Animation company GKids has acquired the theatrical rights to distribute “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” in North America.
The film will be released on February 28 and is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (“Evangelion”). Yuji Enokido (“Revolutionary Girl Utena”) is the film’s screenwriter and is joined by Hideaki Anno on the screenplay.
The official synopsis reads: “Amate Yuzuriha is a high school student living peacefully on a space colony floating in outer space. When she meets a war refugee named Nyan, Amate is drawn into the illegal sport of fencing known as Clan Battle. Under the entry name ‘Machu’, she cast Herself in a fierce battle day after day, piloting GQuuuuuuX and then an unidentified Mobile Suit Gundam appears in front of her pursued by both the Space Force and the police, along with its pilot, himself. A boy named Shuji and now their world is about to enter a new era.”
“The outrageous mix of artistic talent collaborating on such a story-driven series as ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ is prime viewing,” said GKIDS President David Gestedt. “We are proud to play a role in bringing audiences such an exciting new venture into the cinematic experience the film truly deserves.”
Illustrator Take (“Katanagatari”, “Zaregoto”) was hired as character designer, with Ikuto Yamashita (“Evangelion” series, “Shin Kamen Rider”) named as mechanical designer.
The project was first announced in Japan on December 4 with character and mech renders, as well as a theatrical teaser. “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-” is the first theatrical release using re-edited episodes from the upcoming “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” TV series that was announced at the same time. The film will be released in Japan on January 17. Release information for the upcoming series has not been announced yet.
The deal was negotiated between GKIDS and Bandai Namco Filmworks, and is the first collaboration between the two companies.
