‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity’ Sets U.S. Theatrical Run via Fathom, Viz Media (EXCLUSIVE)

Published by Variety on Apr 13, 2026 11:00 AM

By Naman Ramachandran | Apr 13, 2026 10:00am PT

Fathom Entertainment and Viz Media will bring the opening three episodes of “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity” to cinemas across the U.S. for a limited theatrical engagement on June 25-29, before the final season reaches broadcast or streaming platforms.

Both subtitled and English-dubbed versions of the episodes will screen nationwide as part of the premiere run, which will also include behind-the-scenes footage and a conversation with series creator Tite Kubo alongside chief series director Tomohisa Taguchi and series director Hikaru Murata.

“The Calamity” picks up the Thousand-Year Blood War arc at its most volatile point, as the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and surviving Quincies converge on the Wahr Welt – the Royal Palace now under Wandenreich control – for a final confrontation with Yhwach.

“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.”

The theatrical release marks the latest milestone for a franchise that has seen a significant commercial and critical resurgence since its 2022 return. Originally airing 366 episodes between 2004 and 2012 as one of Shonen Jump’s defining titles – alongside “One Piece” and “Naruto” – “Bleach” resumed with the Thousand-Year Blood War adaptation and quickly reasserted its cultural footprint, winning MyAnimeList’s best anime of 2022 and earning anime of the year at the Anime Trending Awards in 2024.

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Fathom Entertainment, which is owned by AMC Entertainment, Cinemark Holdings and Regal Cineworld Group, distributes event cinema content to theaters worldwide.