Image: Leiji Matsumoto / Leijisha, Toei Animation
AMBot | 07/25/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
More than 45 years after the first film, the legendary space epic "Galaxy Express 999" returns to the big screen. As announced by Leijisha, the publisher responsible for managing the works of Leiji Matsumoto, on July 25, 2026, a new feature-length animated film is in production.
The story concept comes from none other than Rintaro, who directed the original 1979 film as well as its sequel "Adieu Galaxy Express 999" (1981). The animation is being produced by Toei Animation, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. A director, voice cast, and release date have not yet been announced.
Makiko Matsumoto, Leiji Matsumoto's eldest daughter and a board member of Leijisha, commented in a statement: "We apologize for the long wait. About half a century after the theatrical release of the first 'Galaxy Express 999' film, Toei Animation has given us the opportunity to announce a new work—a long-cherished wish of Matsumoto himself. The production of animated films was Matsumoto's childhood dream and his greatest life goal. This unwavering passion will forever race along the silver tracks through the distant galaxy. Matsumoto would surely have been delighted to continue this journey with all of us. We hope you look forward to the theatrical release."
The original manga series by Leiji Matsumoto was serialized in "Weekly Shonen King" from 1977 to 1981 and was adapted into a TV series and film during its run. The story is set in a future where the rich enjoy eternal life as cyborgs ("mechanized humans"), while the poor are persecuted. The orphaned boy Tetsuro Hoshino boards the titular space train with the mysterious Maetel to obtain a free mechanical body and avenge his mother's death.
Alongside the film announcement, two exhibitions are being held at the Kadokawa Musashino Museum in Tokorozawa (Saitama Prefecture): The immersive experience exhibition "Galaxy Express 999 THE GALAXY EXPERIENCE – That Journey Continues" runs until October 26, 2026. From September 19 to October 26, 2026, the retrospective "Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition – Journey of Creation" will also be shown, featuring more than 300 original drawings, including early works, as well as personal items of the artist. An official X account (@GE999_Official) has also been set up.
Further details on the cast and release date are expected in the coming months.
The story concept comes from none other than Rintaro, who directed the original 1979 film as well as its sequel "Adieu Galaxy Express 999" (1981). The animation is being produced by Toei Animation, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. A director, voice cast, and release date have not yet been announced.
Makiko Matsumoto, Leiji Matsumoto's eldest daughter and a board member of Leijisha, commented in a statement: "We apologize for the long wait. About half a century after the theatrical release of the first 'Galaxy Express 999' film, Toei Animation has given us the opportunity to announce a new work—a long-cherished wish of Matsumoto himself. The production of animated films was Matsumoto's childhood dream and his greatest life goal. This unwavering passion will forever race along the silver tracks through the distant galaxy. Matsumoto would surely have been delighted to continue this journey with all of us. We hope you look forward to the theatrical release."
The original manga series by Leiji Matsumoto was serialized in "Weekly Shonen King" from 1977 to 1981 and was adapted into a TV series and film during its run. The story is set in a future where the rich enjoy eternal life as cyborgs ("mechanized humans"), while the poor are persecuted. The orphaned boy Tetsuro Hoshino boards the titular space train with the mysterious Maetel to obtain a free mechanical body and avenge his mother's death.
Alongside the film announcement, two exhibitions are being held at the Kadokawa Musashino Museum in Tokorozawa (Saitama Prefecture): The immersive experience exhibition "Galaxy Express 999 THE GALAXY EXPERIENCE – That Journey Continues" runs until October 26, 2026. From September 19 to October 26, 2026, the retrospective "Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition – Journey of Creation" will also be shown, featuring more than 300 original drawings, including early works, as well as personal items of the artist. An official X account (@GE999_Official) has also been set up.
Further details on the cast and release date are expected in the coming months.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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