Sony made a surprising appearance at CinemaCon by introducing the first ever Crunchyroll presentation. Adrian Smith, Sony’s domestic distribution chief, expressed enthusiasm about the future of the partnership with Crunchyroll. The label has surpassed expectations, and Sony is excited about what is to come.
During the presentation, Mitchel Berger, Crunchyroll’s SVP of Global Commerce, unveiled a series of new acquisitions, theatrical release dates, and teasers for upcoming features. Among the new films acquired for North America and select international markets were Blue Lock The Movie – Episode Nagi, Overlord – The Sacred Kingdom, and HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle. The latter is set to release on May 31 in North America.
Berger highlighted the massive popularity of anime worldwide, referring to it as “truly a lifestyle.” He mentioned that anime has one billion fans globally and grossed $14 billion last year, with projections of reaching $37 billion at the global box office this year. This showcases the widespread appeal and success of anime content.
Sony and Crunchyroll will be releasing HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle in North American theaters on May 31, 2024, with a rollout in offshore markets following soon after. The film, released in Japan on March 29, has already grossed over $60 million, making it one of the biggest local titles of the year. The story follows Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama as they team up to take on their rivals in an epic showdown. The film is directed by Susumu Mitsunaka from an original story by Haruichi Furudate.
Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom is the first theatrical film from the popular franchise based on light novels by Kugane Maruyama. It serves as a continuation of the series, picking up after the conclusion of season 4. The story follows Momonga, a regular salaryman who gets transported into his favorite video game. Directed by Naoyuki Ito, the film promises to captivate fans with its compelling storyline.
Overall, Sony’s presence at CinemaCon and the unveiling of new anime acquisitions demonstrate the company’s commitment to catering to diverse audiences and expanding its content offerings. The success of anime on a global scale is a testament to its enduring popularity and appeal to viewers of all ages. With exciting releases on the horizon, anime fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.