New 'Made in Abyss' Film Series Announced for 2026 Release

The beloved 'Made in Abyss' anime universe is set to expand with an exciting new cinematic series, as officially announced by Kadokawa. The inaugural film in this sequence is anticipated to captivate audiences in 2026. This forthcoming venture marks a significant continuation for the franchise, bringing back many of the talented individuals who contributed to its initial success. Fans can expect the signature creative vision to persist, as key members of the production team, including the animation studio and director, are reprising their roles. This development promises to delve deeper into the intricate world and narratives that have garnered a dedicated global following.

This significant expansion of the 'Made in Abyss' saga will see the return of the original voice talents behind iconic characters such as Reg, Riko, Nanachi, and Faputa, ensuring continuity and familiarity for long-time enthusiasts. Moreover, promotional materials for the upcoming movie have unveiled two intriguing new characters, Tepaste and Cravagli, hinting at fresh dynamics and storyline developments within the perilous depths of the Abyss. The consistent artistic direction and narrative composition are also assured, with the core creative team, including studio Kinema Citrus, director Masayuki Kojima, and series composer Hideyuki Kurata, all on board for this new cinematic journey.

The 'Made in Abyss' anime originally premiered in July 2017 as a 13-episode television series, drawing inspiration from Akihito Tsukushi's acclaimed dark fantasy manga. Its second season, subtitled 'The Golden City of the Scorching Sun,' aired in July 2022, concluding with an hour-long finale that same September. The franchise has a history of successful theatrical releases; two compilation films preceded the 2020 debut of 'Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul.' This particular film, which adapted the Ido Front Arc, launched in Japanese cinemas in January 2020, achieving an impressive box office of over 102 million yen (approximately $929,300) during its opening weekend. Despite a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it later received a limited release in theaters across the U.S. and Canada.

For those unfamiliar with the series, 'Made in Abyss' presents a stark contrast between its charming aesthetic and its often brutal narrative. The story revolves around a colossal, enigmatic chasm known as the Abyss, filled with both wonder and unimaginable dangers. The central protagonist, Riko, an orphan, dreams of emulating her mother's expeditions into this treacherous void. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when, during her descent, she encounters a mysterious, robot-like boy. The entire television series, along with its compilation films and 'Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul,' is available for streaming on HIDIVE, allowing new viewers to immerse themselves in this captivating yet unsettling world.

This impending series of films signifies a major step forward for the 'Made in Abyss' franchise, promising to further enrich its complex mythology and expand upon the beloved characters and their perilous adventures within the mysterious and often unforgiving Abyss. With the consistent creative team and original voice cast returning, fans can anticipate a faithful yet innovative continuation of this unique dark fantasy narrative.