Monkey News - Lupin the First goes global
Welcome to Monkey News, your weekly news update for everything Lupin III.
This weeks news has been a rollercoaster ride. We have stories regarding the air date for Lupin III: The First in North America, the U.K. and Mexico, however due to COVID-19 and the climbing number of infections and restrictions, the situation is changing rapidly.
Over the couple of days I have spent writing this article, updates regarding the temporary closure of hundreds of cinemas across the globe have been in the news, and it is looking like showings may be cancelled at short notice.
Please keep in mind that the information here may become out-of-date rather quickly as a result of that, and if you are planning on watching the film, ensure you check your local cinema’s official website before making the trip.
U.S. and U.K. cinema closures may affect Lupin III: The First
Cinema chains across North America and the U.K. are set to close temporarily until 2021.
The news comes hot off the delays of the latest 007 James Bond and Dune films, both of which were originally slated for this Autumn and are now penciled in for 2021. As a result, more major film releases are likely to follow the same path, meaning that viewership numbers are likely to plummet.
In attempt to save costs and prevent the spread of the virus, Regal Cinemas, Cineworld, Picturehouse, Odeon and more are either limiting opening hours or closing up shop entirely until later next year.
This will of course mean cancellations for Lupin III: The First in North America when it begins airing next week, and potentially also in both Mexico and in the United Kingdom (more information on both of these below). The film will still be airing across France from tomorrow, Wednesday the 7th of October 2020.
If you have booked at ticket at any of the affected cinemas, we encourage you to check the terms and conditions and seek a refund or alternative. The film will be hitting streaming services later this year - however it is incredibly unfortunate what is happening to cinema at the moment, and very sad to see.
Lupin III: The First premieres in the U.K. this November!
The first feature-length 3DCG Lupin III film is scheduled to make its theatrical debut this November in the United Kingdom.
The film will be headed to Scotland as part of the annual Loves Animation film event, which is holding a special Lupin celebration for its 2020 line-up! The film is to show in Edinburgh on Saturday 7th November / Sunday 8th November, Glasgow on Saturday 14th November and Aberdeen on 16:30, Saturday 7th November.
All showings will feature the Japanese language dub with English subtitles. Despite its upcoming release in North America this October, there is no sign of the GKIDS Films English language dub coming to the U.K. as part of this run.
The limited showings and COVID-19 based theatre restrictions will mean that tickets are likely going to be difficult to get - we’re aiming to attend the premiere in Edinburgh, however there is no guarantee we can obtain tickets! Further national lockdown restrictions may mean the event is altered at the last minute too - fingers crossed the showings go ahead as planned.
Resident animation expert Jonathan Clements will be attending the premiere in Edinburgh for a brief talk regarding the film. If you cannot attend - not to worry, as Jonathan has also uploaded a blog post that shares some background on the series, and lots of little insights on the film itself - no doubt two things he hopes to cover as part of his talk.
Unfortunately, as Loves Animation is a Scottish based event, there appears to be no current plans to release the film in theatres across England, Wales or Ireland.
More Lupin III is coming to streaming platform Screen Anime in the U.K!
In addition to the Lupin III: The First announcement detailed above, LovesAnimation have also revealed that they will be bringing a wide selection of Lupin animated films to streaming platform Screen Anime in the United Kingdom!
Available only in the U.K. and Ireland, users can sign up for a digital entry pass into Screen Anime for £3.98/mo or £39.98/yr.
There is already plenty of content on show over at Screen Anime, however fans can expect to see the following Lupin III themed additions starting from 14:00 on Sunday the 25th of October:
Lupin III: The Secret of Mamo
Lupin III vs. Detective Conan: The Movie
Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - Jigen's Gravestone
Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - Goemon's Blood Spray
Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - Fujiko's Lie
Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - TV series
This is fantastic news for those living in the U.K, as despite Prime Video picking up a few recent releases, The Castle of Cagliostro being on Netflix and AllTheAnime holding the rights to both Part IV and Part 5, the Lupin franchise is often unrepresented here.
We can only hope more Lupin III content is added to Screen Anime in future, and we thank Loves Animation for the huge support they have given the franchise in the U.K. this year!
Lupin III: The First is also coming to Mexico this October!
The much anticipated 3D outing is also due to release in Mexico, starting from the 15th of October, 2020!
The film is expected to hit with a complete Spanish language dub, and will be shown for a limited time across theatres.
TMS are certainly seeing the worldwide appeal for the film, and it is great so many around the world are getting to appreciate it - we hope our pals in Mexico enjoy it, there is not long left to wait!
The first issue of animascope features Lupin III: The First!
French publication Animascope is all set to launch its first ever issue, and what better way to do it than with an exclusive feature on Lupin III: The First?
The magazine which will be published in the French language only is set to hit digital and physical news stands later this month. An issue costs around €10 and is jam packed with plenty of news, features and articles covering the world of 2D and 3D animation.
The film itself is still set for release in France tomorrow, from October the 7th, 2020, with advertisements currently going up all over Paris.
Viva Lupin III!
