The world of Lupin III is expanding with a brand-new 2D anime feature film, Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku (Lupin the IIIrd: Immortal Bloodline), and a prequel to whet fans’ appetites. The prequel, titled Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata to Futari no Lupin (Zenigata and the Two Lupins), is set to begin streaming in Japan on June 20, 2025, a week before the theatrical premiere of the feature film on June 27, 2025. A trailer for the film has been released, revealing additional cast members.
A “Hard Action” Prequel Focusing on Zenigata
This new net anime is described as a “hard action” story centered around Inspector Zenigata, Lupin’s ever-persistent nemesis and sometimes-ally. The story kicks off with a terrorist attack at an airport in the “Roviet Union” (a play on the Japanese term for the Soviet Union), with Lupin immediately becoming the prime suspect.
Zenigata apprehends Lupin, but Lupin insists on his innocence. The inspector soon finds himself entangled in a plot that suggests there might be more than one Lupin involved. This intriguing premise promises a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns, exploring the complex relationship between Lupin and Zenigata.
New Cast Members Join the Adventure
The trailer unveils two new cast members joining the Fujimi no Ketsuzoku project:
- Ainosuke Kataoka as Muomu
- Aoi Morikawa as Sarifa
These actors join the main cast, who are reprising their iconic roles:
- Kanichi Kurita as Lupin the IIIrd
- Akio Otsuka as Daisuke Jigen
- Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujiko Mine
- Koichi Yamadera as Zenigata
The Team Behind the Film
Fujimi no Ketsuzoku sees Takeshi Koike returning to direct at Telecom Animation Film. Koike has previously directed Lupin the IIIrd: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie.
The staff includes:
- Director: Takeshi Koike
- Screenwriter: Yuya Takahashi
- Music Composer: James Shimoji
- Creative Advisor: Katsuhito Ishii
- Animation Production: Telecom Animation Film
- Production & Writing: TMS Entertainment
- Distribution: TOHO NEXT
Rock band B’z will perform the film’s theme song, “The IIIRD Eye.”
A Treasure Hunt on a Mysterious Island
Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku follows Lupin and his gang as they embark on a treasure hunt on a mysterious, unmarked island. This sets the stage for a classic Lupin adventure filled with daring heists, thrilling action, and plenty of humor.
Lupin III: A Legacy of Adventure
Created by the late Monkey Punch, the Lupin III franchise began as a manga series in 1967. It follows the escapades of master thief Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of the famous gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Lupin is joined by his skilled gang: the sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, the samurai swordsman Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and the femme fatale Fujiko Mine. Inspector Koichi Zenigata, a dedicated Interpol detective, relentlessly pursues them, creating a dynamic cat-and-mouse game that has captivated audiences for decades.
The manga’s success led to numerous anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games, cementing Lupin III’s status as a pop culture icon. The franchise is known for its stylish animation, catchy soundtracks, and memorable characters.
A Return to 2D Animation
Fujimi no Ketsuzoku is being touted as the first new 2D feature-length anime film in the Lupin III franchise in nearly 30 years, since 1996’s Lupin III: Dead or Alive. While other anime have been released in theaters since then, such as Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie, these were not feature-length films. The 2019 film, Lupin III: The First, was CG animated, and the crossover films Lupin III vs. Detective Conan The Movie (2013) and Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye (2023) combined Lupin with other popular franchises.
This return to traditional 2D animation is highly anticipated by fans who appreciate the classic look and feel of the earlier Lupin III anime.
Where to Watch
The prequel, Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata to Futari no Lupin, will be streaming on various services in Japan starting June 20, 2025. Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku is scheduled to be released in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025. International release details are yet to be announced.
