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The First Slam Dunk Movie Confirms US Cinema Release


The First Slam Dunk US Release Sakuragi

Following its release in Japan and in several Asian countries, The First Slam Dunk is finally confirmed to release in US cinemas, with a theatrical run scheduled by movie theater chain Cinemark.

While the film’s US release hasn’t been widely promoted yet, the upcoming theatrical run was revealed via a listing on the Cinemark website.

This new movie is the first Slam Dunk animated project in over two decades, and it’s one that many fans have been looking forward to as it’s essentially a continuation of the anime.

The First Slam Dunk Movie and the Original Anime

the first slam dunk ryota
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This movie isn’t just a cash-grab project though as Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue serves as the film’s director.

While the promotion for the film was rather vague about what its story is, it’s confirmed that this movie serves as a sequel to the original anime series.

After all, the anime did not cover the entire manga’s story.

In essence, this film gives fans of the anime a proper continuation, and it covers possibly one of the biggest and best matches in the manga.

Despite being a 3D animated work (which often tends to get a bad rap), The First Slam Dunk was well received by fans in Japan and other countries in Asia.

Aside from positive fan reception, the movie even received several awards, including the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, as well as the Fujimoto Award for its producer.

RELATED: Why Did It Take 26 Years to Continue the Slam Dunk Anime?

Cinemark to Release The First Slam Dunk in the US

the first slam dunk sakuragi
click to enlarge
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Over the past years, more and more anime films have gotten US releases.

For instance, TOHO Animation’s own One Piece Film: Red and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero got wide releases in the US last year.

While Slam Dunk may not be as big as those two franchises, this latest film is finally confirmed to release in the US.

Though for now, there’s no word yet on when the film will be released.

For now, it’s only confirmed that it will release in Cinemark theaters, though it’s possible that it will get a wide release in other movie theater chains as well.

There is a chance that The First Slam Dunk will be released in US cinemas in the third quarter of 2023.

This is because the film is scheduled for a Q3 2023 release in the UK and Ireland.

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Source: Manga Alerts via Anime News Network

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