{"id":6506,"date":"2026-07-26T10:28:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T02:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gametrader.sg\/blog\/galaxy-express-999-new-film-announced-rintaro-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T10:28:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T02:28:50","slug":"galaxy-express-999-new-film-announced-rintaro-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gametrader.sg\/blog\/galaxy-express-999-new-film-announced-rintaro-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"New Galaxy Express 999 Film Announced \u2014 Rintar\u014d Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Toei Animation and Leijisha have officially announced a new Galaxy Express 999 theatrical film. The project reunites the franchise with director Rintar\u014d \u2014 the man behind the iconic 1979 and 1981 films \u2014 who is currently drafting an original story for the new production.<\/p>\n

\"Maetel
Image courtesy of Toei Animation \/ Leijisha<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back on the Endless Railway<\/h2>\n

The announcement was made on 25 July 2026. While a release date has not been set, the confirmation that Rintar\u014d is actively working on the story signals this is a genuine production rather than a greenlight announcement with nothing behind it.<\/p>\n

Makiko Matsumoto, representing Leijisha \u2014 the estate that holds the late Leiji Matsumoto’s intellectual properties \u2014 expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Speaking to Anime News Network, she confirmed the project is moving forward with the blessing of the Matsumoto estate, honouring the late manga artist’s legacy.<\/p>\n

\"Galaxy
Image courtesy of Toei Animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why This Matters<\/h2>\n

Galaxy Express 999 holds a singular place in anime history. The 1979 theatrical film \u2014 directed by Rintar\u014d and based on Leiji Matsumoto’s manga \u2014 is routinely cited as one of the most emotionally resonant anime films ever made, and it cemented the franchise’s place in Japanese pop culture decades before mecha or sh\u014dnen battle anime dominated the global conversation.<\/p>\n

Rintar\u014d (real name Shigeyuki Hayashi) continued working into his eighties; his involvement here \u2014 drafting the story himself \u2014 means this is not a nostalgic reboot handed to a newer director, but a direct continuation of the creative lineage from the originals.<\/p>\n

\"Galaxy
Image courtesy of Toei Animation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What We Know So Far<\/h2>\n