GKIDS releases Blu-Ray editions of Studio Ghibli movies and launches successful Academy Award campaigns for films likeThe Secret of KellsandMy Life as a Zucchini, and as of late, it has persisted in bringing notableanimefilms to theaters in North America. Now, GKIDS has added another anime film to its release slate, as they will bring Atsuko Ishizuka’s Studio Madhouse film,Goodbye, Don Glees!, to theaters later this year.
Goodbye, Don Glees!is an originalanimefilm following three teenage friends—Roma, Drop, and Toto—who go on a forest expedition to clear their names after being falsely accused of starting a forest fire. The film’s director, Ishizuka, has made a name for herself in the anime industry, directing the opening animation ofPersona 4 Goldenas well as anime hits like the filmNo Game, No Life Zeroand the seriesA Place Further Than The Universe. Likewise, Studio Madhouse has a reputation for creating many exciting anime series, and their last feature film was 2018’sOkko’s Inn.
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Goodbye, Don Glees!, which was released theatrically in Japan last February, will come to U.S. theaters at an unannounced date later this year, courtesy of GKIDS. The company’s president, David Jesteadt, describes the film as a “perceptive and fresh take on a classic story of teenage friendship” as well as a “beautiful blend of drama and comedy.” The film’s acquisition and scheduling follow its selection in the feature film competition of this year’s Annecy Film Festival. Interestingly, Masashi Ando’s anime filmThe Deer Kingwas acquired by GKIDS following its Annecy selection last year, and that film releases in U.S. theaters on July 13th, 2022.
Goodbye, Don Glees!will release in U.S. theaters during a breakthrough year for theatrical anime releases. GKIDS released the Mamoru Hosoda filmBellelast January in one of its widest releases to date, while Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was released in U.S. theaters last March courtesy of Funimation and currently stands as the fourth highest-grossing anime film in America. Meanwhile, Crunchyroll will make its film distribution debut withDragon Ball Super: Super Hero, which releases in U.S. theaters this Summer.
GKIDS' early confidence inGoodbye, Don Glees!bodes well for its theatrical success. This is also great news for director Atsuko Ishizuka, who is surely a good match for the film’s story judging fromA Place Further Than the Universe. Here’s hoping the film continues to build up buzz in the lead-up to its domestic release.
Goodbye, Don Glees!comes to U.S. theaters in 2022.
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