Road Pictures Secures Theatrical Rights for Gundam Anime in China
Beijing’s renowned distributor, Road Pictures, has acquired the theatrical rights for the highly-acclaimed Japanese anime film, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning. With a planned release in China set for April, the announcement was made during the Filmart content market in Hong Kong earlier this week.
A Collaborative Milestone in Anime
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning has emerged as a landmark production within the anime community. This film marks the inaugural collaboration between Khara, the studio celebrated for the iconic Evangelion franchise, and Sunrise, the legendary studio behind the beloved Mobile Suit Gundam series. Having debuted in Japan this January, the film has already grossed over $25 million. North American audiences got a glimpse of its success with a limited release by GKIDS on February 28, which garnered an impressive $1.2 million.
Road Pictures: Leading the Anime Distribution in China
Road Pictures has effectively positioned itself as a leading distributor of Japanese anime in China’s competitive theatrical landscape. The company’s strategy has proven fruitful, with anime releases increasingly outperforming blockbuster Hollywood films in the region. Notably, in 2023, Road Pictures oversaw two of the highest-grossing imported films at the Chinese box office: Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume, which amassed $110 million (RMB 808 million), and The First Slam Dunk from Toei Animation, generating $90 million (RMB 660 million).
Additionally, the company has broadened its reach into the anime merchandise sector, launching approximately 40 anime-themed stores throughout China. This expansion has allowed Road Pictures to estimate that it markets and distributes around 70% of the Japanese animated films released in China each year. In 2024, an impressive 20 out of 93 foreign films imported into China were Japanese titles, highlighting the growing influence of anime.
Capitalizing on a Thriving Animation Market
With interest in animated features soaring in China, particularly following the success of the local blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which has raked in an astounding $2 billion since its release during Chinese New Year, Road Pictures is poised to benefit greatly from this momentum. The excitement surrounding animation continues to grow, and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning is set to capture the attention of both dedicated fans and new audiences alike.
A Sneak Peek into the Film’s Plot
This installment in the Gundam franchise features a captivating storyline set against the backdrop of conflict between Zeon and the Earth Federation. The narrative unfolds with the mysterious disappearance of a stolen prototype Gundam. After several years, a girl endowed with extraordinary powers discovers herself piloting a new Gundam in clandestine mech battles, all while seeking clarity about her unique abilities.
As Road Pictures prepares for the film’s release, enthusiasm continues to build for this innovative addition to the Gundam universe.