A new 2D feature-length anime film in the Lupin III franchise, tentatively titled Lupin the IIIrd The Movie, is set to open in Japan in 2025, marking the first major 2D animated film in the series in nearly three decades. The announcement was made Friday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account for the franchise, alongside a teaser video that hints at the movie’s mysterious plot. At the close of the video, the phrase “You don’t yet know the real Lupin III” appears, signaling an exciting new direction for the beloved series.
A Long-Awaited Return to 2D Animation
This new project is particularly significant as it will be the first 2D feature-length anime in the Lupin III series since Lupin III: Dead or Alive in 1996. While several other Lupin III projects have been released in theaters since then, including Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie, these were all shorter works, not feature-length films. Additionally, the 2019 film Lupin III THE FIRST was a CG-animated film, while the 2013 Lupin III vs. Detective Conan and 2023’s Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye were crossover films.
Creative Team Behind the New Film
Takeshi Koike, a longtime collaborator with the franchise and director of several notable Lupin III works, will return to direct the film at Telecom Animation Film. Koike has previously worked on Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, as well as the aforementioned Lupin the IIIrd films (Jigen’s Gravestone, Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Fujiko Mine’s Lie).
Yūya Takahashi, who has written the screenplays for several Lupin III films, including the Jigen’s Gravestone and Goemon’s Blood Spray titles, is returning as the screenwriter for the new film. James Shimoji will also reprise his role as the composer for the film’s music, while Katsuhito Ishii returns as a creative advisor, having contributed to the previous Lupin IIIrd films.
Production and Distribution
TMS Entertainment, the studio behind the Lupin III franchise, is credited with both production and writing. The film will be distributed in Japan by TOHO NEXT, with a theatrical release slated for 2025.
Fans of the iconic thief and his band of misfit companions have eagerly awaited a return to traditional animation for Lupin III, and this new feature promises to deliver both nostalgia and innovation, bringing the series into a new era with an exciting, fresh take.
Stay tuned for more details as the project moves toward its release next year.
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