Toei Animation Inc. and Crunchyroll have announced that they have reached an agreement for the theatrical distribution in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for Gorō Taniguchi’s One Piece Film: Red, the upcoming 15th feature film released for the beloved and long-running series. The release of the film in these regions is set to happen in fall 2022 after its release date in Japan on 6 August.
The upcoming anime, based on the One Piece manga series, will debut in theatres later this fall, around the same time as the 23rd anniversary of the One Piece saga. Crunchyroll has agreed to distribute the movie theatrically in both dubbed and subtitle variants.
“We’re excited to bring One Piece Film: Red to theaters around the world this fall,” said Toei Animation Inc. CEO and president Masayuki Endo. “This new film from creator Eiichiro Oda will truly captivate fans in a thrilling new adventure with the Straws Hats that features the debut of Uta – a mysterious new character in the world of One Piece.”
“One Piece has been a cornerstone on Crunchyroll, delighting fans around the world. We’re thrilled to bring audiences the next adventure in this global franchise, and the adventure with a new stand-alone story in theaters,” said Crunchyroll senior VP of global commerce Mitchel Berger.
Here’s the official synopsis: Uta —the most beloved singer in the world. Renowned for concealing her own identity when performing, her voice has come to be described as ‘otherworldly.’ Now, for the first time ever, Uta will introduce herself to the world at a live concert. As the venue fills with all kinds of Uta fans —excited pirates, the Navy watching closely, and the Straw Hats led by Luffy who simply came to enjoy her sonorous performance —the voice that the whole world has been waiting for is about to resound. The story begins with the shocking fact that she is Shanks’ daughter.
Series creator and mangaka Eiichiro Oda serves as an executive producer on the film. The screenplay for the upcoming film is written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa (One Piece Film: Gold) and has Code Geass director Goro Taniguchi set to return in that role.
More details about One Piece Film: Red will be revealed at Anime Expo on 2 July in Los Angeles.
