Indie distributor Gkids has acquired North American distribution rights for blockbuster Japanese animation film, “The First Slam Dunk“ from studio Toei Animation, finally has a window for its English theatrical release. 

Based on Takehiko Inoue’s best-selling manga Slam Dunk, which was serialized from 1990-1996 in Shonen Jump and spawned several anime movies in the ’90s, “The First Slam Dunk” marks the first new feature-length film from the franchise in nearly three decades, as well as Inoue’s directorial debut. The story focuses on a point guard Ryota Miyagi and his Shohoku High School basketball teammates take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship.

Since the film released in Japan on Dec. 3, the movie has earned $212 million at the global box office and became the 7th highest-grossing Japanese film of all time (via Variety), which is a testament to how popular Slam Dunk has managed to stay over thirty years following its debut. The film was also awarded this year’s Japan Academy Prize for best animation of the year. 

Featuring the voices of Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Shin’ichirō Kamio, Subaru Kimura, & Kenta Miyake. This looks like good fun! Enjoy.

“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,” said David Jesteadt, president of GKIDS. “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.”

No specific release date, but this summer, GKIDS will give The First Slam Dunk a theatrical release in the U.S. and Canada, in both its original Japanese language and a new English dubbed version.