The hit anime flick "One Piece Film: Gold" will finally hit North America as Funimation Films recently acquired license of the highly anticipated film from Toei Animation.
"One Piece Film: Gold" is the 13th film of the franchise and the first since 2102. The film opened initially in Japan on July 23 and has been a blockbuster hit since then. It has grossed about $48.8 million, making it the biggest "One Piece" movie to date and the 6th highest grossing film of the year.
Original manga creator Eiichiro Oda also served as the movie's executive producer. He also produced other "One Piece" franchise including "One Piece Film Z." It was also revealed that Oda designed new costumes for the Straw Hat crew for the film, drew rough drafts for the new characters and the film's first visual.
"One Piece Film: Gold" will be distributed by Funimation Films in the U.S. and Canada in a limited theatrical event from January 10-27, 2017.
"Fans have been clamoring for news on 'One Piece Film: Gold' and we're excited to announce that we'll be bringing this blockbuster movie to U.S. and Canadian audiences," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and President of Funimation. "We're confident that this film will create a new generation of fans for the franchise as well as grow the audience for its animated series."
Meanwhile, a synopsis for the movie has been revealed online which states, "The Straw Hat pirates are hitting the big screen once again in an all-new high-flying adventure! The popular series that has captivated fans all over the world unfolds a new saga in the highly anticipated movie, 'One Piece Film: Gold.'
The glittering Gran Tesoro, a city of entertainment beyond the laws of the government, is a sanctuary for the world's most infamous pirates, Marines, and filthy rich millionaires. Drawn by dreams of hitting the jackpot, Captain Luffy and his crew sail straight for the gold. But behind the gilded curtains lies a powerful king whose deep pockets and deeper ambitions spell disaster for the Straw Hats and the New World alike."
Fans of the hit franchise "One Piece" will sure to enjoy "One Piece Film: Gold" when it premieres in the U.S. and Canada next year. For now, check out the teaser of the movie below.
