Monkey News: Viva l'Italia!
Welcome to Monkey News, your weekly news update for everything Lupin III.
This edition is a bit of a roller coaster ride. Due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, we wish for all the Lupin fans across the globe stay safe and remain in good health.
Lupin III: The First premieres in Italy, then is swiftly delayed due to surge in COVID-19 cases!
Photo courtesy of Guido Frazzini
The first ever feature length Lupin III series 3DCG film, Lupin III: The First has premiered in Italy!
The localisation has a full Italian language dub, including returning voice talent such as Stefano Onofri as Lupin, Rodolfo Bianchi as Inspector Zenigata, Alessandro Maria D'errico as Daisuke Jigen and many more.
Check out a quick recap video from the opening event via Koch Media below, and see if you can recognise any familiar faces of the Lupin III super-fans in attendance!
To offset this exciting news, a wider release of the film in Italy has been postponed.
Lupin III: The First was originally scheduled to hit cinemas across the country from February 27th, however ongoing fears of spreading the COVID-19 virus in Italy has affected group events - with the cancellation of large scale public gatherings such as museum tours and cinema screenings.
Koch Media Italy posted the below statement on Twitter on Monday, which confirms the film’s release will be delayed until further notice - for the safety of audience members and staff.
"We regret to inform you that due to the current situation unfolding in our country, the release of Lupin III: The First has been postponed. We will notify you of the new release date as soon as possible!"
- Koch Media Italy
Further updates regarding the wider release of the film are likely to drop in the coming weeks, however, please keep in mind that this is entirely dependent on the situation regarding the virus. The potential outbreak is still in its infancy, and officials are doing all they can to help contain it.
As disappointing as this news may be, public safety is of first and foremost importance. The film is coming - we just have to wait a little longer! We hope everyone stays healthy and safe.
Hirotaka Marufuji doodles again!
Artwork by Hirotaka Marufuji, posted via Twitter
Hirotaka Marufuji, lead character designer from the 2019 TV specials Goodbye Partner and Prison of the Past has completed a new Lupin themed art piece!
Marafuji’s latest sketch shows a more mature looking Lupin, donning his famous green jacket from the original TV series, Part I.
Clearly a fan of the show, the designer and director has posted various different art pieces of Lupin and the gang via his Twitter account. It is always great to see his art, and fans will no doubt appreciate the work he has done on the previous TV specials.
While it is unclear whether Marufuji will remain involved in the production of animated Lupin features, it is safe to say we will no doubt be seeing more of him via social media. Keep up the good work, Mr. Marufuji!
USJ Inspector Zenigata meets his biggest (smallest) fan!
This is guaranteed to be the cutest video you will have seen all week.
The above video, captured by Twitter user ura____ur shows the Universal Studio’s Japan actor of Inspector Zenigata meeting a young fan. Completely in character, the bumbling Inspector fails to acknowledge the aptly dressed fans request for a high five - and instead pats them on the head, ending encounter with a strong salute!
The Universal Studio’s Japan Lupin attraction has featured at the park in Osaka since January this year and will soon come to a close. The actors and actresses have all done a fantastic job at representing the cast and at staying in character throughout their time in the park.
You can read up on more details from Universal Studio’s by checking out our news posts here and here. Both include photos and video footage from the event.
