The film Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, a compilation movie, has made a splash in its U.S. debut, earning US$916,000 and securing the #10 spot at the box office. This marks another success for the long-running Gundam franchise, demonstrating its continued popularity with audiences worldwide.
Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-: A New Entry Point
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- serves as an introduction to a new Gundam storyline. The movie is a compilation of the first three episodes of an upcoming series.
Storyline Introduction
The story centers around Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living in a space colony, whose life takes a turn when she encounters a war refugee named Nyaan. This meeting leads Amate to participate in an illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as “Clan Battle,” piloting the GQuuuuuuX under the alias “Machu”. Along the way, she encounters Shuji, a boy wanted by the police and space force.
Setting and Continuity
The series is set in a space colony and takes place in the Universal Century timeline or an alternate reality. The film presents a “what if” scenario where Zeon won the war instead of the Federation.
Box Office Performance
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- reached the tenth position in its U.S. debut, with a gross of $916,000.
Gundam SEED Freedom’s Success
Notably, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom has achieved considerable financial success, becoming the highest-grossing film in the Gundam franchise. After three days of release, Gundam SEED Freedom sold 630,000 tickets and earned 1.06 billion yen (about US$7.20 million). By its second week, it had already surpassed Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space as the highest-grossing Gundam film ever.
Production Details and Studio Collaboration
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX marks a collaboration between Studio Khara, known for the Evangelion series, and Sunrise, the studio behind the Gundam franchise. Kazuya Tsurumaki (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time) directs the film, with a script by Yoji Enokido and Hideaki Anno.
Reception
The film has been well-received, particularly for its unique mobile suit designs and engaging storyline. The involvement of Hideaki Anno, known for Neon Genesis Evangelion, has generated excitement among fans.
