Doraemon 2027 Film Sends Nobita to 19th Century London in Steam-Powered Adventure

The next Doraemon feature film has been officially announced. Titled Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Steam Time Locomotive, the 46th entry in the long-running franchise will send Nobita and friends to 19th century Victorian London when it opens in Japan in spring 2027.

A New Creative Team at the Helm

Rushio Moriyama will direct the film, marking his feature directorial debut. Moriyama has served as a storyboarder and episode director on the Doraemon television anime since 2020, making him a familiar hand within the franchise even as he steps into the director's chair for the first time on a theatrical release.

Handling the screenplay is Makoto Ueda, a writer known for his work on acclaimed projects including The Tatami Galaxy, Tatami Time Machine Blues, and Penguin Highway. Nobita's Steam Time Locomotive marks Ueda's first involvement with the Doraemon franchise, bringing a fresh voice to a series that has been producing annual theatrical films for decades.

Victorian London on the Big Screen

The film's story centers on Nobita and his friends as they time travel to London during the Victorian era. While full plot details have not yet been revealed, the 19th century setting promises a departure from the cosmic and fantastical locales that have characterized many recent entries in the series. The title itself - referencing a steam-powered time locomotive - hints at the industrial revolution backdrop and the era's iconic railway technology playing a central role in the adventure.

The Doraemon franchise has a rich history of sending its characters on journeys through time and across the globe, but a Victorian London setting represents relatively new territory for the series. The pairing of Doraemon's futuristic gadgets with the steam and iron of 19th century Britain offers a natural contrast that could yield distinctive visual storytelling.

The Franchise's Continued Momentum

Nobita's Steam Time Locomotive follows the 2026 film Shin Nobita no Kaitei Kiganjou, which opened in Japan on February 27, 2026. The Doraemon theatrical series has maintained a remarkably consistent annual release schedule, with the franchise now approaching nearly five decades of feature films since the original 1980 release.

Production on the new film involves the franchise's established partnership of Fujiko Pro, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shin-Ei Animation, and ADK. Shin-Ei Animation has served as the primary animation studio for Doraemon's television and theatrical output for the entirety of the modern series.

What to Expect

With a spring 2027 release window, the film is on track to follow the franchise's traditional early-year launch pattern in Japan. Additional details - including voice cast confirmations, character designs, and a full promotional trailer - are expected to follow in the coming months as the production ramps up toward release.

The combination of Moriyama's deep familiarity with the Doraemon anime and Ueda's track record on inventive, character-driven stories positions the 46th film as an intriguing new chapter for one of anime's most enduring franchises. The Victorian London setting and steam-era theming suggest a film that leans into historical adventure while keeping Doraemon's signature blend of heart and humor intact.