The latest installment in the My Hero Academia franchise, My Hero Academia: You’re Next, has earned widespread praise from critics and fans alike, signaling a strong comeback after the more modest reception of its 2021 predecessor. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 92% approval rating based on over 500 reviews, placing it among the franchise’s most successful releases.
This score makes You’re Next the second-highest-rated film in the My Hero Academia series, only trailing behind 2018’s Two Heroes, which earned a perfect 100% on the review aggregator. In contrast, the 2021 release World Heroes’ Mission marked the only dip in the franchise’s Rotten Tomatoes score, falling just short of the 90% mark.
A Box Office Success
In addition to its strong critical reception, My Hero Academia: You’re Next has proven to be a box office hit. The film debuted in the U.S. on October 11, grossing $3 million during its opening weekend. Globally, the movie has amassed $19.4 million, securing its place in the top 10 U.S. box office rankings alongside major titles such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Transformers One.
This release also marks a significant shift for the franchise, as You’re Next is the first film in the series to be distributed in North America by Toho International, based in Los Angeles. Previously, Crunchyroll handled distribution for the franchise’s earlier films. Toho’s experience with major titles, including Godzilla Minus One, has been a driving factor in the film’s successful marketing and release strategy.
A Shift in Distribution Strategy
While Toho International now manages distribution in North America, Crunchyroll remains responsible for distributing the film in other global markets. However, this could change in the coming years. In a recent interview, Keiji Ota, managing executive officer at Toho Japan, highlighted the company’s expansion plans under its “TOHO VISION 2032” strategy. This plan focuses on increasing the company’s presence overseas, expanding self-distribution in North America, and maximizing profits through merchandising and advertising. The strategy suggests that Toho could continue to increase its role in anime film distribution beyond Japan.
Despite this shift, Crunchyroll remains a significant player in the industry, especially following its parent company Sony’s acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse, a major U.S. theater chain. This acquisition could further strengthen Crunchyroll’s ability to cater to anime audiences in North America.
The Plot of You’re Next
My Hero Academia: You’re Next centers on the protagonist, Deku, and his classmates from U.A. High School as they face off against a new villain, Dark Might. The antagonist, who mimics the hero Deku has long admired, poses a significant threat, claiming to be the new “Symbol of Peace.” As the battle between heroes and villains rages on, Deku and the rest of Class 1-A must step up to protect the world and bring an end to Dark Might’s reign of chaos.
With a strong start both critically and commercially, My Hero Academia: You’re Next appears poised to continue the success of the beloved anime franchise, offering fans a thrilling new chapter in the ongoing battle for peace.
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