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, 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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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 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.com, GhibliFest.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):
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
DigiMuseum showcasing various artwork from the Digmon TCG
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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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.
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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 Stagewas 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.
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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
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!
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Toei Company Ltd. announced on Tuesday the passing of the company’s president and CEO, Osamu Tezuka (not to be confused with the manga artist of the same name). Tezuka, born on March 1, 1960, died at the age of 62. Tezukaoined Toei on April 1983, marking 40 years at the company, and in June 2012, he became a board member. In 2016, he was promoted to managing director, president, and ultimately, CEO in June 2020.
Toei announced that current managing director and chairman Noriyuki Tada would take on the role of president in light of Tezuka’s passing. Tezuka’s close relatives will hold a private burial, and a memorial ceremony is planned for later.
In the wake of Bridget’s popularity, since her appearance in Guilty Gear Strive, demand for Bridget goods have been skyrocketing. Some GGST Bridget goods are unfortunately only available in Japan. However, in recent announcements, this will no longer be the case. Here some current Bridget products that may be available for preorder soon.
Let’s start off with the Bridget plushie! Popular anime manufacturing company, Good Smile Company announced an upcoming Bridget Plushie, which currently available to pre-order here.
According to the preorder page, the plush measures about 7.87in in height and it’s mostly made of Polyester. The plush is set to be released some time in August of this year. Additionally, anime figure manufacturing company Max Factory announced their Bridget PVC which will be part of GSC’s POP UP PARADE series. According to Max Factory’s official Twitter account, the new Bridget figure is currently on display at the Wonder Festival 2023 in Chiba, Japan.
For those who are interested in Nendoroids, a Bridget nendoroid is also currently in the works at GSC!
Anime figure brand Spiritale, also announced a PVC Bridget figure prototype, and shared the photos via twitter.
Although there no official set release date, you can get more updates via their website, spiritale.jp. Finally, Kotobukiya also announced plans for an upcoming PVC figure, which will feature Bridget’s iconic move “Me and My Killing Machine”.
Demand for Bridget merchandise came after Bridget’s return to the Guilty Gear series made headlines in FGC. Bridget had been in a GG game for nearly a decade. Adding to the hype was a scene in GGST in which Bridget self-identifies as a woman, making Bridget one of the few Transgender characters to be featured in a popular fighting game.
These are only a few of the many Bridget goods on the way this year, keep your eye out online and twitter for more announcements from manufacturing companies like GSC, Kotobukiya, Max Factory and the like. There’s no official release date for most of the mentioned products, however you can find more information about the product and updates on their respective sites or social media accounts: