GKIDS today dropped its limited release schedule and official U.S. teaser trailer for Lupin the IIIRD: The Movie – The Immortal Bloodline, the anime icon’s first full feature-length, 2D-animated cinema outing in almost 30 years. Announced via the studio-distributor’s social feeds, the pic will offer an entertaining heist to theater patrons from January 4-6, presented in Japanese with English-language subtitles.
Synopsis: After fending off a series of skilled assassins, gentleman thief Lupin III and his band of allies follow a strange invitation to an uncharted island. When their plane is shot down, the gang is stranded and soon hunted by the island’s inhabitants, past enemies, and a monstrous immortal being known as Muom, who threatens to destroy Lupin’s legacy. As a deadly toxic fog settles over them, Lupin must confront his greatest enemy in his most daring escapade yet.
Director Takeshi Koike returns to the Lupin the IIIrd franchise after six years with his latest take on Monkey Punch’s original manga, described as a blend of stylish action, classic pulpy tones and exhilarating sci-fi. Koike previously helmed Lupin III’s previously exploits The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Jigen’s Gravestone, Goemon’s Blood Spray and Fujiko Mine’s Lie. He is rejoined by returning franchise screenwriter Yūya Takahashi, composer James Shimoji and creative adviser Katsuhito Ishii.
For this installment, Ainosuke Kataoka (Cells at Work!, Kingdom 3 & 4) and Aoi Morikawa (Ninja the Monster, Love and Lies) join the cast as Muom and Sarifa, the mysterious girl who serves him, respectively. The Japanese voice cast is led by returning stars Kan’ichi Kurita as Lupin III, Akio Otsuka as Jigen Daisuke, Daisuke Namikawa as Ishikawa Goemon, Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujiko Mine and Koichi Yamadera as Inspector Zenigata.
The Immortal Bloodline is produced by TMS Entertainment, with animation production by Telecom Animation Film. The theme song “The IIIrd Eye” is performed by J-rockers B’z. The film was released in Japan by Toho Next on June 27, earning ~$909,500 in its first three days.
[Sources: GKIDS, Anime News Network]