The latest movie in the Lupin the IIIrd theatrical series, Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku ( The Immortal Bloodline ), was screened during Japan Expo Paris in July. During the event, Crunchyroll News had the opportunity to meet with the director, Takeshi Koike, to talk about this new entry, his tenure as director of this franchise and the future of Lupin. Editor's note: The following interview contains some spoilers for Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku . How did you approach the creation of this film? Takeshi Koike : Before making this film, I made four different films, each focusing on one of Lupin the Third’s teammates. But, from the outset, I wanted all these films to be linked to the character of Mamo. The other main element of this film, specifically, is the choice of Lupin the 3rd as the real protagonist of the story. At what point did you decide to link the four films? Koike : I had no idea that all these films were going to be linked. First, I directed Jigen's Gravestone , in which I had included Mamo, because I said to myself, “If one day I can manage to link this film to Mamo, that would be really great.” After that, I continued with Goemon's Blood Spray , then Fujiko's Lie … so I did put in a number of elements that might suggest they were linked. But the moment when I really decided that all these films were going to be linked was precisely after the film about Fujiko Mine, and that's when we came to this film. RELATED: Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku Shares Music Video Trailer set to B'z Song "The IIIRD Eye" Why did you decide to bring Mamo back at this particular time? Koike : If you have seen Jigen's Gravestone , at the end of the film you can see the character of Mamo, who gives the impression of pulling the strings behind the scenes. But for this one, I really wanted to make it directly linked to the first animated film in the franchise [ The Mystery of Mamo ], released in 1978. It's simply because I wanted it to be linked to that film that I brought the character of Mamo to the fore. What was the most difficult part of making this film? The action, the animation, or the plot? Koike : All these elements were very challenging to achieve, especially in terms of conveying this rather complicated story and scenario. And one of the things I really struggled with was making it clear that this island wasn't really an island because it's Muomu's body. The reimagining of Lupin the Illrd's character design also brings a breath of fresh air to the franchise, a bridge between nostalgia and modernity, but different from Lupin III: The First . Was it difficult to implement, out of “fear” that fans would be reluctant? Koike : I think what's important to see is that when you look at all the series and movies, the designs are pretty consistent. So from that point of view, I wasn't too worried about fan reaction, and of course, I've been working on this for more than 10 years. So, between each film, there may be small differences, small nuances, which have come about despite myself. But I would really like viewers to look at these films and think that things are changing. How does the special episode Zenigata to Futari no Lupin , which hasn’t been released internationally yet, fit in? Koike : This special episode happens between the third film Fujiko's Lie and this one. It brings Zenigata in front of two Lupins. We begin to understand that someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes, and it's precisely a prequel to this film in which we learn how the characters happen to take off for this island and reunite there. What is your best memory of the entire franchise? Both as a professional who contributed to this legacy and as a fan of Monkey Punch's work? Koike : As a fan, I'm particularly fond of Episodes 2 and 9 from the first part of the first anime. Among all my friends who work in animation, both directors and animators, Lupin the Third has a very special place. He's a special character: everyone has their own vision and viewpoint of the character. Reflecting on that, I think I'm very lucky to have worked on this character for 12 years, and it's really something that brings me a lot of happiness. What do you think of the gold figures released in Japan ? Koike : I'd already like one, to decorate my home. [laughs]. I think they're very pretty. RELATED: New Lupin the IIIrd Anime Film Celebrates Premiere with Solid Gold Lupin Figure The ending seems pretty open-ended for the rest of Lupin, although it may be the end for you. Would you like to be a spectator rather than the director of Lupin III's future? Koike : To put it simply… I think both. I'd like to see his next adventures as a spectator and as a creator. Indeed, as I explained, the character of Lupin is a very special one for many people, and I'd like to see what other directors could do with him. But if I really had to choose one side between fan and director, I think it would be fan because I'd really like to see this character exploited by other talents. Takeshi Koike ( Lupin the 3rd Fujiko's Lie , Redline ) directed Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku , with a script by Yuya Takahashi ( Lupin the 3rd Part IV ) and music by James Shimoji ( Redline ). Katsuhito Ishii ( Redline original creator) serves as creative advisor. Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku premiered in Japan on June 27.
