Bandai Namco Reveals Code Geass: Star Chaser Aspal Anime with 2027 Premiere Window

As part of ongoing celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the legendary franchise, Bandai Namco Filmworks and animation studio Sunrise have revealed a brand-new promotional visual and core voice cast for Code Geass: Star Chaser Aspal (Code Geass: Hoshi Oi no Aspal).

Slated to kick off event screenings and a wider release in 2027, the upcoming project steps away from direct continuations of previous timelines to present an entirely standalone story within the expansive Code Geass universe.

For official updates and promotional schedules, visit the official Code Geass website.

Setting and Premise: A Roman Empire Under Siege

Star Chaser Aspal shifts the historical and geographic scope of the franchise dramatically. Set in the year 606 of the Kōreki era (Divine Era), the narrative unfolds within a dark fantasy interpretation of the Roman Empire.

Citizens suffer under the crushing, oppressive policies of Emperor Phokas alongside continuous, grueling wars against neighboring territories. The plot begins in the imperial capital of Neapolis, where a young enslaved boy named Aspal crosses paths with a mysterious woman named Zoé, who exists uniquely as a severed head. This fateful meeting sets off a sweeping new conflict that redefines the franchise’s sci-fi and political motifs.

Production Staff and Mecha Redesign

While original creators Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi are credited with the story concept, Star Chaser Aspal features a fresh creative lineup:

• Director: Kazuya Nomura
• Series Composition: Mado Nozaki
• Character Design: Rolua
• Agalmata (Mecha) Design: Yoshi.
• Music Composition: Taro Iwashiro
• Animation Production: Sunrise / Bandai Namco Filmworks

Notably, the iconic Knightmare Frames from past entries are replaced in this timeline by new mechanical war machines known as Agalmata, designed by artist Yoshi.

Main Voice Cast and Screening Schedule

Bandai Namco confirmed the primary voice talent leading the production:

• Aspal: Ivan Shibata
• Zoé: Hibiku Yamamura

Advanced preview screenings are scheduled to tour five major Japanese cities starting in January 2027, ahead of the official television and theatrical rollout.

Franchise History and Context

The Code Geass franchise began with the landmark original anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, produced by Sunrise, directed by Goro Taniguchi, written by Ichiro Okouchi, and featuring character designs by manga collective CLAMP. The original 25-episode season aired from October 2006 to July 2007, followed by the 25-episode second season, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2, from April to September 2008.

Over the last two decades, the universe has expanded across multiple mediums:

• Alternative Movie Trilogy (2017–2018): Recut films altering select original timeline events.
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019): A feature film sequel following the alternate film continuity.
• Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture (2024): A four-part action series released between May and August 2024.

Unlike recent entries tied directly to the Lelouch timeline, Star Chaser Aspal represents a brand-new narrative departure for the brand as it crosses its 20th-year milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Code Geass: Star Chaser Aspal releasing?

Code Geass: Star Chaser Aspal is scheduled to premiere in 2027, with advanced theatrical preview screenings touring major Japanese cities beginning in January 2027.

Who is directing Code Geass: Star Chaser Aspal?

The anime is directed by Kazuya Nomura, with series composition by Mado Nozaki and animation by Sunrise.

Are Knightmare Frames in Star Chaser Aspal?

No. This installment replaces traditional Knightmare Frames with new mechanical units called Agalmata, designed by artist Yoshi.