Lupin III: The First (2019 film)

VFX Online November 30, 2019, 4:53 pm

Lupin III: The First (2019 film)

Originally serialized in Manga Action in 1967 and since its first spin-off TV anime series in 1971, Lupin III has spawned a media franchise that includes numerous films, games and other various spin-offs boasting tremendous popularity amongst young and old alike, for more than half a century. Revolving around Lupin III, the grandson of the master thief Arsene Lupin, and his partners in crime – expert gunman Jigen, master swordsman Goemon, femme fatale Fujiko and Lupin’s eternal rival ICPO Inspector Zenigata, the new Lupin III animated feature film will return to theaters, for their latest big screen adventure filled with action, comedy and love romance.

Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, a leading filmmaker in Japanese VFX film known for Always: Sunset on Third Street, The Eternal Zero, The Great War of Archimedes, Stand By Me Doraemon and Dragon Quest: Your Story, this new film will be the franchise’s first full CG feature film which the original author Monkey Punch, who passed away earlier this year, was looking forward to for a long time. In October 2018, Monkey Punch commented: “I’ve taken a look at the characters and the story, and it looks like Lupin will come packed with new sensations. I’m getting excited just thinking about how the film will turn out.” The “brand new” Lupin will be back in action on the big screens this winter!

Titled LUPIN THE 3rd: THE FIRST, the film centers around Lupin and his gang’s unprecedented challenges in quest for the legendary Bresson Diary. According to a legend, the one who can unravel the secrets of the Diary will be able to acquire immense fortune – it is the only treasure Arsene Lupin failed to acquire during his lifetime, and was pursued by the Nazis during World War II. – “THE FIRST” reflects the producers’ wish to lead the franchise into a new era.

The one minute trailer and teaser poster will also be released to the public. The trailer starts with Monkey Punch’s original drawings tracing the history of Lupin III while introducing the anime’s original characters, then moving on to the new Lupin and his gang in action in a CG format, ending with Lupin proclaiming “This sure’s gonna change the world”. The teaser poster features Lupin wearing a battered hat and a cane with a daring smile.

It’s been 40 years since the release of the masterpiece The Castle of Cagliostro, we are excited to present to you the brand new CG Lupin III !