It may come as a surprise to some, but Sony made a presence at CinemaCon, albeit in a slightly unconventional manner. Sony’s domestic distribution chief, Adrian Smith, took the stage to introduce the first-ever Crunchyroll presentation at the Las Vegas exhibitor and studio conference. Despite not being a traditional Sony showcase, Smith was enthusiastic and proud of the partnership, stating that the label has exceeded their expectations and generated excitement for the future.
During the presentation, Crunchyroll’s SVP of Global Commerce, Mitchel Berger, showcased a range of new acquisitions, theatrical release dates, and teasers for upcoming features. Among the notable acquisitions 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 set to release on May 31 in North America. Additionally, Berger offered a glimpse of Spy x Family Code: White, the initial film installment of a popular TV series set to hit North American cinemas on April 19. Berger emphasized the global popularity and cultural impact of anime, mentioning the one billion fans worldwide and the significant box office revenue.
One of the highly anticipated releases is HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle, which premiered in Japan on March 29 and has already surpassed $60 million in box office earnings. The film follows Shoyo Hinata as he joins Karasuno High’s volleyball club in pursuit of emulating his idol, the “Little Giant.” Teaming up with his former middle school rival, Tobio Kageyama, they face off against Nekoma High in a thrilling showdown. Directed and written by Susumu Mitsunaka, the film has captured the hearts of both fans and critics alike.
Another noteworthy addition is Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom, the first theatrical film from the beloved franchise based on light novels by Kugane Maruyama. Set as a continuation of the series after the conclusion of season 4, the story follows Momonga, a regular salaryman transported into his favorite video game world. The film, directed by Naoyuki Ito, delves deeper into the fantastical realm and promises an immersive experience for fans.
Sony’s involvement in bringing anime content to a wider audience at CinemaCon showcases their commitment to diverse storytelling and global entertainment. With Crunchyroll’s extensive offerings and Sony’s distribution prowess, viewers can expect a slew of exciting releases and immersive experiences in the coming years. As the anime industry continues to thrive and reach new heights, collaborations like these pave the way for a dynamic and inclusive entertainment landscape.