The highly anticipated crossover anime film, Lupin the 3rd vs. Cat’s Eye, which premiered on January 27, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video, revealed additional voice cast members and a new trailer prior to its release, offering fans a deeper look into the thrilling heist narrative. This original net animation (ONA) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Lupin the 3rd anime and the 40th anniversary of Tsukasa Hojo’s Cat’s Eye manga, bringing together two iconic master thief franchises for the first time in a CGI format.
Key Cast Additions for Cat’s Eye Sisters
The production team confirmed several key additions and changes to the voice cast, particularly for the beloved Kisugi sisters from Cat’s Eye. Rika Fukami took on the role of Rui Kisugi, replacing the late Toshiko Fujita. Chika Sakamoto returned to voice Ai Kisugi, reprising her role. Keiko Toda also returned as Hitomi Kisugi, a role she previously held in the 1980s Cat’s Eye TV anime and the 2019 City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes film.
The familiar voices of the Lupin the 3rd crew also reprised their long-standing roles:
- Kanichi Kurita as Arsène Lupin III
- Akio Ōtsuka as Daisuke Jigen
- Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa XIII
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujiko Mine
- Kōichi Yamadera as Inspector Zenigata
Other notable cast members included Yoshito Yasuhara as Toshio Utsumi and Mugihito as Sadatsugu Nagaishi, with Mugihito stepping in for the late Tamio Ohki. Banjō Ginga and Hiroki Tōchi also joined the cast as Heinrich Berger and Dennis Kirchmann, respectively, with Takayuki Sugō providing the true voice for Heinrich Berger.
A Blend of Veteran and New Talent
The casting choices reflect a blend of continuity and necessary updates, ensuring that the essence of both franchises is maintained while addressing the passing of previous voice actors. The enthusiasm from fans was palpable following these announcements, as the combined talents promised to deliver a memorable crossover experience.
Second Trailer Showcases Action-Packed Heist and Art Style
The second official trailer for Lupin the 3rd vs. Cat’s Eye provided an extended look at the film’s events, highlighting its distinct cel-shaded CG animation and the dynamic interplay between the iconic characters. The trailer previewed a plethora of scenes featuring the Cat’s Eye sisters and Lupin’s gang as they pursued “Three Paintings,” works of art originally belonging to the Kisugi sisters’ father. These paintings are central to a long-buried mystery that unfolds throughout the film.
The trailer also featured the film’s musical themes, including the theme song “CAT’S EYE 2023” by Anri and the opening theme “THEME FROM LUPIN VS CAT’S EYE” by the band fox capture plan. Yuji Ohno and Kazuo Otani contributed to the overall soundtrack.
Plot Unfolds in the 1980s Setting
The film is specifically set in the 1980s, aligning with the original Cat’s Eye manga’s period. Lupin III is notably seen sporting his pink jacket from Lupin the 3rd Part III, further cementing the retro aesthetic. The narrative promises a retro and stylish exhilarating crime action, as Lupin III, the freedom-loving phantom thief, finds himself in a dream showdown with the three beautiful Kisugi sisters, who operate a café by day and are phantom thieves by night. Their mutual target, the three paintings, eventually leads to the uncovering of an amazing secret hidden within the artworks.
Production Details and Global Release
Lupin the 3rd vs. Cat’s Eye was directed by Kōbun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita, known for their work on the Godzilla anime film trilogy. Shūji Kuzuhara penned the screenplay, and TMS Entertainment, the studio behind various Lupin III and Cat’s Eye anime adaptations, handled the animation production. The film made its worldwide debut exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, reaching a broad international audience. This crossover marks the third such event for the Lupin the 3rd franchise, following its successful collaborations with Detective Conan.
