“I’ve been waiting for this.”
That phrase alone doesn’t quite capture it.
After 13 years since the 2013 film Gekijouban Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica [Shinpen] Hangyaku no Monogatari, the long-awaited brand-new film Gekijouban Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten finally opened in theaters today, August 28.
Originally planned for winter 2024, then winter 2025, and then February 2026, the release date was adjusted multiple times. After three delays, it has finally arrived. The number of fans who have been waiting for this day is surely countless.
I was one of them. At the morning screening, the theater was completely full. The fact that so many fans gathered after all these years speaks volumes about the anticipation.
Standing panels greeted fans at the venue, and the excitement was palpable.
From 2011’s Shock to 13 Years Later: Madoka Magica Returns
The original TV series began in 2011, shattering expectations of cute magical girl shows with its unpredictable story and unique visual style. The 2013 film Hangyaku no Monogatari became a massive hit, grossing over 2 billion yen at the box office. Now, this new film finally continues that story.
In the lead-up to release, revival screenings and a five-minute preview of the opening were shown, building anticipation to a peak.
What Did I Just See? The Overwhelming Visuals
First and foremost, the sheer beauty of the imagery takes your breath away. Shaft’s signature bold compositions, unusual camera work, and dreamlike spaces are all present, amplified by the big screen.
What stands out most is the coexistence of “cuteness” and “unease.” A colorful, beautiful world can suddenly shift into something strange and unsettling. The contrast is striking, pulling you into the world of Madoka Magica.
Gekidan Inu Karee’s “different space design” is also on full display, with collages and textures that feel alien to reality. The sensation of “What am I being shown?” becomes part of the film’s appeal.
Thirteen years after Hangyaku no Monogatari, this isn’t a simple reproduction of past visuals. It incorporates techniques made possible by time, yet remains unmistakably Madoka Magica at a glance.
As for the story, we can’t say much here. The official X account has asked fans to refrain from posting spoilers on social media and video platforms until September 12 at 0:00. This article will respect that request.
All I can say is that the feeling of “What did I just see…?” lingers long after the credits roll. That’s why you should experience this on the big screen—the sudden plunge into an otherworldly space, the subtle wrongness in even casual conversations. The film itself makes it clear that Madoka Magica has returned after 13 years.
(C) Magica Quartet/Aniplex, Madoka Project
