Fans of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise have waited 18 years since its initial announcement in 2006, but the much awaited feature film "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" has finally hit theaters. This sequel to the Mobile Suit Gundam Seed series, which was released in 352 Japanese theaters on January 26, 2024, has made a significant impact.
The 124-minute picture achieved an astounding financial milestone over its first three-day weekend, grossing 1,065,983,130 yen (about 7.23 million USD) from 634,182 admissions. This amazing box office performance not only sent "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" to the top of the weekend box office rankings, but it also marked the most successful opening week in the Gundam franchise's history.
The film's initial success was not just a small improvement over its predecessors, but a significant step forward. To put things in context, the launch weekend revenue of "SEED FREEDOM" was 416.4 percent higher than that of its predecessor, "Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway," which debuted in 2021. Similarly, its ticket sales increased by 502.8 percent compared to "Hathaway's" opening weekend sales.
🌟🌟🌟新規カット解禁🌟🌟🌟
— 機動戦士ガンダムSEEDシリーズ (@SEED_HDRP) January 29, 2024
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NEW TRAIILER
🌹公開記念予告🌹
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『機動戦士ガンダム #SEEDFREEDOM』
大ヒット上映中!!!!🎬#ガンダムSEED pic.twitter.com/xGSR9NaVt6
Audience reaction paralleled commercial success, with "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" finishing second in Filmarks' first-day satisfaction score. The film has an amazing average rating of 4.23 out of 5 based on almost 3,500 reviews, indicating a strong good response from the audience.
The path to the release of "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" was not without obstacles. Originally announced in 2006 following the airing of "Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny," the project appeared to fade into the background, with little to no updates over the years. The production did not resume until May 2021, as part of the "Gundam Seed Project ignited" project to commemorate the franchise's 20th anniversary. Finally, the film's official title and release date were revealed following the transmission of the final episode of "Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury" in July 2023, paving the way for its record-breaking release.
"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" is more than just a film; it reflects the Gundam series' lasting appeal and cultural significance. Its spectacular opening weekend demonstrates the franchise's tremendous popularity and ever-increasing appeal across generations. As the film continues to draw viewers to theaters, it cements its place in the Gundam universe's legacy, demonstrating that even after decades, people's passion with the world of Mobile Suit Gundam is as strong as ever.
SOURCE: CRUNCHYROLL
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