The critically acclaimed Made in Abyss anime franchise is set to continue its perilous journey into the titular Abyss with a new series of theatrical films, beginning in 2026. Kadokawa announced the project, with the first installment titled Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi (Made in Abyss: Awakening Mystery), revealing a key visual featuring new characters and confirming returning cast and staff.
The announcement follows an earlier reveal in January 2023 that a sequel to Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun was in production. Fans have eagerly awaited details, and the shift to a film series suggests a strategic approach to adapt the ongoing manga, given the current amount of source material.
The First Descent: Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi
The inaugural film in the series, Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi, will feature the beloved main cast reprising their roles. Mariya Ise returns as Reg, Miyu Tomita as Riko, Shiori Izawa as Nanachi, and Misaki Kuno as Faputa.
The creative team behind the previous successful anime adaptations will also be returning. Masayuki Kojima is set to direct the film at Kinema Citrus, the animation studio responsible for the series’ distinctive visual style. Hideyuki Kurata is again in charge of series composition, with Kazuchika Kise and Yuka Kuroda returning as character designers. The unveiled visual for Mezameru Shinpi teases the introduction of new characters named Tepaste and Cravagli, hinting at fresh mysteries and encounters within the treacherous depths of the Abyss.
Continuation of the Saga
The Made in Abyss anime has garnered significant praise for its compelling narrative, unique world-building, and blend of wonder and dark fantasy. The first 13-episode television anime series premiered in July 2017. This was followed by two compilation films and the direct sequel film, Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul, which premiered in January 2020. The second television season, Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun, aired from July to September 2022. This new film series is expected to continue directly from where the second season concluded, delving deeper into Akihito Tsukushi’s original manga.
Companion Concert Series Announced
In addition to the film series, Kadokawa has also announced a film concert series for Made in Abyss, scheduled to take place at Nakano ZERO in Tokyo on February 8, 2026. The anime’s acclaimed composer, Kevin Penkin, will conduct the orchestra, with vocalists Takeshi Saito and KIHOW (from MYTH&ROID) also slated to perform. Key cast members are expected to attend, offering fans an immersive experience that celebrates the franchise’s hauntingly beautiful score.
The decision to release the next arc as a series of films, rather than a third television season, may allow for a more cinematic scope and pacing, aligning with the epic scale of the Made in Abyss narrative as it descends further into the unknown. While details regarding the number of films in the series and their individual release dates beyond 2026 remain to be seen, the announcement has invigorated the fanbase, promising more harrowing and wondrous adventures in the Abyss.
