The latest anime movie from theGundamseries was released last weekend in Japan and has exceeded expectations by debuting at the number one spot.
Mobile SuitGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningbrought in a staggering 599 million yen during its opening weekend (approximately USD $3.8 million), beating out tough competition at theaters across Japan, including theHatsune Mikuanime filmColorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Singand theCells at Work!live-action movie.
A New Gundam, Powered by Evangelion
Hideaki Anno’s Studio Provides State-of-the-Art Animation
TheGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningfilm is essentially a recut of the first several episodes ofthe upcomingGundam GQuuuuuuXTV series, which is set to premiere soon in Japan. So why the rush to theaters when the story will also air on TV?
The excitement is largely attributed to the talent and studios behind the scenes.Gundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningis co-written by Hideaki Anno,the creator of the iconicNeon Genesis Evangelionseries. Anno’s Studio Khara co-produced the animation along with Sunrise, the company that has been home to theGundamfranchise since it began in 1979. If anyone can get anime fans to flock to theaters on opening weekend, it’s probably Hideaki Anno.
A Mix of Old and New Makes the New Gundam Series Shine
The Movie Is Coming to North America in February 2025
The story ofGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningcombines elements both new and familiar to longtime fans. The Gundam mecha have been radically redesigned from their traditional appearance by Ikuto Yamashita (known for designing the mecha inEvangelion). The classicGundamcharacter Char Aznable also makes an appearance, althoughGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningis set in an alternate timelinefrom the original series.
Here’s the official plot synopsis forGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginning:
Amate Yuzuriha is a high school student living peacefully in a space colony orbiting outer space. When she meets a war refugee named Nyaan, Amate is drawn into the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle. Under the entry name “Machu,” she throws herself into fierce battles day after day, piloting the GQuuuuuuX. Then, an unidentified Gundam mobile suit pursued by both the space force and the police appears before her, along with its pilot, a boy named Shuji. Now their world is about to enter a new era.
Fortunately, fans outside Japan won’t have to wait too long to watchGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginning. GKIDS has announced that they will distribute the film in North America starting June 15, 2025.
WillGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningprove to be a smash hit at U.S. theaters? We’ll have to wait and see!
Gundam
The Gundam franchise is a cornerstone of mecha anime, featuring giant robots known as “mobile suits” in various wartime settings. Originating with Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979, it explores complex themes of war, politics, and humanity through the struggles of pilots who navigate these massive machines. The franchise spans multiple timelines and universes, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and standalone narratives.
