Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising Main Trailer Released: Release Date Confirmed!
The Puella Magi Madoka Magica series, which fundamentally changed the magical girl genre and revolutionized the anime world, is finally approaching its grand finale after more than a decade. The official main trailer for the highly anticipated fourth film, Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht Rising (Walpurgis no Kaiten), has been shared. With this announcement, the definitive release date for the film, which had been delayed several times, has been set for August 28, 2026. This new production serves as a direct sequel to the 2013 film Rebellion, which ended with a shocking finale that left fans stunned.
The team behind the film is bringing together legendary names to preserve the original spirit of the series. Produced by Studio SHAFT, the project is once again led by chief director Akiyuki Shinbo and director Yukihiro Miyamoto. Gen Urobuchi, known for his dark and tragic storytelling, returns to write the screenplay, while the character designs bear the signature of Ume Aoki. Additionally, Yuki Kajiura, who composed the series' iconic music, is back; the film's main theme song, "Kanata," will be performed by FictionJunction. It has also been confirmed that the original voice cast will return in full for their roles.
So, why is this film so important? The original series, released in 2011, broke the rules of the genre by showing just how tragic the fate of magical girls truly is. At the end of the Rebellion film, Homura Akemi disrupted the order of the universe, defined herself as a "devil," and separated Madoka Kaname from her divine form to create a new reality. The new trailer reveals the cracks in this fragile world created by Homura and her conflict with the "Law of Cycles." The line heard in the trailer, "We will never forgive Homura Akemi," has sparked great curiosity among fans.
In the nearly two-minute trailer, we see not only old friends but also get a detailed look at new magical girl characters like Selma Therese and Shichoka for the first time. In terms of visual style, Gekidan Inu Curry's unique, abstract, and eerie designs are once again at the forefront. Coming after a 13-year wait, this sequel seems poised to bring the fate of the magical girls and the complex bond between Homura and Madoka to a conclusion. The film is set to premiere in Japan on August 28, with international release dates expected to be announced in the coming months.
