COSPLAY UNIVERSE Film Set To Premiere At Anime Expo And Theaters This Summer

Cosplay Universe is a new documentary from directors Jonathan McHugh and Jordan Rennert that explores the diverse and unique world of cosplay. Hoping to shine a light on an often misunderstood art form, the film will feature the international stories of Yaya Han, Kamui Cosplay, Shema and Juan of Mexican Cosplay Team TWIIN Cosplay, World Cosplay Summit Organizer and academic Ed Hoff, Lauren of Castle Corsetry, Cynthia Tyler, Thomas De Petrillo and Qi Ma. There will also be one of the last interviews given by the late Stan Lee featured. It took 6 years of pre pandemic filming at conventions across the U.S. to get a deep look into the subculture and bring to light the intricacies of the community. 

“While those outside the Cosplay community may view Cosplay as “playing dress-up,” Cosplay has become so much more than that,” shares co-director Jonathan McHugh. “It encourages self expression in a uniquely inspiring way. In addition, it allows people to have a creative avenue to discover parts of their identity they may have been unaware of before.” Rennert adds, “We made this film as a tool for Cosplayers to help their friends and family understand what their love and this art form is all about.” 

It sounds like a really cool documentary. I’ve personally never gotten into cosplay, but it is an art form I’m glad exists because there have been some amazing cosplays of characters I never would have thought people could bring to life. The film premiered on July 3 at Anime Expo followed by a global theatrical release in select theaters this summer. You can ticket and theater information here.