The beloved robotic cat Doraemon will return to the big screen in 2026 with “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil,” a remake of the classic 1983 film, “Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil.” The 45th film in the long-running series will offer a fresh take on the deep-sea adventure, promising new thrills and updated visuals for a new generation of fans.
Revival of a Classic After 43 Years
The original “Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil” was the fourth feature film in the franchise, released on March 12, 1983. For over four decades, this particular underwater adventure has not seen a theatrical revival, making the 2026 announcement significant for fans. The decision to reimagine this specific film highlights its enduring appeal and the potential for modern animation techniques to enhance its fantastical underwater world.
What to Expect from the New Adventure
The 2026 remake, officially titled “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil,” has already teased audiences with a special trailer and a captivating visual. The teaser imagery showcases Doraemon and his friends standing on a clear water surface, with a tagline that reads, “10,000 meters beneath the sea. There is still a world on Earth that no one knows.” The reflection in the water hints at a mysterious boy and the imposing silhouette of the “Castle of the Undersea Devil,” setting the stage for an exciting journey into the unknown depths.
The trailer offers glimpses of the mysterious deep sea, featuring a sunken ship on the ocean floor, the appearance of an enormous, unknown creature, and a vibrant, imaginary undersea city. The climax of the trailer teases an unknown creature blocking the path of Doraemon and his friends, building anticipation for the challenges they will face in their quest to explore the closest point to the Earth’s core.
Creative Team Behind the Remake
The upcoming film will be directed by Tetsuo Yajima, marking his first time directing a film in the “Doraemon” series. Yajima has previously contributed to numerous “Doraemon” works, including the TV anime and films such as “Doraemon: Nobita’s New Great Adventure into the Underworld” (2007), “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops – Winged Angels” (2011), and “Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony” (2024). His involvement suggests a blend of fresh vision with a deep understanding of the franchise’s legacy. Yajima expressed his excitement for exploring the unknown, stating, “10,928 meters. The deepest point ever reached by humans. Let’s explore more with Doraemon and friends! There must be creatures and landscapes that no one has ever seen. Doesn’t that thought alone excite you?”
The Original Story: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil
The 1983 film saw Nobita and his friends embark on an underwater camping trip. Their adventure takes an unexpected turn when Gian and Suneo, using Doraemon’s underwater vehicle, venture into the Atlantic Ocean in search of a treasure ship. They eventually encounter an underwater kingdom inhabited by “sea people” and become entangled in a conflict involving Atlantis’ main computer, Poseidon, and the formidable “Devil’s Castle.” The original film was loosely based on the Western myths of Atlantis and the mythical continent of Mu.
The upcoming 2026 film is poised to reignite the wonder and adventure of this classic tale, bringing it to a new generation with updated animation and storytelling.
