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The animated movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods released this March in Japan ahead of its international release. Akira Toriyama, the author of the original manga, was also connected to the movie’s production, and the movie opened in theaters while having plenty of buzz behind it. Only 23 days after its release, the movie topped 2 million tickets sold and reached approximately 2,469,000,000 yen in box office revenue.
However, there arises a question. When will the movie be released internationally in theaters around the world? To answer this question, we had a frank phone interview with a representative at 20th Century Fox, the company in charge of the movie’s foreign distribution.
TOM: Are plans being made as to when Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods will be released in North America, Europe, and other foreign areas?
20th Century Fox: Well...We can’t be definitive, but the movie may be released in other areas around July or August. We want to distribute the movie in Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. The movie’s theater run in Japan is coming to its end, and we are on the verge of working out the appeal and distribution to overseas markets. That is the timing.
TOM: I see. Thank you for the valuable information. By the way, currently in Japan the movie has become a huge hit with close to 3 billion yen in box office revenue (as of May 28). Was this favorable result anticipated from the beginning?
20th Century Fox: Because this is the first new movie in 17 or 18 years, it was really difficult to project what the box office earnings would extend to. Certainly, there is an established fanbase, so we thought we could predict the number to that degree. Even still, we surely hadn’t anticipated the overwhelmingly enthusiastic support the movie has received so far from everyone. We are astonished that breaking through 3 billion yen is close at hand.
TOM: Could you please tell us this movie’s points of interest?
20th Century Fox: That would be the two original characters who appear in this movie [The God of Destruction, Bills; and Uis]. This is a pleasant development in regard to the fans, isn’t it? Another noteworthy point is that the original author, Mr. Toriyama, participated in writing the script. Certainly, “the true meaning of Dragon Ball” and “a canonized story” are depicted.
TOM: Hooray for Akira Toriyama! Excuse me for that unintentional cry of delight... Well then, lastly, please share some words to overseas Dragon Ball fans.
20th Century Fox: We and others engaged in this movie’s distribution strongly feel the high level of attention it has received from foreign countries. This movie is the first theatrical release in roughly 18 years (※1), but the content is very enjoyable. In order for everyone around the world to be able to enjoy this masterpiece created by Mr. Akira Toriyama and director Masahiro Hosoda, we will steadily advance overseas distribution and expansion. When the movie opens in your country, please go to the theater to see it.
Well, the more we talk about it, the more excited we are. For all the Dragon Ball fans who think, “I can’t wait!” and, “I want to see it now!” please hold out a bit longer!
Note:
(※1) It has been 17 years since the previous work Dragon Ball: The Path to Power, and 18 years since the previous theatrical release for the Dragon Ball Z series, Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon.
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
