Bandai Namco Filmworks has officially unveiled the title and release date for the fifth installment in the Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 film series. Titled “Hakunetsu no Ginga Taisen” (The Incandescent Galactic War), the film is slated to premiere on February 20. The announcement came via a special teaser trailer, which also showcased a new visual drawn by renowned artist Kia Asamiya.
This revelation follows closely on the heels of the fourth film, “Mizuiro no Sasha” (The Aqua Sasha), which opened in Japan on October 10.
The Continuing Saga of Rebel 3199
The Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 project is a highly anticipated sequel and remake within the venerable Space Battleship Yamato franchise. It serves as a direct continuation of Star Blazers 2205 and reimagines elements from both the original Be Forever Yamato and Space Battleship Yamato III narratives. The expansive story is set to unfold across seven theatrical films, which will also be adapted into a 26-episode TV streaming series. Crunchyroll is distributing the series internationally under the title Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199.
A Timeline of Releases
The Rebel 3199 saga commenced its theatrical run in July 2024, with films released at staggered intervals:
- First Film: “Kuro no Shinryaku” (Dark Invasion) opened in July 2024.
- Second Film: “Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki” (The Assault of the Burning Sun) premiered in November 2024.
- Third Film: “Gunjō no Asteroid” (Ultramarine Asteroid) debuted on April 11.
- Fourth Film: “Mizuiro no Sasha” (The Aqua Sasha) was released on October 10.
- Fifth Film: “Hakunetsu no Ginga Taisen” (The Incandescent Galactic War) is scheduled for February 20.
Each film deepens the narrative, which begins in the year 2207 and progresses to the distant future of 3199, exploring new challenges for the iconic Space Battleship Yamato and its crew as they confront a powerful new enemy, the Dezarium.
Production and Creative Team
The ambitious project is brought to life by Studio Mother, with assistance from Satelight, ensuring the signature visual quality fans have come to expect from the Yamato series. Naomichi Yamato is at the helm as director, working alongside Harutoshi Fukui, who serves as supervising director, head writer, and scriptwriter. Shōji Nishizaki is credited as a producer and general writing supervisor for the series. The blend of returning and new staff members aims to honor the legacy of the franchise while introducing fresh perspectives for a modern audience.
