The Puella Magi Madoka Magica franchise has sparked fervent anticipation with the upcoming release of Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising, a sequel that promises to deepen the series’ haunting narrative. On Tuesday, the official X account for the franchise and the Aniplex YouTube channel unveiled a new teaser trailer and key visual for the film, set to premiere in Japanese theaters in February 2026. This continuation of the 2013 film Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 3: Rebellion finalizes its release date after delays from an initial winter 2024 target, later shifted to winter 2025, before settling on its current schedule.
The newly released trailer, titled SIDE Homura, offers a glimpse into the hauntingly beautiful world that fans have come to expect from the series. It showcases the signature art style of Studio SHAFT, with vibrant yet eerie visuals that hint at the emotional and psychological depth of the upcoming story. The trailer introduces two new, unnamed characters, adding intrigue to the narrative, which continues directly from the events of Rebellion. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the trailer emphasizes the return of the series’ iconic characters and its characteristic blend of hope and despair.
Accompanying the trailer, the key visual features protagonists Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi in a striking, contrasting composition. The image depicts the two magical girls reaching toward each other against a dramatic backdrop, with the rest of the cast positioned in the distance, suggesting the thematic duality that has defined the franchise. This visual reinforces the emotional weight and complex relationships that are central to the Puella Magi Madoka Magica narrative.
The film is directed by Yukihiro Miyamoto, known for his work on Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story, with Akiyuki Shinbo serving as chief director. The creative team includes the original Magica Quartet, comprising Shinbo, writer Gen Urobuchi from Nitroplus, character designer Ume Aoki, and producer Atsuhiro Iwakami. Junichirō Taniguchi handles animation character design, Yuki Kajiura composes the music, and Gekidan Inu Curry contributes to the visual design. Studio SHAFT, the studio behind the original series and films, is once again responsible for animation production. The returning voice cast includes Aoi Yuki as Madoka Kaname, Chiwa Saito as Homura Akemi, Kaori Mizuhashi as Mami Tomoe, Eri Kitamura as Sayaka Miki, Ai Nonaka as Kyoko Sakura, Kana Asumi as Nagisa Momoe, and Emiri Kato as Kyubey.
In addition to the film’s announcement, the franchise is expanding with other projects. Television editions of the compilation films Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 1: Beginnings and Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 2: Eternal are scheduled to air in Japan starting in October 2025 on the MBS/TBS network’s “Nichigo” Sunday 5 p.m. slot. These re-edited versions of the 2012 films will be broadcast across 28 stations nationwide, with exact premiere dates to be announced later. Furthermore, the mobile game Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Magia Exedra is set to launch on Steam on July 17, 2025, following its iOS and Android release on March 27, 2025, developed by Pokelabo and f4samurai.
What is Puella Magi Madoka Magica about?
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a critically acclaimed anime franchise that premiered as a 12-episode television series in January 2011. Created by the Magica Quartet, the series is set in a futuristic city and follows the story of young girls who become magical girls by making a contract with a mysterious creature named Kyubey, who grants their wishes in exchange for their commitment to battle sinister forces. The narrative subverts traditional magical girl tropes, weaving a complex tale of hope, despair, and sacrifice.
The original series was followed by two compilation films in 2012, Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 1: Beginnings and Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 2: Eternal, and a sequel film, Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 3: Rebellion, in 2013. The franchise has also expanded into manga adaptations, novels, and video games, with the television series and films available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
The franchise includes a spin-off, Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story, which premiered as a television anime in January 2020, based on a smartphone game. Crunchyroll describes the series as follows:
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-
Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising continues the legacy of this influential franchise, promising to deliver another chapter of its emotionally resonant and visually stunning storytelling when it arrives in theaters in February 2026.
Sources: Official X account of Madoka Magica / Aniplex official YouTube channel
