Toei Animation has officially greenlit a brand-new theatrical anime film in the legendary Galaxy Express 999 franchise. Announced during Toei Animation’s 70th anniversary celebrations, the upcoming feature marks the return of the iconic interstellar steam train almost three decades after 1998’s Eternal Fantasy. Renowned anime auteur Rintaro, director of the original 1979 feature and 1981 sequel Adieu Galaxy Express 999, returns to write the original screenplay concept for this milestone project. While full production details remain under wraps, the film fulfills a long-standing vision originally shared by franchise creator Leiji Matsumoto.
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Key Project Information
- Franchise Name: Galaxy Express 999 (Ginga Tetsudo 999)
- Original Creator: Leiji Matsumoto
- Production Studio: Toei Animation Official Website
- Studio Social Media: Toei Animation X Account
- Production Estate: Leijisha Official Studio Homepage
- Estate Social Media: Leijisha X Social Feed
- Director and Screenplay Concept: Rintaro
- Primary Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Retro Anime Drama
What Is the New Galaxy Express 999 Anime Film Announcement?
The newly announced project is an official theatrical anime continuation within the universe conceived by manga pioneer Leiji Matsumoto. First serialized as a manga in 1977 inside Weekly Shonen King, Galaxy Express 999 established the foundational pillars of modern Japanese space opera science fiction.
The story chronicles Tetsuro Hoshino, a brave young orphan traveling through the cosmos aboard a space-faring locomotive alongside the mysterious woman Maetel. Tetsuro seeks to reach the planet Andromeda to acquire a mechanical body, hoping to avenge his mother while grappling with existential questions surrounding mortality, humanity, and industrialization.
Makiko Matsumoto, CEO of Leijisha and daughter of the late creator, shared a moving statement addressing fans worldwide:
“We apologize for the long wait.”
She noted that nearly 50 years after the 1979 film adaptation, this project finalizes a dream her father held throughout his later creative career.
Who Is Director Rintaro and Why Is His Return Significant?
Director Rintaro (Shigeyuki Hayashi) is one of Japanese animation’s most revered figures. Having worked directly alongside Osamu Tezuka during the dawn of TV anime, Rintaro gained international acclaim by directing the original 1979 Galaxy Express 999 movie, 1981’s Adieu Galaxy Express 999, 1996’s X, and the 2001 adaptation of Metropolis.
Rintaro’s involvement guarantees a direct narrative line to the creative lineage of the original cinematic adaptations. Rather than handing the franchise to an external team, Toei Animation chose the visionary responsible for shaping the cinematic identity of the saga. Rintaro is penning the core story concept, bringing decades of narrative expertise back to the conductor’s seat.
When Is the Release Date for the New Galaxy Express 999 Movie?
Toei Animation has not yet confirmed an exact release date or window for the upcoming feature. Production updates regarding voice casting, animation staff, and theatrical distribution schedules are expected to follow in future press briefings.
This announcement carries immense historical weight due to recent milestones and tragic losses within the community:
- Studio Anniversary: Toei Animation celebrates its 70th anniversary, having been originally established in 1956.
- Loss of Voice Lead: Voice actress Masako Ikeda, who famously voiced Maetel across television and film projects since 1978, passed away at age 87.
- Loss of Composer: Legendary composer Nozomi Aoki, responsible for the iconic orchestral soundscapes of the television series and classic films, passed away at age 94.
- Preserving Matsumoto’s Legacy: Creator Leiji Matsumoto passed away in 2023. His legacy continues through active projects and an ongoing traveling art exhibition displaying over 300 original art pieces across major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Kitakyushu, and Nagoya.
Where Can You Watch the Classic Galaxy Express 999 Anime Series?
Newcomers and veteran fans looking to catch up on the original 113-episode anime series or classic feature films can access legacy streaming catalogs online:
- Stream the complete original TV run on Galaxy Express 999 on Crunchyroll with full Japanese audio and English subtitles.
- Access digital rental and streaming options via Galaxy Express 999 on Amazon Prime Video.
- Check physical release distributions managed through classic anime publishers like Discotek Media for high-definition 4K restorations of the original films.
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