was limited however, knowing the film was designed as an interactive experience heightened our anticipation and curiosity about how the format would function in practice.
Regal L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles
The screening opened with a QR code on the theater screen that prompted viewers to download the CtrlMovie app, which is used for real-time voting. After that brief setup, the film introduced each character and division, giving newcomers a clear overview of the competing teams. The opening sequence ended with a performance of “Hypnosis Mic -Division Battle Anthem-” by Division All Stars, setting the tone for the Final Division Rap Battle at the center of the story.
One standout element was the English-language master of ceremonies. The MC’s delivery felt energetic and authentic, adding credibility to the competitive atmosphere and reinforcing the film’s live-concert feel.
Audience participation takes place after each battle. Viewers do not decide who goes first, but once a rap showdown ends, they have about 15 seconds to vote in the app for the division they believe performed best. Each vote determines which story branch plays next. There are five total voting rounds, all leading toward a climactic final battle involving the all-female unit KOTONOHATOH.
At our screening, the audience appeared to choose what could be considered the “canonical” ending—though in a franchise built on audience choice, that idea remains flexible. Even with limited prior knowledge of the series, the experience was easy to follow and highly engaging.
15 seconds to voteOur results
The screening ended on an enthusiastic note. The immersive format and high-energy performances left us eager to revisit the film during its official run beginning Feb. 27—this time with a light stick in hand.
Achievements and Digital Collectibles
The interactive experience extends beyond the theater. The CtrlMovie app includes optional account-based tracking. Viewers who create accounts can log their voting history, unlock achievements and collect digital items tied to viewing milestones. Without an account, vote data and ending results are not saved.
This gamified retention design encourages repeat attendance and alternate route exploration, strengthening the film’s replay value and aligning with the franchise’s competitive roots.
At its core, HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- centers on the concept that language itself is a weapon. Lyrics serve as strategy, persuasion is power and self-expression determines victory. The interactive format amplifies that philosophy by granting audiences tangible influence over the narrative outcome.
While the full scope of participatory screenings has primarily launched in Japan, international interest continues to grow following the global reach of Rhyme Anima. If similar interactive infrastructure expands overseas, the project could signal a broader shift in how anime films are structured and experienced.
Trailer
For ticket information and participating theaters, readers can visit GKIDS’ official listing page.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to GKids for the screening opportunity and create this feature highlighting this unique, anime film experience. As anime continues to connect audiences worldwide, collaborations like these help bring fans closer to the voices shaping the stories they love.
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Bandai Namco Filmworks has unveiled a new promotional video and key visual for Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, marking the film’s recent theatrical release in Japan .
The newly released promotional video features the film’s ending theme, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, and is now available on the official Gundam YouTube channel, GUNDAM CHANNEL INTL. The footage highlights protagonist Hathaway Noa’s inner turmoil as he struggles to reconcile lingering feelings for Gigi Andalucia, whose growing influence and mysterious abilities increasingly shape the course of the conflict .
According to the announcement, the song was selected to underscore the emotional weight of Hathaway’s journey while amplifying the epic scale of the story. The promotional video also includes new footage spotlighting the mobile suit TX-ff104 ALYZEUS, offering a closer look at one of the film’s notable mechanical additions .
Alongside the video, Bandai Namco Filmworks released a second key visual depicting a climactic standoff set at Ayers Rock in Australia. The image captures a tense moment just before Hathaway’s XI Gundam clashes with Lane Aim’s TX-ff104 ALYZEUS, emphasizing the immediacy and intensity of the film’s central battle .
TX-ff104 ALYZEUS is described as a mobile suit developed as a temporary high-speed flight trainer for Lane Aim during the development of the Penelope. Built on a modified RX-94 mass-production Nu Gundam frame, the unit incorporates repurposed components from earlier prototype testing and utilizes a Shelf Nozzle propulsion system capable of achieving high-speed flight comparable to the Penelope despite relying on older engine technology .
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe is set in the Universal Century timeline 12 years after Char’s Rebellion and continues the story of Hathaway Noa, the secret leader of the anti-government organization MAFTY. As Hathaway prepares an attack on the Adelaide Conference, his actions intersect with those of Federation officer Kenneth Sleg and the enigmatic Gigi, whose role grows increasingly significant as events unfold .
