Aniplex officially confirmed that Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising will premiere on August 28, following the release of a full-length trailer on Sunday. The film serves as the official sequel to the Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 3: Rebellion film and features a new theme song, “Kanata,” by Yuki Kajiura’s solo project Fiction Junction, according to the franchise’s official website.
Who is leading the production of the new film?
The production reunites the original creative team, collectively known as Magica Quartet. According to Aniplex, Yukihiro Miyamoto is directing the film at animation studio SHAFT. The core staff includes chief director Akiyuki Simbo, scriptwriter Gen Urobuchi of Nitroplus, original character designer Ume Aoki, animation character designer Junichirō Taniguchi, composer Yuki Kajiura, and alternate space designer Gekidan Inu Curry. The cast sees the return of familiar voices, joined by Shion Wakayama as the new magical girl Shichōka and Tomoyo Kurosawa as Selma Therese.
Why has the film’s release been delayed multiple times?
The project has faced a series of production-related setbacks since its announcement in April 2021. Aniplex reported that the most recent delay, announced in January, shifted the film from a planned opening in February to its current August 28 date. Prior to this most recent delay, the film was previously slated to open in Japan in winter 2024, but was delayed in August 2024 to winter 2025, before the delay to February 2026.
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How does this release fit into the wider franchise history?
The Madoka Magica franchise has maintained a presence through various media since the original 12-episode anime debuted in January 2011. The timeline of major releases includes:
- 2011: Original television anime series premieres.
- 2012: Compilation films Beginnings and Eternal hit theaters.
- 2013: Rebellion sequel film debuts.
- 2017–2024: Magia Record smartphone game operates in Japan.
- 2025: Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Magia Exedra launches on mobile and Steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walpurgisnacht: Rising a reboot or a sequel?
It is an official sequel to the Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 3: Rebellion film.
Which studio is animating the film?
Animation studio SHAFT is producing the sequel.
Where can I watch the previous films?
Aniplex of America released the television series, two compilation films, and the sequel film in North America. Crunchyroll and Funimation streamed the series.
Are you excited for the return of the magical girls, or does the long development cycle make you skeptical? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on upcoming anime releases.
