The highly anticipated second installment in the Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash film trilogy has officially unveiled its full title, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – The Witch of Circe (Kidō Senshi Gundam: Senkō no Hathaway – Circe no Majo), alongside confirmation of its staff, returning cast, and a theatrical debut set for winter in Japan. This announcement arrives after a significant period of anticipation, further solidifying the Universal Century timeline’s continued expansion and a new chapter for the popular protagonist, Hathaway Noa.
The Return of Hathaway: A New Chapter Unfolds
Fans of the Gundam franchise have eagerly awaited news regarding the continuation of Hathaway Noa’s saga since the thrilling conclusion of the first film in 2021. The reveal of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – The Witch of Circe as the official title for the second movie marks a pivotal moment for the trilogy. While a specific date within “winter” has yet to be announced, the timeframe points to a late 2025 or early 2026 theatrical release, continuing the momentum built by its critically acclaimed predecessor. The previous working title, “Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash: Son of Bright,” was circulated earlier, but the newly confirmed title offers a fresh thematic direction, sparking intrigue among the fanbase.
The Hathaway’s Flash film series is a three-part adaptation of Yoshiyuki Tomino’s original novel trilogy, which was first published between 1989 and 1990. Set in the Universal Century 0105, the narrative follows Hathaway Noa, the son of the iconic Bright Noa, as he operates under the alias Mafty Navue Erin. Leading a terrorist organization, Mafty’s objective is to combat the Earth Federation’s corrupt rule, which has seen the establishment of an elite class (the “Maanhunters”) and the forced migration of Earth’s populace into space. The story delves deep into themes of justice, rebellion, and the moral ambiguities of war, offering a darker, more complex perspective on the familiar Gundam universe.
Orchestrating the Visuals: Key Staff Return and New Additions
The success of the first Hathaway film was largely attributed to its breathtaking animation, intricate mecha designs, and sophisticated storytelling. Much of the core creative team responsible for that achievement will return to helm The Witch of Circe, ensuring continuity in its high-caliber production. Shukou Murase, known for his work on Genocidal Organ, is once again at the directorial helm, bringing his distinctive vision to the Universal Century. Yasuyuki Muto returns to pen the screenplay, a crucial role in adapting Tomino’s dense novels into a cohesive cinematic experience.
The character designs will once again be handled by the trio of Pablo Uchida, Naoyuki Onda, and Shigeki Kuhara, ensuring that the visual identities of Hathaway, Gigi, Kenneth, and other key figures remain consistent and compelling. The evocative and often melancholic musical score that underpinned the first film will continue to be composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, a celebrated name in anime music known for his powerful orchestral arrangements in titles like Attack on Titan and Promare. His continued involvement promises to enhance the emotional depth and epic scale of the upcoming film.
Beyond the returning veterans, the production team sees some notable new additions, further bolstering the film’s artistic and technical capabilities. Yuichi Kuboki will join Takako Suzuki as a color key artist, contributing to the film’s distinctive color palette and visual mood. Yoshinori Sayama, whose extensive work includes Macross Plus and Cowboy Bebop, is credited for display designs, building upon his contributions to the first film. Yoshihisa Ōyama steps in as the new compositing director of photography, a role vital for blending visual elements seamlessly, while Manabu Kamitōno will direct the special effects, promising even more dynamic and immersive action sequences. These additions highlight the commitment to pushing the visual boundaries set by the inaugural movie.
The Voices of Rebellion: Cast Members Reprise Their Roles
A significant factor in the resonance of the Hathaway films is the powerful voice acting that brings its complex characters to life. Fans will be pleased to know that the main voice cast from the first film will be reprising their roles in The Witch of Circe.
Kensho Ono will once again lend his voice to the tormented protagonist, Hathaway Noa, also known as the elusive Mafty Navue Erin. Ono’s nuanced portrayal of Hathaway’s internal conflict and his steadfast resolve against the Federation was a highlight of the first film, and his return is crucial for maintaining the character’s depth.
