In a spotlight moment during the GA Fes 2026: GA 20th Anniversary livestream, the enchanting world of Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina received a major update with the confirmation of an upcoming anime film adaptation. This revelation comes over five years after the original television anime wrapped its run in late 2020, signaling a fresh chapter for the series that has captivated audiences with its whimsical tales of magic and exploration.
The announcement was made as part of the event's dedicated segment for the franchise. While specifics such as the film's release date, directorial team, and production staff remain under wraps for now, the news has opened the door to extending Elaina's adventures beyond the small screen. A special reveal video, titled Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina Anime Film Reveal Video, was showcased during the livestream, offering a glimpse into the project's vision. Additionally, the event unveiled a commemorative 5th anniversary visual for the anime, highlighting key moments from the series and teasing the ongoing legacy of the story.
For context, Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina originated as a light novel series penned by author Jōgi Shiraishi and illustrated by Azure. First published under SB Creative's GA Novel imprint on April 15, 2016, the series has grown substantially, reaching 24 volumes by March 2025, with a 25th volume slated for release in March 2026.
The novels follow the young witch Elaina as she embarks on a globetrotting journey, encountering diverse cultures, magical phenomena, and the complexities of human nature in a fantastical world. Her travels are episodic, each chapter delving into new locales and challenges that test her wits and sorcery skills. The English editions, handled by Yen Press, began rolling out in North America starting January 28, 2020, allowing international readers to join Elaina's odyssey.
The franchise expanded into a manga adaptation illustrated by Itsuki Nanao, serialized in Square Enix's Manga Up! from November 2018 to March 2024, compiling into six volumes. This visual retelling brought Shiraishi's prose to life with detailed artwork, emphasizing the series' blend of adventure and introspection. A spin-off light novel, Riviere and the Land of Prayer, also by Shiraishi and Azure, debuted in January 2022 and has produced three volumes so far, with its own manga adaptation by Neriume concluding in three volumes by March 2024. These extensions explore side stories within the same universe, adding layers to the lore without overshadowing the main narrative.
At its core, the story chronicles Elaina's growth from a prodigious apprentice to a seasoned traveler. Inspired by tales of a legendary witch named Niké—who is revealed to be her own mother—Elaina masters magic early and sets out after training under Fran. Her journeys introduce her to a tapestry of societies, from bustling cities to isolated villages, where she navigates moral dilemmas, magical mishaps, and personal discoveries. The episodic format allows for standalone adventures while building an overarching theme of curiosity and resilience.
Here's Crunchyroll story description of Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina TV series:
Inspired by her favorite book, Elaina ventures out to see the world, traveling from one country to another. Looking for new experiences, she's confronted by humanity in all its forms. Exploration and curiosity drive her journey. Where to next, Elaina?
The original Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina TV anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, complete with English subtitles and dubbing, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in Elaina's world ahead of the new project's debut.
Sources: Press Release, KADOKAWAAnime YouTube channel
