The upcoming 2025 Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX anime, a collaboration between animation powerhouses khara and SUNRISE, has been a hot topic among fans since its announcement. And the theatrical version, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX-Beginning-, which compiles select early episodes, has already smashed records, becoming the second-highest-grossing Gundam film in history – a truly stellar performance.
Yesterday (February 22), Hideaki Anno, mechanical designer Yutaka Izubuchi, and anime/tokusatsu researcher Ryusuke Hikawa gathered in Tokyo for the "Anime New Century Declaration" 44th-anniversary symposium and a special screening of Mobile Suit Gundam. Given that Anno himself penned the opening segment of the theatrical version of GQuuuuuuX-Beginning-, he took the opportunity to discuss the profound importance of Mobile Suit Gundam in his life.
▼ Hideaki Anno, Yutaka Izubuchi, and Ryusuke Hikawa at the "Anime New Century Declaration" 44th-anniversary symposium and Mobile Suit Gundam special screening.
For the special screening, Anno specifically chose Episode 14, "Time, Stop." When asked why, he explained, "This episode fully showcases Yoshiyuki Tomino's style, and it also embodies the spirit of Gundam. I wanted to pick an episode that truly represents Gundam's characteristics."
He highlighted the intense moment in Episode 14 where Amuro hesitates to fire at an enemy pilot without a mobile suit, calling it a powerful detail. Anno praised it, saying, "That kind of subtle portrayal is truly Tomino's style."
When the discussion turned to Anno personally writing the opening script for GQuuuuuuX and specifically recreating Director Yoshiyuki Tomino's distinctive dialogue style, Izubuchi commented, "Tomino-sensei's dialogue style is so vivid, you remember it instantly. When I heard Anno's part, I immediately thought, 'Yes, yes, that's exactly the Gundam dialogue feel!'" Anno chuckled shyly in response, "I really put in the effort!"
Anno then shared a personal anecdote, recalling how as a university student, he thought he was "graduating" from anime, until he saw a preview for Mobile Suit Gundam. "I was thinking, 'Is it about time for me to move on from anime?' But when I saw Gundam lift its head and its eyes light up, I instantly knew I had to watch this show every single week!"
He reflected, "If I hadn't seen that preview, my life might have taken a completely different path." He concluded with gratitude, "Mobile Suit Gundam brought me back to the animation industry. I owe this work a debt of gratitude, so I hope to quietly support it from behind the scenes." No sooner had he finished than the other guests on stage playfully interjected, "Quietly? You're clearly giving it massive support!" The entire room erupted in laughter, bringing the symposium to a joyful close.
It's clear Hideaki Anno has a deep, special connection to Mobile Suit Gundam. To now be actively involved in the latest installment, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, after all these years, must truly be a unique experience for him.
via： oricon news