GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of animated features, is bringing “Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline” to North American cinemas for a limited engagement from January 4-6, 2026. This highly anticipated film marks the latest big-screen adventure for the iconic gentleman thief Lupin III and serves as the culmination of director Takeshi Koike’s “Lupin the IIIrd” saga.
The Return of the Gentleman Thief to 2D Animation
“Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline” holds significant weight for fans, as it is the first traditionally-animated, solo Lupin the 3rd feature film in nearly three decades, since 1996’s “Dead or Alive”. The film had its Japanese premiere on June 27, 2025. Takeshi Koike, known for his distinctive visual style, directs this action-packed entry, bringing his hardboiled aesthetic to the beloved franchise. Koike has previously helmed a series of Lupin the IIIrd specials, including “The Gravestone of Daisuke Jigen,” which explored the individual members of Lupin’s crew. This new film ties together the threads from those previous OVAs, leading to a definitive conclusion for Koike’s take on the Lupin universe.
A Perilous Quest on an Uncharted Island
The plot of “Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline” plunges Lupin III and his formidable gang—master marksman Daisuke Jigen, skilled samurai Goemon Ishikawa XIII, alluring femme fatale Fujiko Mine, and their persistent pursuer Inspector Zenigata—into a dangerous new mystery. The crew receives a mysterious invitation that leads them to an uncharted island nestled within the Bermuda Triangle.
This seemingly deserted island soon reveals itself to be a hub connected to a global network of elite mercenaries and a powerful mastermind. Lupin and his allies find themselves in a battle for survival against vaguely human monsters inspired by “The Island of Doctor Moreau,” and a formidable, unkillable antagonist named Muomu. With a ticking clock of lethal poison gas enveloping the island, the team must uncover the island’s secrets, confront the mastermind behind the assassins targeting them, and escape with their lives and potentially, a treasure. The film runs for 93 minutes, promising a fast-paced adventure.
The Enduring Legacy of Lupin III
The Lupin III franchise, originating from Monkey Punch’s manga in 1967, has grown into a global phenomenon, encompassing numerous television series, specials, video games, and animated films. Notable cinematic entries include Hayao Miyazaki’s directorial debut, “Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro” (1979), often cited as one of the best Lupin films. GKIDS has been instrumental in bringing Lupin films to North American audiences, including previous screenings of “Lupin III: The First” (2020), the franchise’s first CGI feature.
The voice cast for “Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline” includes veteran actors who have long embodied these iconic characters: Kanichi Kurita as Lupin III, Akio Ōtsuka as Daisuke Jigen, Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Yamadera as Inspector Zenigata.
