Cineverse’s RetroCrush has acquired the exclusive streaming rights to the classic sci-fi anime series “Future Boy Conan” from GKIDS. This marks the first time the series will be available to stream in the U.S., offering fans a chance to experience a foundational work in animation history. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting acquisition:
What is “Future Boy Conan”?
“Future Boy Conan” is a 26-episode post-apocalyptic anime TV series directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. Originally released in 1978, it tells the story of a young boy named Conan living in a world devastated by war. It’s an epic tale of survival, friendship, and hope.
The story is set twenty years after a terrible war fought with magnetic weapons caused the earth’s axis to tilt, leading to earthquakes and tidal waves that destroyed civilization. Conan is born into this new world and raised by his adopted grandfather on an isolated island. His life changes forever when a mysterious girl named Lana washes ashore, pursued by shadowy operatives seeking to exploit her in a scheme to control what remains of the world.
Why is This a Big Deal?
Miyazaki’s Directorial Debut
While many recognize “Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro” (1979) as Miyazaki’s directorial debut, “Future Boy Conan” actually predates it, premiering in 1978. This series offers a glimpse into the early career of one of animation’s most celebrated figures.
First Time Streaming in the U.S.
Despite Miyazaki’s global acclaim, “Future Boy Conan” has remained largely unavailable to U.S. audiences for over 40 years. This acquisition marks the first time the series will be officially streamed in the United States.
A Foundational Work
“Future Boy Conan” is considered a foundational work in animation history, influencing many subsequent anime series, including “One Piece” and “Hunter x Hunter.”
Where and When Can You Watch It?
RetroCrush Exclusive
“Future Boy Conan” will premiere exclusively on RetroCrush, a streaming service dedicated to classic anime.
Premiere Date
The series will begin streaming on April 18, 2025.
Release Schedule
Episodes will be released weekly to recreate the anticipation and excitement of the original 1978 broadcast.
How to Watch
- Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD): All 26 episodes of the series are licensed via a multi-year deal with GKIDS and will be available on RetroCrush’s SVOD service.
- Free, Ad-Supported, Streaming Television (FAST): The FAST version of RetroCrush will showcase “Future Boy Conan” during the “A Very Hayao Miyazaki Earth Day” marathon on April 20, 22, and 27, from 8:00 a.m. ET to 4:00 a.m. ET the next day.
- Free Episodes: The first three episodes will be available to watch for free.
Language Options
The anime will stream in Japanese with English subtitles and with an English dub.
What to Expect From RetroCrush
Weekly Anime Club
The RetroCrush Podcast, hosted by social media star Tha Storm, will launch a weekly anime club dedicated to “Future Boy Conan.” Every Friday, as new episodes drop on RetroCrush, they’ll recap and discuss the latest batch while exploring how the series helped shape globally beloved anime.
A Very Hayao Miyazaki Earth Day Marathon
In addition to the weekly releases, RetroCrush’s FAST channel will air “Future Boy Conan” during the “A Very Hayao Miyazaki Earth Day” marathon on April 20, 22, and 27.
Cineverse’s Strategy
Strategic Content Play
Cineverse’s acquisition of exclusive streaming rights to “Future Boy Conan” represents a strategic content play for its RetroCrush anime platform. This acquisition brings significant artistic pedigree to their library and creates a genuine differentiator in the competitive streaming landscape.
Maximizing Engagement
By releasing episodes weekly rather than all at once, Cineverse is maximizing engagement through the appointment viewing model that builds anticipation and extends subscriber retention.
Cross-Platform Promotion
The weekly release strategy, paired with dedicated podcast content featuring influencers, demonstrates sophisticated cross-platform promotion to drive subscriber acquisition.
Growth and Expansion
RetroCrush has experienced significant growth, with a 137% increase in paid subscribers since 2021 and a doubling of its social media following since Cineverse’s acquisition.
About RetroCrush
Launch and Growth
RetroCrush launched as a standalone streaming service five years ago, following a successful debut as a YouTube/social video channel. As of this month, its social media footprint counts 2.2 million followers across platforms.
Availability
RetroCrush is a free, ad-supported video-on-demand service available in the United States and Canada. The service has apps on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and smart TVs, in addition to being available on browsers.
About Cineverse
Streaming Technology and Entertainment Company
Cineverse Corp. (NASDAQ: CNVS) is a global streaming technology and entertainment company with one of the world’s largest portfolios of streaming channels and content libraries.
Matchpoint Platform
Powered by Cineverse’s Matchpoint platform, RetroCrush continues to grow in viewership and popularity since it was added to Cineverse’s portfolio of streaming brands as part of the DMR acquisition in 2022.
Extensive Content Library
Cineverse’s advanced, proprietary technology drives the distribution of over 70,000 premium films, series, and podcasts to more than 150 million unique viewers monthly.
GKIDS and the Restoration
GKIDS released “Future Boy Conan” in North America with a new 4K restoration and an English dub in November 2021. This release marked the series’ first official release in North America, making it accessible to a new generation of fans.
Story and Themes
Post-Apocalyptic Setting
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world, twenty years after a devastating war. The war caused the earth’s axis to tilt, leading to widespread destruction and the collapse of civilization.
Conan’s Journey
Conan is born into this new world and raised by his adopted grandfather on an isolated island. His peaceful life is disrupted when Lana, a mysterious girl, washes ashore.
Themes of Survival and Hope
“Future Boy Conan” explores themes of survival, resilience, and the importance of friendship and hope in the face of adversity. The series also touches on ecological themes and the conflict between nature and industrialization.
Characters
- Conan: A young boy with incredible strength and agility, raised on an isolated island.
- Lana: A mysterious girl pursued by shadowy operatives, who holds the key to controlling what’s left of the world.
Influence on Other Works
“Future Boy Conan” has had a significant influence on other anime series, including “One Piece” and “Hunter x Hunter.” Its themes, characters, and storytelling techniques have inspired countless creators and continue to resonate with audiences today.
In Conclusion
The acquisition of “Future Boy Conan” by RetroCrush is a significant event for anime fans in the United States. For the first time, they will have the opportunity to stream this classic series and experience the early work of Hayao Miyazaki. With its engaging story, compelling characters, and timeless themes, “Future Boy Conan” is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the premiere on April 18, 2025, exclusively on RetroCrush.
