Ghost of Yōtei Popcorn Bucket Craze: The $30 Collector’s Item That Vanished in Hours

In an unexpected twist that no one quite saw coming, the Ghost of Yōtei popcorn bucket has become the latest collector’s obsession. Part eerie merchandise, part popcorn-holding curiosity, this limited-edition tie-in launched just as pre-release hype brews around Sucker Punch Productions’ upcoming PS5 title, Ghost of Yōtei, widely expected to be the spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima.

The popcorn bucket, available exclusively at Cinemark theatres in the United States, retailed for $30. An unusually high price point for what is essentially a snacking accessory. Yet that didn’t stop fans from descending on theatres in droves. Within just a few hours of release, the ghostly treat containers had vanished from shelves nationwide. Styled after the haunting white fox spirit that features prominently in Ghost of Yōtei’s promotional footage, the bucket doubles as an LED-glowing, fox-eared lantern, practically begging fans to add it to their gaming shrine or eBay listings. Both, apparently.

Why Are Ghost of Yōtei Fans Losing Their Minds Over a Theatre Bucket?

Let’s face it: video game merch tends to be hit or miss. But this particular item lands squarely in the “WTF-but-I-must-have-it” sweet spot. More than just a bucket, the Ghost of Yōtei popcorn bucket taps into a broader trend: high-value, limited-availability gaming merchandise that doubles as a cultural signal. If you own one, you’re not just a casual fan—you were there, you acted fast, you battled through snack lines to claim your prize.

Part of what makes the bucket so striking is its design fidelity and visual flair. Embracing the ghostly aesthetic of the titular spirit, it lights up from within, its fox eyes glowing red, reminiscent of the spectral enemies teased in cinematic trailers. While it’s not officially tied to any storyline elements, fans are speculating that the fox motif may play a central thematic or mechanical role in the upcoming title.

Much of this hype rides the lingering success of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch’s grounded take on feudal Japan. But Ghost of Yōtei appears to pivot hard into the arcane and mythological, a tonal shift reflected in even the tiniest details—like this collector’s bucket. Think less samurai cinema and more eerie spirit world.

Another key reason for its overnight success: scarcity marketing. Sucker Punch and Cinemark offered zero advance notice. No preorders, no teasers, just a sudden reveal and immediate availability. The result? A scramble that left resellers with listings on eBay approaching triple-digit price tags just hours later. It’s a combo of smart merchandising and fan fervour that few other PS5-exclusive games can currently rival.

But there’s another angle to consider here: what does this say about the Ghost of Tsushima sequel fanbase? It wasn’t just core gamers who latched onto this. Filmgoers with only a passing knowledge of the franchise found themselves swept up by the sheer oddity of the thing—a glowing fox that holds popcorn. It’s a marketing move that effortlessly blends gaming culture with theatrical spectacle, and does wonders to increase awareness for the game’s eventual release.

As for stock? There’s no word yet on restocks or wider availability outside the US-based Cinemark circuit. So, unless you’ve got connections or incredibly fast reflexes, you’ll likely be grabbing one second-hand—or waiting for a potential digital recreation in the game itself (no word on that yet, but hey, developers have done stranger things).

If anything, this theatre bucket tells us Sucker Punch isn’t just aiming to deliver another beautifully rendered historical epic—they’re building out a world, culture and mythos designed to extend beyond screen and controller. The Ghost of Yōtei popcorn bucket might look silly at a glance, but in terms of engagement, fandom, and pure spectacle? It’s already one of 2025’s most memorable PS5 merchandise launches.