20th Anniversary Feature Film "One Piece: Stampede" Gallops Into North American Theaters This Fall

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Sept. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Anime's favorite pirates are back on the big screen and set to plunder North American audiences later this year with today's announcement that Funimation® Films, the theatrical division of Sony Pictures Television's Funimation, has acquired the new feature length film "One Piece: Stampede" from Toei Animation, Inc. From producer Toei Animation, "One Piece: Stampede" is the 14^th film from global hit "One Piece" anime series which marks its 20^th anniversary this year. "One Piece: Stampede" is already a smash hit since its opening in Japan in early August – grossing more than $28.7 million to date and setting the Japanese record for the biggest opening-day audience for 2019.  Funimation Films will distribute the movie in both the U.S. and Canada this fall with theatrical dates to be announced later.

"We are so excited to bring 'One Piece: Stampede' to North America as part of our 20^th anniversary celebration of this beloved anime series," said Colin Decker, General Manager of Funimation. "It's a blockbuster film that will delight new audiences and long-time fans alike," said Colin Decker, executive vice president and general manager of Funimation.

"'One Piece: Stampede' is a bold celebration of One Piece and its unique blend of action, humor and heart," said Masayuki Endo, President and CEO of Toei Animation Inc. "Even among those who are new to the anime, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew are instantly recognizable pop culture stars. 'One Piece: Stampede' has plenty of surprises for every viewer, and we're excited for North American audiences to participate in this important anniversary event."

Under the creative supervision of original creator Eiichiro Oda, "One Piece: Stampede" is directed by Takashi Otsuka and features character designs by Masayuki Sato. "One Piece: Stampede" is a celebration of the anime series' 20^th anniversary and takes place outside the current "One Piece" storyline – therefore the movie can be enjoyed equally by both current fans as well as those unfamiliar with the series.

For more information, visit the official movie website at funimationfilms.com/onepiecestampede

About Toei Animation Inc.
Based in Los Angeles, Toei Animation Inc. manages the film distribution of Toei's top properties, including Dragon Ball all series, Sailor Moon, One Piece, Digimon series, Saint Seiya, and many others to North America, Latin America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.  Toei Animation Los Angeles office further handles all categories of consumer product licensing based on its film and television brands within these territories. For more information, please visit toei-animation-usa.com.

About Funimation
Funimation, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television, is a global leader in the world of anime. A fully integrated, next-generation entertainment studio, the company's fan-first philosophy is anchored in its omnichannel approach to its immersive offerings. From streaming and home entertainment to theatrical distribution and broadcast, Funimation's commitment to character-driven storytelling, combined with tech innovation and key distribution partnerships, provides audiences with multiple and meaningful touchpoints to connect with this immersive world. FunimationNow, a next generation streaming service, provides subscribers with instant access to their favorite sub and dub shows in ad-free HD on the widest array of platforms – including smartphones, tablets, TVs and gaming consoles.  Funimation Films, the theatrical division of Funimation, acquires and distributes both anime and live action movies from prominent international filmmakers that appeal to the interests and passion of all types of fans. For more information about Funimation, visit funimation.com.

SOURCE Funimation

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