The world’s most beloved gentleman thief, Lupin III, is set to grace the big screen once again in a brand-new 2D animated feature film. Titled Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku (Lupin the 3rd The Movie: Immortal Bloodline), this movie marks the return to traditional 2D animation for the franchise after nearly three decades. The film is slated to premiere in Japan on June 27, 2025.
A Long-Awaited Return to 2D Animation
Since Lupin the Third: Dead or Alive in 1996, the Lupin III franchise has primarily explored other animation styles, including 3D CGI with the 2019 film, Lupin III: The First. While those films were well-received, many fans have eagerly anticipated a return to the classic 2D animation that defined the series for so long.
Fujimi no Ketsuzoku promises to deliver that nostalgic experience while introducing a new adventure for Lupin and his iconic crew.
The Plot: Treasure on a Mysterious Island
In Fujimi no Ketsuzoku, Lupin and his team set their sights on a hidden treasure located on a mysterious, unmarked island. However, they soon discover that they are not the only ones seeking the island’s secrets, and they must battle against dangerous and mysterious residents to survive and claim the prize.
Cast Announcement: Familiar Voices Return
The recently released trailer for Fujimi no Ketsuzoku not only gave fans a sneak peek at the film’s animation and action but also revealed two key cast members who will be reprising their roles.
The confirmed cast includes:
- Kanichi Kurita as Lupin III
- Akio Otsuka as Daisuke Jigen
- Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa XIII
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujiko Mine
- Koichi Yamadera as Inspector Zenigata
This core cast has been voicing these characters for many years, ensuring a sense of continuity and familiarity for longtime fans of the franchise.
The Team Behind the Film
Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku boasts a talented team of creators. Takeshi Koike, known for his work on Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine and Redline, is directing the film. Yuya Takahashi, who has written for several Lupin III projects, including Lupin the Third Part IV, is penning the screenplay. James Shimoji, another familiar name in the Lupin III world, is composing the music. Katsuhito Ishii, the original creator of Redline, is serving as creative advisor. Telecom Animation Film is handling the animation production, with TMS Entertainment overseeing production and writing. TOHO NEXT is distributing the film.
Theme Song: “The IIIRD Eye” by B’z
Adding to the excitement, the trailer also previewed the film’s theme song, “The IIIRD Eye,” performed by the popular Japanese rock band B’z. The song’s энергичный sound perfectly complements the stylish and action-packed world of Lupin III.
A Prequel to Set the Stage
In anticipation of the film’s release, a net anime prequel titled Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata to Futari no Lupin (Zenigata and the Two Lupins) will begin streaming in Japan on June 20, 2025. This prequel will focus on Inspector Zenigata as he investigates a terrorist attack where Lupin is the prime suspect. The tagline for the prequel is, “What was stolen was your own identity…,” hinting at a complex mystery involving more than one Lupin.
The prequel shares the same core staff as the feature film, including director Takeshi Koike, scriptwriter Yūya Takahashi, and composer James Shimoji.
What to Expect
Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku is poised to be a thrilling and nostalgic experience for Lupin fans. With its return to 2D animation, a captivating treasure hunt plot, and the familiar voices of the main cast, the film promises to capture the spirit of the classic Lupin III adventures. The addition of a prequel focusing on Zenigata adds another layer of intrigue to the overall story.
As the release date approaches, fans around the world eagerly await the chance to join Lupin and his gang on their latest escapade.
