Fans of the hit anime series Jujutsu Kaisen can mark their calendars: the highly anticipated third season, officially titled Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 1, is set to premiere in January 2026. This exciting news was revealed during a special fifth-anniversary livestream for the anime, which also debuted a teaser trailer for the upcoming arc.
The announcement confirmed that the new season will kick off with the “Culling Game Arc,” an intense storyline directly following the catastrophic events of the Shibuya Incident.
The Culling Game Begins: A New Chapter of Chaos
The teaser trailer for The Culling Game offered a glimpse into the grim future awaiting Yuji Itadori and his allies. After the devastating Shibuya Incident, the world of Jujutsu Kaisen is left in disarray, with curses roaming freely and the Jujutsu system on the brink of collapse. The “Culling Game” itself is a deadly, nationwide battle royale orchestrated by the enigmatic Kenjaku, who has taken over Geto’s body. His goal is to evolve humanity by optimizing cursed energy, forcing sorcerers and non-sorcerers alike into a brutal tournament where they must kill each other.
This arc is widely regarded by manga readers as one of the most intense and pivotal in the series, expanding the world-building and featuring some of the most creative and ferocious battles.
What “Part 1” Implies and Theatrical Pre-Screenings
The “Part 1” designation for The Culling Game suggests that the extensive arc will be adapted over multiple cours or seasons, ensuring a thorough and detailed rendition of Gege Akutami’s original manga. The “Culling Game Arc” is the longest in the manga, spanning many chapters, which necessitates a multi-part adaptation to maintain quality and pacing.
Adding to the excitement, a special theatrical pre-screening event has been announced. Titled Gekijouban Jujutsu Kaisen “Shibuya Jihen Tokubetsu Henshuban” x “Shimetsu Kaiyu Senko Joei,” this cinematic release will feature a compilation of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s “Shibuya Incident Arc” alongside an early look at the first two episodes of The Culling Game. This theatrical event is slated to begin progressively worldwide in November 2025, with a North American release planned for December 5, 2025.
Key Characters and Returning Staff
Season 3 will see the return of main characters grappling with the aftermath of Shibuya. Yuji Itadori, still processing the immense losses and his own role in the devastation, will face new threats, including a confrontation with special grade jujutsu sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu, who has been assigned as Yuji’s executioner. The season is also expected to delve into the evolution of Yuji and Megumi as individuals, introducing new and formidable characters like Kinji Hakari and Reggie Star.
Studio MAPPA continues its acclaimed animation work for the series. Shota Goshozono, who directed Season 2, returns to direct Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Part 1, with Hiroshi Seko handling series composition and screenplay. Character designs are credited to Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Miwa, while Yoshimasa Terui is back as the music composer.
As the Jujutsu Kaisen universe expands, fans can anticipate a darker, more intense narrative, promising an unforgettable viewing experience in 2026.