The film is directed by Shukou Murase, with a screenplay by Yasuyuki Muto and music composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. Animation production is handled by Bandai Namco Filmworks, with theatrical distribution by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Shochiku Co., Ltd. The film opened in Japanese theaters on Jan. 30, with U.S. release details yet to be announced.
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Get ready, anime fans and baseball lovers—two passionate fandoms are colliding under the lights of Dodger Stadium! On Friday, August 15, the Los Angeles Dodgers will transform their home field into a Demon Slayer-themed celebration, complete with exclusive giveaways, themed entertainment, and a stunning drone show inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the highly anticipated film debuting this September.
As part of this epic crossover event, every fan in attendance for the Dodgers vs. Padres game at 7:10 p.m. will receive a co-branded Dodgers × Demon Slayer hat—a collectible that’s sure to ignite both team spirit and anime hype.
But the night doesn’t stop at free merch.
Fans can expect pregame and in-game promotions, a Demon Slayer activation area in Centerfield Plaza, and even a ceremonial first pitch—all leading up to a spectacular postgame drone show themed around the Infinity Castle arc. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Demon Slayer Corps soar above a baseball diamond, this is your chance.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba enjoys a following with the same kind of passion that Dodger fans bring to the ballpark,” said Lon Rosen, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer for the Dodgers. “There’s a real overlap between these two fanbases, and we’re excited to bring them together for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
This special event marks the latest in a growing wave of anime collaborations in mainstream sports—and it’s perfectly timed. The upcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle film, the first chapter of a three-part cinematic finale, hits North American theaters September 12, 2025, courtesy of Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The film plunges viewers into an all-out war within Muzan Kibutsuji’s domain, as Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the elite Hashira face their most perilous mission yet. Expect jaw-dropping animation from ufotable, intense battles, and the emotional stakes that made Demon Slayer a global phenomenon.
Whether you’re shouting “Let’s go Dodgers!” or “Breath of the Sun, First Form!”—this is a night you won’t want to miss.
For tickets and more info visit, dodgers.com. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle premieres September 12, 2025 – in theaters, IMAX®, and premium formats. Visit demonslayer-anime.com for more information.
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Baku Kinoshita and Kazuya Konomoto, the acclaimed duo behind the cult hit ODDTAXI, are set to return with a powerful new original anime film, The Last Blossom (Japanese title: HOUSENKA), scheduled to premiere in Japan in Fall 2025. Produced by CLAP Animation Studio, known for their work on Pompo: The Cinephile and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, the film will explore themes of mortality, memory, and the quiet ache of redemption.
The film has already drawn international acclaim, having been selected for the prestigious Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. It previously appeared at Annecy 2024 as a Work in Progress, with director Baku Kinoshita, producer Ryoichiro Matsuo, and concept artist Michinoku Toge offering early insight into the creative vision behind the film.
The story follows Minoru Akutsu, an elderly yakuza serving a life sentence in solitary confinement. Awaiting death in silence, he is suddenly confronted by an unlikely visitor—a talking balsam flower named Housenka. “What a pathetic life,” the flower whispers, prompting Akutsu to revisit the regrets and relationships of his past. As fragments of his life unfold, the film weaves a meditation on lost love, quiet prayers, and the delicate possibility of personal redemption.
The cast features a dual performance for the role of Akutsu. Veteran actor Kaoru Kobayashi voices the elder version of the character, while rising talent Junki Tozuka makes his voice acting debut as the younger Akutsu. Hikari Mitsushima, known for her work across acting, music, and narration, voices Nana Nagata, Akutsu’s former partner. Yoshiko Miyazaki joins the cast in a supporting role, while the enigmatic Housenka is voiced by Pierre Taki, last seen in Netflix’s Tokyo Swindlers.
Creator’s Comments
Baku Kinoshita (Director & Character Design)
The beauty of the blue sky. The brilliance of leaves kissed by sunlight. The quiet meaning behind caring for someone. This film is a reflection on beauty, transience, and the values of happiness—and how these things shape our lives. With a desire to return to the essence of living, I aimed to portray the quiet strength that lies within us as we navigate our ever-changing days. I truly hope this story reaches many people and gently resonates in their hearts.
