FUNimation Entertainment has obtained distribution rights for the two-part live-action adaptation of "Attack on Titan" — original title "Shingeki no Kyojin" — and has announced via a report from IGN that they will hold the premiere of the film's first part this coming July 14 at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles.
"Attack on Titan" Part One will then see a theatrical release in Japan on Aug. 1 and Part Two on Sept. 19. The report also cites that FUNimation will bring the film to a nationwide release in North, Central, and South America by fall this year. The films will retain the original Japanese voices and will feature English subtitles.
"FUNimation is honored to host the world premiere of 'Attack on Titan' here in the United States with Toho," stated CEO and President of FUNimation Entertainment Gen Fukunaga, cited by ComicBook.com. "Attack on Titan is truly a worldwide phenomenon and we are excited to bring the live action movie to theaters across the Americas later this fall."
No official release date has yet been given for the nationwide release of the films although it is speculated that it will be a limited release similar to the release strategy of the live-action "Rurouni Kenshin" films and the latest "Dragon Ball Z" films. The latter were given an English dub release instead of just a subtitled version.
The manga and anime series that the "Attack on Titan" film is based on revolves around a world where humanity has been nearly eradicated by a race of giants, forcing the last remnant of civilization to live in a small nation surrounded by three walls. The series and film's plot mostly centers on a group of fighters who protect mankind, especially when the giants start to break through the walls.
Hajime Iyasama, the series creator, played a big part in the development and production of the film. "Attack on Titan" is directed by Shinji Higuchi, based on a screenplay penned by Tomohiro Machiyama and Yusuke Watanabe.
