Ahead of the much anticipated North American release of One Piece Film Red in theaters nationwide, fans of the series were treated to several large-scale promotional experiences at both New York Comic Con 2022 and the iconic Times Square. 

Approximately 450 people attended the U.S. premiere of One Piece Film Red at New York Comic Con on October 6, 2022. The prevalence of the film was marked by the presence of a red carpet event prior to the screening and various large booth displays One Piece fans could interact with. 

On the following October 8, an exclusive panel featuring the English dub voice cast and Japanese production staff was also held at NYCC. Some of the talent and staff of One Piece Film Red that were featured on stage included director Gorou Taniguchi, Toei Animation producers Shinji Shimizu and Hiroaki Shibata, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Sonny Strait, Luci Christian, Christopher R. Sabat, and Ian Sinclair. Taniguchi, Shimizu, and Shibata also shared their appreciation of the fans and discussed how much of their passion went into producing the film. 

That same evening, between 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST, an exclusive Times Square takeover ad campaign was launched by the One Piece production committee. The hour-long ad campaign commemorated the film’s upcoming release in North America, utilizing multiple digital billboards to showcase an immersive experience for many excited fans that filled the streets of Times Square. 

Many One Piece fans witnessed a significant moment in history for the franchise over the weekend. They also took to social media to share numerous photos and videos of the experience. 

The One Piece is real! We witnessed the #OnePiece Times Square takeover in New York tonight! Did this really happen?? 🏴‍☠️🌃#OPFilmRedNYCC #NYCC #OnePieceFilmRed pic.twitter.com/1fYsPah62v

— Toei Animation (@ToeiAnimation) October 9, 2022

ONE PIECE FILM RED TAKE OVER IN NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE!?!?!? pic.twitter.com/Je5KIZuvJy

— AmaLee 🦋 M̶̱̍ö̷̧́n̶̝͋a̷͔̓r̷̝̓c̶̼̈́h̸͕̀ (@LeeandLie) October 9, 2022

The One Piece Times Square takeover is complete! @OP_FILMRED @OnePieceAnime #ONEPIECE pic.twitter.com/LYMpK2VxAO

— Anime News Network (@Anime) October 8, 2022

One Piece Taking Over Times Square Is an Indicator That Toei & VIZ Media Have Begun Their Final Push For The Marketing Leading Up To The Final Act of The Series. I Truly Believe One Piece Film: Red Was Made To Promote Shanks As He Will Be Very Important Going Forward. Impressive. pic.twitter.com/wE5WOmZLai

— White Shimotsuki (@whiteshimotsuki) October 9, 2022

One Piece Film Red at Times Square right now! pic.twitter.com/RXzajivYGO

— 💫Rookie💫 (@TanukiBathhouse) October 8, 2022

One Piece Film Red premiered in Japanese theaters on August 6, 2022 in theaters and has grossed over 2.25 billion yen (US$15.4 million) at the box office. It was screened in Indonesian IMAX theaters the following September. Toei Animation and Crunchyroll are partnering up to premiere the film internationally in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It will premiere in North America on November 4, 2022 and in Australia and New Zealand a day prior. 

Tickets are now available to be purchased and more information about local screenings can be found on the film’s official website. 

Crunchyroll describes the film’s synopsis as: 

Uta —the most beloved singer in the world. Renowned for concealing her own identity when performing, her voice has come to be described as “otherworldly.” Now, for the first time ever, Uta will reveal herself to the world at a live concert. As the venue fills with all kinds of Uta fans—excited pirates, the Navy watching closely, and the Straw Hats led by Luffy who simply came to enjoy her sonorous performance—the voice that the whole world has been waiting for is about to resound. The story begins with the shocking fact that she is Shanks’ daughter.

Source: press release