A 3D metamorphosis for a legendary thief decades in the making
In short: For over fifty years, the gentleman thief Lupin III has defined Japanese animation. Now, the franchise has finally stepped into the third dimension. This 2019 heist comedy marks the first time the iconic character has been fully computer-animated, fulfilling a long-held dream of his creator, Monkey Punch.
The transition from traditional hand-drawn animation to 3DCG was a significant milestone for the franchise. Since the series first appeared as a manga in 1967 and moved to television in 1971, Lupin has been a staple of 2D animation. The decision to move into 3D was driven by the technical ability to create high-action sequences and a desire to bridge the gap between classic adaptations and modern CGI.
The production was a meticulous process led by director Takashi Yamazaki. To ensure the new format remained faithful to the source material, animators worked closely with previous creators to verify that the characters remained 'Lupin-like.' The creative goal was to ensure that even in a 3D space, the character would still look and feel like the 2D Lupin that fans have recognized for decades.
The movie depicts a worldwide quest occurring throughout the Shōwa era's late 1960s. It follows Lupin III and his crew—including Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko—as they race against Nazi treasure-hunters to find the Bresson Diary. Legends suggest this journal points toward the 'Eclipse,' a lost, highly advanced society's power source tucked away inside Teotihuacan's ruins.
The project was a massive undertaking involving Marza Animation Planet and TMS Entertainment. The production team produced over twelve screenplays and three story reels to refine the script. Despite the mental toll of harsh critiques during the editing process, the goal was to create a seamless, high-energy heist comedy that could serve as a cultural bridge for international audiences.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Lupin III: The First
- Also: Lupin III: The First
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