The official website for the Mononoke film trilogy has announced that the third and final chapter, titled Gekijōban Mononoke Dai-San-Shō: Hebigami (劇場版 モノノ怪 第三章：蛇神, literally “Mononoke the Movie Chapter Three: Snake God”), is slated for release in Spring 2026. This marks the culmination of the anime film project that continues the stories of the enigmatic Medicine Seller from the acclaimed 2007 Mononoke TV anime series.
A Supernatural Journey Continues: The Mononoke Film Project
Mononoke, a spin-off of the Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales anthology series, follows the wandering Medicine Seller as he confronts and exorcises malevolent spirits called “mononoke” in feudal Japan. To defeat these spirits, he must first uncover their Form (Katachi), Truth (Makoto), and Reason (Kotowari). The anime is known for its unique and visually striking art style, blending traditional Japanese art with modern animation techniques.
From TV to Film: A Long-Awaited Return
After captivating audiences with its distinct style and themes, Mononoke made its long-awaited return to the screen with Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain, which premiered in Japan in July 2024. The film, directed by Kenji Nakamura, who also directed the TV series, is the first part of the Mononoke film trilogy.
The Trilogy Unveiled
The Mononoke film project is a trilogy, with each film delving deeper into the world of Mononoke and the Medicine Seller’s battles against supernatural perils:
- Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain (劇場版 モノノ怪: 唐傘): Released in July 2024, this film sees the Medicine Seller investigating strange occurrences within the Ooku, the inner palace of the Edo period shogunate. The film is available on Netflix.
- Mononoke Second Chapter: Hinezumi (劇場版 モノノ怪 第二章：火鼠): Released on March 14, 2025, this film focuses on conflicts within the Ooku, with the Medicine Seller caught in the middle of power struggles and family schemes.
- Mononoke Third Chapter: Hebigami (劇場版 モノノ怪 第三章：蛇神): Set to release in Spring 2026, this film will conclude the trilogy, with the Medicine Seller facing a new and formidable mononoke.
“Hebigami”: The Snake God Ascends
The third film, Hebigami, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. The title, which translates to “Snake God,” hints at the powerful and potentially dangerous mononoke that the Medicine Seller will confront.
What to Expect from “Hebigami”
While specific plot details are currently scarce, fans can anticipate the following elements in Hebigami:
- Intriguing Mystery: As with previous Mononoke stories, Hebigami will likely present a complex mystery that the Medicine Seller must unravel to understand the mononoke’s origins and motivations.
- Stunning Visuals: The Mononoke series is renowned for its distinctive art style, and Hebigami will undoubtedly continue this tradition with visually stunning animation and creative designs.
- Exploration of Human Emotions: Mononoke often delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of jealousy, resentment, and despair. Hebigami will likely continue this trend, examining the negative emotions that give rise to the mononoke.
- The Medicine Seller’s Wisdom: The Medicine Seller is a complex and enigmatic character, possessing vast knowledge of the supernatural and a keen understanding of human psychology. In Hebigami, he will undoubtedly use his wisdom and skills to confront the Snake God and protect those in danger.
The Medicine Seller: A Master of the Occult
The central figure of the Mononoke series is the Medicine Seller (Kusuriuri), a wandering and mysterious individual who possesses the ability to exorcise mononoke.
Unveiling the Mononoke
To exorcise a mononoke, the Medicine Seller must first uncover its Form (Katachi), Truth (Makoto), and Reason (Kotowari):
- Form (Katachi): The physical appearance and nature of the mononoke.
- Truth (Makoto): The events and circumstances that led to the mononoke’s creation.
- Reason (Kotowari): The mononoke’s motivations and desires.
A Recast Role
Initially, Takahiro Sakurai voiced the Medicine Seller in the 2007 series. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Hiroshi Kamiya took over the role for the film trilogy. Kamiya’s portrayal of the Medicine Seller has been well-received, capturing the character’s enigmatic nature and sharp intellect.
Production Team
The Mononoke film trilogy is a collaborative effort of talented individuals:
- Director: Kenji Nakamura, who directed the original TV series, returns to helm the film trilogy.
- Production: Twin Engine is producing the Mononoke film trilogy.
- Character Design: Kitsuneko Nagata is the character designer, with Yūichi Takahashi adapting those designs for animation.
- Music: Taku Iwasaki composes the music for the films.
Mononoke: A Legacy of Supernatural Horror
Mononoke has captivated audiences with its unique blend of supernatural horror, mystery, and social commentary. The series’ distinctive art style, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes have earned it a dedicated following. With the release of Hebigami in Spring 2026, the Mononoke film trilogy promises to be a fitting conclusion to this beloved franchise.
