Galaxy Express 999 Returns: A New Film with Rintarō's Story
Great news for Galaxy Express 999 fans: The classic space adventure returns with a brand new film. According to the official announcement made on July 25, 2026, the legendary director Rintarō will take on the story. Rintarō previously directed the first Galaxy Express 999 film in 1979 and has also worked on other important productions of the series.
The original manga was published by Leiji Matsumoto between 1977 and 1981 and quickly became a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture. The story takes place on a train traveling through the depths of space; the main character Tetsuro Hoshino embarks on this journey with the mysterious Maetel to avenge his mother's death and gain immortality. The series was later adapted into a 113-episode anime (1978-1981), a film in 1979, and a sequel film titled Adieu Galaxy Express 999 in 1981.
Rintarō's involvement as the story writer in this new project is a tribute to the series' roots. The director had previously worked on other classics of Matsumoto's universe such as Space Symphony Maeterlinck and Arcadia of My Youth. Since the announcement is still in the early stages of production, details such as cast, release date, or trailer have not been shared. However, the announcement of such a sequel project after Matsumoto's passing in 2023 has sparked both nostalgia and curiosity among fans.
The new film aims to appeal to old fans while captivating new generations with modern animation techniques. The series' thematic depth — the conflict between immortality, humanity, technology, and nature — remains relevant today. This new journey of the Galaxy Railway will likely honor Matsumoto's legacy while preserving Rintarō's original vision. More details are expected in the coming months; for now, mark your calendars and get ready to buy your tickets — because Galaxy Express 999 is coming to the station once again.
