Coming soon from GKIDS and TMS Entertainment is Lupin III: The First, an impressively animated high-profile Japanese 3D/CG feature starring the manga and anime superstar Lupin III. The fun-loving criminal has been entertaining audiences in countless animated TV series, movies, musicals(!) and two live-action features since 1967 when the adventures of Lupin III and his friends were first published in Manga Action, as drawn by original creator Monkey Punch.

Quickly growing in popularity, the manga inspired the TV series, Lupin III Part 1 in 1971, followed by Lupin III Part 2 in 1977. The cool, mischievous, and hilarious “Red Jacket” Lupin won over the hearts of millions, cementing his popularity. These TV series were followed by the property’s first film, Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo (1978), and Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979), the first feature film from director Hayao Miyazaki.

40 years after the masterpiece that is The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III returns in an all new theatrical feature. Under the direction leading Japanese VFX artist, Takashi Yamazaki (STAND BY ME Doraemon, Dragon Quest Your Story), it will be the first Lupin film in 23 years, and the first in the franchise to be animated in 3D/CG.

Lupin III: The First - Official Teaser #1:

In Lupin III: The First, the iconic gentleman thief, Lupin III, returns in an action-packed, continent-spanning adventure, as he and his colorful underworld companions race to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Bresson Diary, before it falls into the hands of a dark cabal that will stop at nothing to resurrect the Third Reich. The gang undertakes trap-filled tombs, aerial escapades and daring prison escapes with the trademark wit and visual finesse that have made Lupin The 3rd one of the most storied animation franchises in the world, in a thrilling new caper that is sure to delight fans old and new.

Lupin III: The First - Official Teaser #2:

Lupin III’s creator, manga artist “Monkey Punch” commented in 2018, “I’ve been looking forward to seeing Lupin III in 3D/CG for a long time now. I saw the characters and story, and it looks like this new Lupin is going to have a whole new feeling to him. It’s exciting just imagining how the movie is going to turn out.”

Monkey Punch passed away last year prior to this film’s completion; hopefully he was able to see this version in its early stages.

Source: GKIDS