Kazuya Konomoto (Script / Screenplay)
Even in an unrewarded life, we are free to pray. Whether those prayers will ever be answered—we may never know. But still, I wanted to believe. HOUSENKA is the story of a man who has lost the place he once called home, and the silence that lingers between him and his lover. Into that silence, a single flower quietly blooms, giving rise to words that had long withered away. Before the flower could bloom, there were countless moments of silence—and one quiet, unwavering prayer. I hope that the small certainty born at the end of that long silence and prayer will quietly plant a seed in your heart, too.
The film’s soundtrack is composed by members of the band cero, known for their genre-blending musical style. Shohei Takagi, Yu Arauchi, and Tsubasa Hashimoto bring emotional texture to the narrative with their deeply atmospheric compositions.
@ Anime Expo 2025
Heading to Anime Expo? the creators will host a panel to share exclusive insights into the film’s story and production process. If you’re looking for a first glimpse into the world of The Last Blossom, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Panel Details:
Where: LACC – Room 404AB
Date: July 4
Time: 4:15 PM – 5:05 PM
Guests: Baku Kinoshita (Director & Character Designer),Ryoichiro Matsuo (Producer),Hirofumi Ito(Producer)
The Last Blossom is a deeply introspective film that promises to resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. With its striking blend of realism, surrealism, and emotional weight, it continues the creative legacy of ODDTAXI while carving out a powerful space of its own.
Visit the official website anime-housenka.com and follow @anime_housenka on X and Instagram for the latest updates.
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2K DCP Restoration of Anno’s 1998 Live-Action Debut Hits New York and Los Angeles THIS month!
In a groundbreaking moment for anime fans and Japanese cinema enthusiasts alike, Hideaki Anno’s LOVE & POP, his first-ever live-action feature, will have its first-ever North American theatrical release. The 1998 film, originally shot with handheld digital cameras, will be presented in a newly restored 2K DCP format with technical adjustments for its upcoming screenings.
LOVE & POP will debut at the IFC Center in New York City on February 21, followed by a release at the American Cinematheque’s Los Feliz 3 in Los Angeles starting February 23, with additional cities to be announced soon.
The premiere of the new restoration took place on February 1 at New York City’s Japan Society, marking a significant step in bringing this underappreciated gem to a wider audience.
Film Synopsis:
Set in July 1997, LOVE & POP follows Tokyo schoolgirl Hiromi and her friends as they spend their summer dating older men for money. With just a cellphone in hand, Hiromi embarks on a mission to raise ¥128,000, aiming to buy an expensive topaz ring before the mall closes for the day.
Based on the novel by Ryū Murakami, LOVE & POP is a daring exploration of youth and identity from Anno, best known as the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The film’s radical approach to storytelling—filmed using handheld digital cameras, distorted lenses, and a mix of unconventional angles—offers a raw, immersive portrait of Japanese teenage life on the cusp of the 21st century. Despite being largely overlooked for years, LOVE & POP stands as a unique snapshot of a generation’s struggles with alienation and self-discovery.
Running Time: 110 minutes Theme Song: “Ano subarashii ai wo mouichido” by Asumi Miwa
LOVE & POP promises to be a visual and emotional experience for audiences, highlighting Anno’s bold approach to filmmaking before his iconic contributions to anime. Fans of his work in Evangelion will find much to appreciate in this unique live-action debut.
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MAKE A GIRL had its world premiere at the Global Stage Hollywood 2024 Film Festival on November 3rd! The new and upcoming animated film is directed by Gensho Yasuda, an independent artist and rising star in the world of Japanese animation. The film began as a crowdfunding campaign where it met its goal of 10 million yen to bring this film to life. The film is set to premiere in Japan on January 2025. I had the opportunity to watch MAKE A GIRL , ahead of its Japanese premiere, a rarity in anime.
Dir.Yasuda Gensho, and lead actress Tanezaki Atsumi, (No. 0) at the Global Stage Hollywood 2024 Film Festival | Source
Prior to watching this movie, I only knew a few bits and pieces about it and had never heard of Gensho Yasuda. The first time I heard about him and his work, was through my colleague’s interview from this year’s Anime Expo. I approached the movie with no expectations, just hoping it would be enjoyable. I must say, the movie was unexpectedly amazing!
