The highly anticipated anime film, Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht: Rising (also known as Walpurgis no Kaiten), is officially slated for a February 2026 theatrical release. This marks the first new film in the Madoka Magica franchise in 12 years, serving as a direct and legitimate sequel to the 2013 movie, Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion.
Production Journey and Anticipated Release
Fans have eagerly awaited the continuation of the magical girl saga. The film was initially announced in April 2021, with an initial target of Winter 2024, later shifting to Winter 2025. The latest update confirms the February 2026 window, with production-related circumstances cited for the adjustments in its release schedule. Despite these delays, the production committee has expressed their commitment to delivering a high-quality product.
Creative Team and Returning Cast
The beloved creative team from previous Madoka Magica installments is returning to bring Walpurgisnacht: Rising to life. Akiyuki Shinbo is once again serving as chief director, with Gen Urobuchi penning the script, Ume Aoki handling the original character designs, and Yuki Kajiura composing the music. SHAFT remains at the helm for animation production, ensuring the distinctive visual style of the series.
The core voice cast is also reprising their roles, including Aoi Yuuki as Madoka Kaname, Chiwa Saito as Homura Akemi, Kaori Mizuhashi as Mami Tomoe, Eri Kitamura as Sayaka Miki, Ai Nonaka as Kyouko Sakura, Kana Asumi as Nagisa Momoe, and Emiri Katou as Kyubey.
Previous Reveals and Continued Story
A teaser visual for the film was unveiled alongside its initial announcement in April 2021, featuring the intriguing tagline, “Well, let’s continue the story.” A 30-second teaser trailer was subsequently released in September 2023, offering a glimpse into the film’s narrative. As a direct sequel to Rebellion, Walpurgisnacht: Rising is expected to delve deeper into the complex aftermath of Homura Akemi’s actions and the altered reality she created. Fans are particularly keen to see how the story will address the intricate power dynamics and relationships established in the previous film.
The enduring popularity of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series, which originally aired in 2011 and garnered critical acclaim for its dark deconstruction of the magical girl genre, continues to fuel anticipation for this new cinematic chapter.
