Published by
on Apr 13, 2026 11:05 AM
First Three Episodes of “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity” Exclusively Head to U.S. Theatres Before Broadcast and Streaming from VIZ Media and Fathom Entertainment On June 25-29
Episodes 1–3 of the Final Season of Groundbreaking Anime Series Set for the Big Screen in U.S. Cinemas
Includes Never-Before-Seen Behind-the-Scenes Content and Exclusive Interview with Creator Tite Kubo as Part of Special Theatrical Engagement
Tickets On Sale May 29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER and SAN FRANCISCO – April 13, 2026 – Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide, and global producer of manga and anime VIZ Media will bring episodes 1–3 of “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity,” from legendary creator Tite Kubo to U.S. theatres nationwide for a limited theatrical premiere engagement prior to broadcast and streaming of the final season of the groundbreaking anime series, June 25–29, 2026.
“BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War” has firmly established itself among anime elites after taking Anime Trending’s “Anime of the Year” in 2024, with anticipation now mounting for “The Calamity.” Following its return in 2022 to adapt the franchise’s climactic arc, the series has become a global phenomenon—trending across social platforms and earning MyAnimeList’s Best Anime of 2022—while routinely posting critic and fan ratings as high as 9.4/10.
A special U.S. premiere for “The Calamity” will screen subtitled and English‑dubbed versions of all three episodes nationwide and feature an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes conversation with creator Tite Kubo and chief series director Tomohisa Taguchi and series director Hikaru Murata about the production.
“BLEACH’s” resurgence highlights a long-running legacy: one of Shonen Jump’s early “Big 3,” the property originally ran 366 episodes from 2004–2012 and helped define a generation of U.S. anime fandom alongside “One Piece” and “NARUTO.” The current run has been widely praised for its animation quality, explosive action choreography and Shiro SAGISU’s score, earning multiple wins at the Fall 2024 Anime Trending Awards and nominations across the 2024–25 Crunchyroll Anime Awards (including Best Action, Best Continuing Series, Best Score and Best English VA for Johnny Yong Bosch).
View the “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity” trailer here
“Anime fans are in for a thrilling experience as ‘BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War’ wraps up its groundbreaking run on the big screen,” said Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment. “Fathom has pioneered the theatrical experience for compelling, non-traditional content with built-in fanbases, and ‘BLEACH’ fans are in for a treat with the first three episodes and exclusive, behind the scenes content from our friends at VIZ Media beginning June 25.”
Official “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity” synopsis
Destruction looms at the end of the Thousand-Year Blood War between the Soul Reapers and Quincies…
The Royal Guard Squad Zero confronts Yhwach as he attempts to enter the Royal Palace. However, the Quincy King and his Royal Guard shatter Squad Zero’s powerful Bankai and finally steps into the Reio Greater Palace.
Ichibe Hyosube entrusts Ichigo Kurosaki and his allies to protect the Soul King, but due to Yhwach’s trickery, Ichigo cuts down the Soul King with his sword.
The death of the Soul King mirrors the collapse of the Three Worlds, as distortions and omens of destruction start to appear in all realms.
The Thirteen Court Guard Squads join forces with the surviving Quincies and head for the Royal Palace, but it’s fallen under the control of the Wandenreich, who have transformed it into the Wahr Welt. The Royal Guard wait for them within the castle, ominously towering against the sky.
Fierce battles then erupt throughout the Wahr Welt between the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the Royal Guard. Ichigo learns about Uryu’s true intentions and renews his determination to protect the world together, as friends who trust each other.
Yhwach has surpassed even his own ability, The Almighty…
The fierce battle for the survival of the Three Worlds approaches its end.
Beyond the chaos of calamity, what lies in wait—despair or hope?
Tickets for “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity” will be available online on May 29 and at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change). For more information, and to be among the first notified when tickets go on sale, please visit Fathom Entertainment.
About Fathom Entertainment
Fathom Entertainment is the leading global specialty distributor of content to movie theatres. For more than 20 years, Fathom Entertainment has pioneered theatrical distribution of events and special engagements across various genres and formats, including feature films, episodic content, documentaries, concerts, and live events. Fathom consistently ranks among the top 10 theatrical distributors in North America, and distributes content to cinemas worldwide. Fathom Entertainment is owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), and Regal Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L). For more information, visit FathomEntertainment.com.
About VIZ Media:
Wherever manga and anime fans are, we are! VIZ Media is No. 1 in Japanese pop culture, introducing fans to what’s now, new, and next. Home to the world’s most influential and groundbreaking storytellers and artists, who today drive multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. If it’s big in Japan, you can find it at VIZ.
VIZ Media is proudly certified as a Most Loved Workplace® in America and Inc Magazine’s Best Workplace. For more information on VIZ Media visit: https://www.viz.com/
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Contacts:
Chantelle Sturt
VIZ Media
[email protected]
Eric Becker
Fathom Entertainment
(303) 638-3469
[email protected]