A new theatrical anime film for Galaxy Express 999 (銀河鉄道999) has been greenlit, with Rintaro handling the story concept and Toei Animation producing the animation. Character details and voice cast remain unannounced at this time.
About the Original Series
Based on the manga by Matsumoto Leiji, Galaxy Express 999 was serialized in Shonen King from 1977 to 1981. The TV anime and theatrical films produced during its run became massive hits. The story is set in a future where machine civilization has advanced greatly: the wealthy obtain mechanical bodies and enjoy eternal life, while the poor are persecuted. Protagonist Tetsuro Hoshino, accompanied by the mysterious beauty Maetel, travels aboard the 999 to a planet that supposedly grants free mechanical bodies.
Rintaro and Toei Animation Return
Rintaro, who directed the 1979 theatrical film Galaxy Express 999 and its 1981 sequel Sayonara Galaxy Express 999: Andromeda Terminal Station, will provide the story concept for this new production. Toei Animation, the studio behind many previous Galaxy Express 999 anime adaptations, will handle animation production.
An official X (formerly Twitter) account for the new film has been opened at @GE999_Official. Alongside the announcement, a comment was released from Matsumoto Makiko, representative director of Reiji-sha and eldest daughter of the late Matsumoto Leiji.
Matsumoto Makiko (Representative Director, Reiji-sha):
“Nearly half a century after the theatrical release of Galaxy Express 999, we have been given the opportunity by Toei Animation to announce a new work, which was Matsumoto’s long-cherished wish. Matsumoto would surely be delighted by the miracle of continuing the journey together with everyone. We hope you will look forward to the release.”
Exhibitions Celebrating the Series
Two exhibitions are currently running at the Kadokawa Musashino Museum. The first, “Galaxy Express 999 THE GALAXY EXPERIENCE: That Journey Continues.”, is being held on the first floor Grand Gallery from April 25 to October 26, 2026 (closed Tuesdays, except August 11 and September 22).
From September 19 to October 26, 2026, the museum will also host “Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition: The Journey of Creation” on the third floor exhibition room, as part of the Galaxy Express 999 50th anniversary project. The exhibition is organized by Kadokawa Media House, with special cooperation from Reiji-sha, cooperation from San-ei Printing, planning and production by Toei and Toei Animation, and supervision by Omura Tomoyuki of the Kitakyushu Manga Museum.
Further details on the new theatrical anime, including cast and release date, are expected in the future.
(C) Matsumoto Leiji / Reiji-sha, Toei Animation
