The latest installment in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, is set to captivate audiences with its North American premiere at the Japan Society in New York City on February 20. This re-edited theatrical version of episodes from the upcoming Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX television anime promises a fresh perspective on the iconic mecha saga.
A New Chapter in the Gundam Universe
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- offers a unique entry point into the sprawling Gundam universe.
Premiere Details
- Date: February 20, 2025
- Location: Japan Society, New York City
- Tickets: Available for purchase starting February 13 at 11:00 a.m. EST on the Japan Society’s website.
Following the premiere, GKIDS, in their first collaboration with Bandai Namco Filmworks, will distribute the film in theaters across North America starting February 28.
Storyline Overview
The film centers around Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living in a space colony, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Nyaan, a war refugee. Amate becomes involved in the dangerous world of Clan Battles, an illegal mobile suit dueling sport, piloting the GQuuuuuuX under the alias “Machu”. The arrival of an unidentified Gundam mobile suit, pursued by both the space force and the police, along with its pilot Shūji, further complicates Amate’s journey.
Production and Reception
The anime is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for his work on FLCL and Gunbuster 2: Diebuster. Yōji Enokido, whose credits include Bungo Stray Dogs and Sailor Moon Super S, is supervising and co-writing the series scripts with Hideaki Anno, the acclaimed director of Evangelion.
Box Office Success in Japan
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- debuted in Japan on January 17 and quickly rose to the top of the box office charts. During its opening weekend, the film sold 352,500 tickets and grossed 598,832,300 yen (approximately US$3.83 million). As of February 2025, the film has sold 1.18 million tickets and earned a cumulative total of 1,935,716,409 yen (approximately US$12.55 million). This demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Gundam franchise in Japan.
Significance of GQuuuuuuX in the Gundam Timeline
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX introduces an alternate Universal Century (UC) timeline, a significant departure from established Gundam lore.
Alternate Timeline
In this timeline, Zeon emerges victorious in the One Year War. Char Aznable plays a pivotal role by capturing the RX-78-02 Gundam during its testing phase, effectively turning it into “Casval’s Gundam” for this reality. Furthermore, a Pegasus-class warship, similar to the White Base, is seized by Char’s forces and renamed the “Sodon.”
Story Setting
The story unfolds in a Side 6 colony during the year UC0085, a detail subtly encoded in the title “GQuuuuuuX” (GQUC0085X). The presence of iconic characters like Challia Bull and Cameron Bloom from the original 1979 Gundam anime adds another layer of intrigue.
Unique Aspects of GQuuuuuuX
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX distinguishes itself through its characters and narrative choices.
Female Protagonist
Amate, the anime’s protagonist, marks the second instance of a female lead in the Gundam franchise, following Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.
Civilian Perspective
Unlike many Gundam protagonists, Amate is a civilian who actively chooses to become a mobile suit pilot.
Gundam’s 50th Anniversary
The release of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise.
Celebration Plans
As part of the Expo 2025 Osaka, a special Gundam-themed pavilion will be opened, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the series’ universe. The Nex Future Pavilion will feature a 17-meter tall statue of the RX-78F00, symbolizing hope for the future.
Other Anime Premieres and Releases
In addition to Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, GKIDS is also involved in the North American theatrical release of LOVE & POP, the 1998 live-action debut of Evangelion director Hideaki Anno. The film will be screened at New York City’s IFC Center on February 21, followed by Los Angeles’ American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 on February 23.
Conclusion
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- promises to be a significant addition to the Gundam franchise, offering a fresh perspective, unique characters, and an intriguing alternate timeline. The North American premiere at Japan Society marks an exciting moment for Gundam fans in the region, and the subsequent theatrical release will bring this new chapter to a wider audience.
