North American film producer and distributor GKIDS has today announced its acquisition of North American distribution rights to Toei Animation’s animated feature film The First Slam Dunk. The film, based on Takehiko Inoue’s beloved manga “Slam Dunk,” has already seen strong box office records in multiple countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China, with a current global box office total of over $212 million.
The First Slam Dunk, which marks the first feature-length film from the franchise in 28 years, debuted in Japan on December 3, 2022. It quickly became the 24th highest-grossing film of all time in the country. Upon its release in South Korea, the movie reached #2 at the box office during its opening weekend, making it the most-watched Japanese movie in South Korea at the time. In Mainland China, the film opened with a record-breaking $55.2 million, becoming the largest opening ever for an imported animated film in the country. And soon, we will get to see how the film fares in North America, and perhaps looking forward, other countries.
The original “Slam Dunk” manga, which was serialized from 1990 to 1996, has sold over 170 million copies worldwide. The manga has been adapted into various media formats, including a popular anime series that aired from 1993 to 1996. The First Slam Dunk not only marks the franchise’s return but also serves as the directorial debut for original manga creator Takehiko Inoue. The film was awarded this year’s Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation of the Year, marking Inoue’s first nomination and win.
Looking at their plans, GKIDS has confirmed initial plans to release The First Slam Dunk theatrically in the United States and Canada, both with the original Japanese voice overs and a newly created English dub – both of which are planned for later this year. Physical distribution is also part of this deal, so expect a DVD and/or Blu-ray release at some point.
David Jesteadt, president of GKIDS, expressed his gratitude towards Toei Animation and praised THE FIRST SLAM DUNK as one of the best sports films ever made and showed eagerness in bringing this film to both fans and newcomers:
I am very thankful to our partners at Toei Animation for working together with us on what I consider one of the best sports films ever made. THE FIRST SLAM DUNK is thrilling but also deeply emotional, and it has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to share the film with SLAM DUNK fans, as well as those who are discovering this work for the first time.
Masayuki Endo, president of Toei Animation Inc., also shared his excitement about working with GKIDS to bring the film to North American audiences:
We’re thrilled to work with GKIDS to bring Toei Animation’s blockbuster film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK to North America. “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK has been a smash hit in Asia since premiering in Japan last December and we’re excited to see the response from U.S. and Canadian audiences when it premieres this summer.
Finally, producer Toshiyuki Matsui also expressed a warm welcome to North American fans to the world of Slam Dunk:
I want to welcome North American fans – both new and old – to the world of SLAM DUNK. THE FIRST SLAM DUNK offers the unique excitement and thrills of SLAM DUNK that can only be experienced in a movie theatre.
About The First Slam Dunk
Shohoku’s “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.
In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.
