Galaxy Express 999 Gets New Theatrical Anime With Story by Legendary Director Rintaro

Toei Animation has announced a new Galaxy Express 999 theatrical anime, bringing the beloved space opera franchise back to the big screen for the first time in 28 years. Legendary director Rintaro, who helmed the original 1979 film, is returning to craft the original story for the new project.

A Franchise Built on Dreams of the Stars

Created by the late Leiji Matsumoto, Galaxy Express 999 launched as a manga in 1977, eventually spanning 18 volumes through 1981. The story follows Tetsuro, an orphaned boy who boards a mysterious space-faring train alongside the enigmatic Maetel, journeying across the cosmos in hopes of obtaining a cybernetic body. With its blend of science fiction spectacle and deeply human themes about mortality and what it means to be alive, the series became one of the defining anime properties of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The manga was adapted into a 113-episode television anime series that aired from 1978 to 1981, captivating audiences with its episodic tales of strange worlds and civilizations. The franchise then expanded through multiple theatrical films, starting with the acclaimed 1979 feature - an alternate retelling that condensed the series into a sweeping cinematic experience - followed by Adieu Galaxy Express 999 in 1981. Several OVAs and specials continued the saga over subsequent years, with the last theatrical entry, Galaxy Express 999: Eternal Fantasy, premiering in 1998. The new announcement marks the franchise's long-awaited return to theaters after nearly three decades away.

Rintaro Returns to the Stars

Rintaro's involvement carries particular weight given his deep and storied history with the franchise. The veteran director helmed both the original 1979 Galaxy Express 999 theatrical film and its 1981 sequel Adieu Galaxy Express 999, as well as the Galaxy Express 999: Emeraldas - The Eternal Warrior special. These films are widely regarded as some of the finest anime features of their era, elevating Matsumoto's sprawling universe into visually stunning cinematic spectacles.

Beyond the franchise, Rintaro built a distinguished career directing films including Metropolis, X/1999, and Harmagedon, cementing his reputation as one of anime's most visionary filmmakers. For this new project, he is credited with creating the original story draft, shaping the narrative direction of the film. No additional staff or cast members have been revealed at this time, and it remains to be seen who will take on the full directorial responsibilities for the production.

Honoring Matsumoto's Legacy

The announcement arrives at a poignant moment for the Galaxy Express 999 franchise. Creator Leiji Matsumoto passed away in February 2023 at age 85, leaving behind a towering body of work that includes Space Battleship Yamato, Captain Harlock, and Galaxy Express 999 - series that collectively helped define anime's golden age of science fiction. His passing made the future of his beloved franchises uncertain, lending added significance to the confirmation of a new theatrical project.

More recently, the franchise lost two other key contributors. Voice actress Masako Ikeda, who portrayed the iconic Maetel across multiple entries, passed away in March 2026 at age 87. Composer Nozomi Aoki, who scored entries in the franchise, died in February 2026 at age 94. The question of how these roles will be filled - or honored - adds another layer of anticipation to the production.

The new theatrical project serves as both a continuation and a tribute, carrying forward Matsumoto's vision through one of the directors most closely associated with bringing his worlds to life on the big screen. No release date has been announced, but Toei Animation shared a visual through the franchise's official social media channels. Further details on the film's cast, release window, and story specifics are expected in the coming months.