In an unprecedented move aimed at generating buzz around the upcoming anime series, Gkids has announced that the highly anticipated Dandadan will be showcased in theaters well before it makes its streaming debut on Netflix and Crunchyroll. This innovative strategy, dubbed Dandadan: First Encounter, will see the first three episodes of the series premiere theatrically starting in Asia on August 31. Following this, Europe will get its chance on September 7, with North America joining the lineup from September 13.
Anime enthusiasts in the United States will have the opportunity to experience the premiere in exclusive screenings at select theaters in New York and Los Angeles. The broader release will extend to over 50 countries across various regions, including Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, beginning in mid-September.
Dandadan, a supernatural-themed manga penned by Tatsu Yukinobu, is being brought to life in animated form by Science Saru, a studio renowned for its work on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and Devilman Crybaby. The storyline focuses on Momo Ayase, a high school student from a family of spirit mediums, and Ken Takakura, her classmate who is a fervent occult enthusiast. Their journey starts when they decide to challenge each other’s beliefs about the existence of ghosts and aliens, leading to the astonishing discovery that both are real. They then find themselves plunged into a world filled with paranormal chaos that they must jointly navigate to restore order in their hometown.
To further captivate the audience, the theatrical premiere will be enriched by an exclusive video interview with several key figures behind the series. These will include the creator Tatsu Yukinobu, editor Shihei Lin, anime director Fuga Yamashiro, and notable voice actors Shion Wakayama, who voices Momo, and Natsuki Hanae, who voices Okarun. Director Yamashiro expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “When making this series into an anime, I incorporated playful and visually stunning techniques unique to video to create a very fun structure for the series.
. I believe you will enjoy it in a slightly different way from the manga, and I hope you have a good time at the theatrical release!”
Gkids recently secured the global home video and theatrical rights to Dandadan, synching up perfectly with the release of a second trailer for the series by Science Saru. The new trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant ensemble of characters and their Japanese voice actors, which include esteemed talents such as Nana Mizuki, Ayane Sakura, Kaito Ishikawa, Mayumi Tanaka, and Kazuya Nakai.
This theatrical-first approach underscores a growing trend in the anime industry that seeks to merge the immersive experience of cinema with the serialized storytelling of streaming platforms. By providing dedicated fans with an early look at the series on the big screen, Gkids and Science Saru aim to build a groundswell of anticipation leading up to the global streaming launch in October.
The theatrical initiative may also serve to attract a diversified audience who might not yet be familiar with the Dandadan manga but are enticed by the allure of a cinema experience. This strategy is reminiscent of the early rollout models employed by blockbuster films, leveraging the grandeur of the theatrical format to heighten excitement and build a strong word-of-mouth campaign.
Dandadan: First Encounter, the title for this early screening initiative, aims to encapsulate the mystique and excitement surrounding the anime. With its first three episodes, viewers will be introduced not just to the enigmatic world of Momo and Ken, but also to a series rich in both visual aesthetics and intricate storytelling—a testament to the unique artistry of Science Saru.
As the clock ticks down to August 31, fans from across the globe eagerly await to see how the animated adaptation will bring the charm and supernatural elements of Yukinobu’s manga to life in a brand new medium. The dual-release strategy provides ample opportunities for audience engagement, from the theater seats to the comfort of their own homes via online streaming platforms later in October.
In essence, Dandadan is poised not merely as another anime launch but as a cultural event that straddles both traditional and digital viewing formats. Whether through its colorful and gripping trailer, the behind-the-scenes interviews, or the premiere theater screenings, Dandadan is all set to be a landmark series that ushers in a new era for anime on a global scale.