Amazing CGI Animation
What truly surprised me about MAKE A GIRL was its CGI animation. For me, CGI-animated movies can be hit or miss, but this one was absolutely stunning. The animation was crisp, clean, and packed with detail. From the subtle character movements to the dynamic action scenes, every moment felt alive and engaging. It’s clear that an incredible amount of time and effort went into bringing this film to life. It’s been a while since I’ve seen CGI animation this impressive, and MAKE A GIRL has definitely earned a spot on my list of outstanding examples of the craft.
MAKE A GIRL is both intriguing and enjoyable. In the aforementioned interview, director Gensho Yasuda shared that the plot was inspired by the phrase “make a girlfriend” and its various interpretations. While I’m not sure if this was his original intent, I saw the plot from a different perspective. To me, the film explores the many meanings of love and what it truly means to be alive. This theme is beautifully conveyed through the interactions between Akira, the main character, and Zero, the girlfriend he creates. Their unique relationship brings depth and emotion to the story.
The movie is full of unexpected twists, especially when it comes to Akira’s backstory and the ending. The final twist ties beautifully back to the film’s opening, creating a seamless connection. Without giving too much away, there’s a key moment where characters, Zero and Akira share an emotional conversation about their relationship. I highly recommend watching this film—it truly resonated with me and brought my interpretation to life.
MAKE A GIRL is an impressive film with breathtaking CGI animation and a captivating story. Coming in with no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-thought-out the plot and characters were. The animation truly stood out—it was clean, smooth, and an absolute visual delight. As someone who doesn’t watch much CGI animation, it’s been a while since I’ve seen work this polished, making MAKE A GIRL a must-watch for anime fans.
The film set to release on January 31st of the incoming year, I highly recommend watching this movie when it gets its international debut.
This marks the first full-length theatrical project by animator Gensho Yasuda, who has amassed over 6 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms. Known for his 3D short animations, music videos, and corporate promos, Yasuda’s work has been praised both in Japan and abroad. MAKE A GIRL is a completely original story, brought to life with 100% 3DCG and described as “300% Gensho Yasuda purity.” Its success is already evident—the crowdfunding campaign exceeded its goal by 230%, showcasing Yasuda’s incredible popularity and the high anticipation for this film.
KADOKAWA describes the film as follows,
The story takes place in the near future: 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 something else?
The fascinating characters for this story are played by Atsumi Tanezaki (No. Zero), who has shown her ability to transform from one character to another in roles such as Anya in “SPY x FAMILY” and Frieren in “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”, and Shun Horie (Akira Mizutamari), who has been selected for leading roles in various popular works, including Kyoutarou Ichikawa in “The Dangers in My Heart”. Gensho Yasuda’s unpredictable super-new cyber love suspense animation is now coming to the world ──!
Read our interview with Make A Girl director, Gensho Yasuda during Anime Expo 2024 here. For more updates and information visit the film’s official website (Japanese).
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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.
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.
The highly anticipated hit film, HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle is set to serve worldwide theaters starting May 30. The film will be available in Japanese with English subtitles and dubbed in English. The film will serve as one of two films that will conclude the Haikyu series.
May 30: Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland (Italian-speaking), Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama), Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru
May 31: Canada, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States
June 7: Turkey
June 12: Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland (French-speaking)
June 25: Austria, Germany
June 27: Switzerland (German-speaking)
The film is directed and written by Susumu Mitsunaka, with an original story by Haikyu!! creator, Haruichi Furudate. It is produced by the highly acclaimed Production I.G.
Based on the original Weekly Shonen Jump manga series from Haruichi Furudate, HAIKYU!! is a slice-of-life sports anime about high school student Shoyo Hinata’s love of volleyball. Inspired by a small-statured player known as the “Little Giant,” Hinata creates a team in his last year of middle school. Unfortunately, his team is matched up against “King of the Court” Tobio Kageyama’s team in their first tournament, inevitably losing.
After the crushing defeat, Hinata vows to surpass Kageyama. Entering high school, he joins the volleyball team only to find that Tobio has also joined, making his once rival his new teammate.
TOHO Animation produces the anime series HAIKYU!! The first four seasons are currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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