The film was originally slated to premiere in Japan this February.
Although the highly-anticipated new entry to the Madoka Magica film franchise has been delayed, fans will take great comfort in knowing they won't have to wait another year to see the movie in the silver screen. The official social media accounts and website for the “Walpurgisnacht Rising” film has confirmed that it will be debuting in Japanese theatres on 28 August, 2026!
“Walpurgisnacht Rising” lands in theatres in August
The full announcement, through a machine translation, reads:
Regarding the film "Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht Rising," whose release timing we have been re-adjusting, the release date has been set for August 28, 2026.
We once again extend our deepest gratitude to all of you who have been eagerly awaiting its release. Please wait just a little longer until then.
Here's to hoping no more unexpected delays hit this long-awaited film! Although global viewers may still need to stay on their toes, as global distribution details are still yet to be confirmed.
First announced in 2021, “Walpurgisnacht Rising” is part of a greater collection of movies in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime franchise. The anime itself, which originally aired in 2011, has garnered a cult following due to its infamous undoing of the magical girl trope.
Voice actors from both “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” and its spin-off series “Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story” will reprise their roles for “Walpurgisnacht Rising”:
- Chiwa Saitou as Homura Akemi
- Aoi Yuuki as Madoka Kaname
- Emiri Katou as Kyuubey
- Eri Kitamura as Sayaka Miki
- Kana Asumi as Nagisa Momoe
- Ai Nonaka as Kyouko Sakura
- Kaori Mizuhashi as Mami Tomoe
And it’s not only the voice actors coming back at full force–the staff for “Rebellion” are also returning. Akiyuki Shimbo is once again helming as chief director at SHAFT, with Yukihiro Miyamoto directing the movie. Gen Urobuchi wrote the script, while aokiume drafted character designs, with Junichiro Taniguchi finishing them. Yuki Kajiura is composing the film’s music, while Gekidan Inu Curry is designing the Witches’ Spaces.
Crunchyroll describes the anime as:
She has a loving family and best friends, laughs and cries from time to time… Madoka Kaname, an eighth grader of Mitakihara middle school, is one of those who lives such a life. One day, she had a very magical encounter. She doesn't know if it happened by chance or by fate yet. This is a fateful encounter that can change her destiny- This is a beginning of the new story of the magical witch girls-