The USC Trojans football team’s current season started off with a bang, with an appearance by Monkey D. Luffy at their season opener game against Rice University. Luffy appeared before USC Trojan fans this past Saturday to treat lucky viewers to a special live treat.The upcoming One PieceFilm Red has been slated for an American theatrical release in October, but the past few months have seen various promotional images and teasers released to heighten anticipation. This public event is only the most recent teaser, and it’s unlikely to be the last.The Game between the USC Trojans and Rice University carried on like many typical college football games until halftime arrived. After Luffy appeared on the big screen to rouse the crowd, the “Spirit of Troy” marching band performed songs from the One Piece anime series and One Piece Film Red. Fans may recognize “We Are” and “Over the Top” from the anime series, but “New Genesis” was the only song the band performed that came from the upcoming film. One Piece Film Red will introduce Uta, Shanks’ daughter, to fans as she crosses paths with the straw hats and a new adventure is sure to ensue.
The marching band also delighted viewers with several formations based on references to the film and show. The special appearance by Luffy and the marching band performance failed to elicit much excitement from the crowd at the game, but it was still a memorable and unique marketing attempt. It’s not often that anime fans are able to see large-scale events in such commonplace environments due to partnerships between anime studios like Toei Animation and USC Sports Properties.
As one of the big three of Shonen, One Piece stands at the absolute peak of Shonen anime, although it has not managed to break through the anime barrier into general pop culture as hits like Dragon Ball Z or Attack on Titan have. This halftime show may be the first sign that this may change soon. One Piece Film Redmay outperform recent world-renowned favorites like Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train or Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie, but fans will have to wait and see. With such a huge fan base, One Piece Film Red could be the latest anime film to put up big box office numbers.
Source: Anime News Network