Reina Ueda is confirmed to return as Gigi Andalucia, the mysterious and enigmatic young woman who becomes deeply entangled in Hathaway’s life and mission. Her performance in the first film captivated audiences, and her continued presence suggests further exploration of Gigi’s pivotal role in the unfolding drama.
Junichi Suwabe will reprise his role as Kenneth Sleg, the Earth Federation officer tasked with pursuing Mafty. The complex dynamic between Kenneth and Hathaway, often unknowingly intertwined, is a cornerstone of the narrative, and Suwabe’s portrayal contributes significantly to this tension. Furthermore, Soma Saito is also expected to return as Lane Aim, another key figure in the Federation’s pursuit of Mafty. The ensemble cast’s return ensures that the intricate character relationships and their emotional impact will remain central to the sequel.
The Acclaimed Predecessor: Setting a High Bar
The first film, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash, premiered in Japanese theaters on June 11, 2021, and quickly garnered significant attention. Despite facing multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its eventual release proved to be a resounding success. It achieved a domestic box office gross of approximately 2.23 billion yen, making it one of the highest-earning Gundam films to date.
Beyond its commercial success, the film was widely praised by critics and audiences alike for its stunning visual artistry, which showcased a new benchmark for animation in the Gundam universe. The blend of traditional animation with cutting-edge CGI, particularly in the depiction of mobile suit battles and the detailed Universal Century settings, left a lasting impression. The film also earned commendation for its emotionally resonant human drama and its realistic portrayal of war and conflict, delving into the psychological toll of the Universal Century’s ongoing conflicts. Its subsequent global streaming release on Netflix on July 1, 2021, allowed a wider international audience to experience its cinematic brilliance, further fueling anticipation for the next chapter.
The Universal Century’s Continued Evolution
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash is deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of the Universal Century timeline, serving as a direct sequel to Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. The narrative picks up years after Char Aznable’s final rebellion, exploring the ramifications of his actions and the persistent struggles within the Earth Federation. Hathaway Noa, a character who first appeared as a young boy in Zeta Gundam and later played a supporting role in Char’s Counterattack, now takes center stage. His transformation into the enigmatic leader Mafty Navue Erin is a central theme, as he grapples with the legacy of his father, Bright Noa, and the weight of his own convictions in a world still scarred by conflict.
Producer Naohiro Ogata has previously hinted that Hathaway – The Witch of Circe will feature some deviations from Yoshiyuki Tomino’s original novel series. These changes are expected to provide fresh perspectives and potentially integrate new elements into the story, keeping even the most seasoned Gundam fans on their toes. Ogata also teased the potential appearance of Bright Noa himself in the sequel, a development that would undoubtedly add another layer of emotional and thematic depth given his iconic status and complex relationship with Hathaway.
Furthermore, the production faced unique challenges during the development of the second film, including difficulties with location scouting in Australia due to the global pandemic. Director Shukou Murase even resorted to using flight simulators to aid in pre-production, showcasing the team’s dedication to maintaining geographical accuracy and visual fidelity, even under adverse conditions.
Looking Ahead: The Trilogy Continues
The announcement of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – The Witch of Circe with its confirmed staff, title, and winter debut is a testament to the enduring power and appeal of the Gundam franchise. It signifies a vital progression in the Hathaway’s Flash trilogy, promising to build upon the narrative and artistic achievements of the first film. With a compelling storyline, a returning and augmented creative team, and a stellar voice cast, the second film is poised to deliver another impactful cinematic experience that delves deeper into the moral complexities of the Universal Century.
As the winter debut approaches, fans can anticipate more teasers and promotional materials, further revealing the visual splendor and narrative intricacies of The Witch of Circe. The Hathaway’s Flash series represents a mature and introspective direction for the Gundam universe, exploring themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. Its continued development ensures that the legacy of Yoshiyuki Tomino’s vision remains vibrant and relevant, offering a compelling blend of mecha action, political intrigue, and profound human drama.
