The world of Lupin III is expanding once again with a brand-new 2D anime feature film, Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku (Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Immortal Bloodline). Excitement is building as a prequel net anime and new cast members have been revealed, promising a thrilling addition to the legacy of the gentleman thief and his gang.
A Prequel to Set the Stage
Before Immortal Bloodline hits theaters in Japan on June 27, 2025, fans can dive into Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata to Futari no Lupin (Zenigata and the Two Lupins), a prequel net anime set to begin streaming on June 20, 2025. This “hard action” story focuses on Inspector Zenigata, Lupin’s ever-persistent nemesis and sometimes-ally. The plot kicks off with an explosive terrorist attack at an airport in the “Roviet Union” (a play on the Japanese pronunciation of “Soviet Union”), with Lupin quickly becoming the prime suspect.
Zenigata apprehends Lupin, who insists on his innocence. The inspector soon finds himself entangled in a complex plot that suggests there might be more than one Lupin involved. This prequel seems poised to deliver plenty of twists and turns, offering a unique perspective on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Lupin and Zenigata.
New Faces Join the Adventure
The official website for the Lupin III franchise has unveiled a trailer, visual, and additional cast members for Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku. Joining the already stellar cast are:
- Ainosuke Kataoka as Muomu: Kataoka, known for roles in Cops Seven, Mampuku, and Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below, will voice the character Muomu, an immortal man.
- Aoi Morikawa as Sarifa: Morikawa, recognized for her work in the live-action Kakegurui series and film, will play Sarifa, a mysterious girl who serves Muomu.
These new characters appear to be central to the plot of Immortal Bloodline, where Lupin and his team are in pursuit of treasure on a mysterious, uncharted island. The addition of an immortal man and his enigmatic servant suggests a high-stakes adventure filled with danger and intrigue.
Returning Cast and Crew
Alongside the new additions, the main cast is returning to reprise their iconic roles:
- Kanichi Kurita as Lupin the IIIrd
- Akio Otsuka as Daisuke Jigen
- Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujiko Mine
- Koichi Yamadera as Zenigata
The creative team behind the film also includes familiar names:
- Director: Takeshi Koike (Lupin the IIIrd: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie)
- Screenwriter: Yūya Takahashi (Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie, Lupin the 3rd Part 6)
- Composer: James Shimoji (Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie)
- Creative Advisor: Katsuhito Ishii (Redline, Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie)
Telecom Animation Film is handling the animation production, with TMS Entertainment credited for production and writing. TOHO NEXT will distribute the film. Rock band B’z will perform the film’s theme song, “The IIIRD Eye”.
A Landmark 2D Film
Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku holds special significance as the first new 2D feature-length anime film in the Lupin III franchise in nearly 30 years, since Lupin III: Dead or Alive in 1996. While other anime have been released in theaters since then, such as Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko Mine’s Lie, those were not feature-length films. The 2019 film Lupin III THE FIRST was CG, and the 2013 film Lupin III vs. Detective Conan The Movie and the 2023 film Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye were crossover films.
The return to traditional 2D animation marks a significant moment for the franchise, potentially attracting both longtime fans and new viewers eager to experience Lupin’s adventures in a classic style.
Lupin III: A Storied History
The Lupin III franchise began with the manga series created by the late Monkey Punch, which ran in Futabasha’s Weekly Manga Action magazine from August 10, 1967, to May 22, 1969. The manga, totaling 14 tankobon volumes, was initially licensed for English release by Tokyopop, with Seven Seas Entertainment later releasing select chapters in omnibus format in 2021 and 2023.
The manga’s enduring popularity has led to a vast franchise that includes numerous manga entries, TV anime adaptations, films, and OVAs. Lupin III has captivated audiences for decades with its blend of action, comedy, and stylish characters. The series follows the escapades of Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of the famous gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, as he travels the world with his partners in crime: the sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, the samurai swordsman Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and the femme fatale Fujiko Mine. They are constantly pursued by the determined Inspector Zenigata.
The franchise has also seen some impressive talent behind the camera, including animation legend Hayao Miyazaki, who directed The Castle of Cagliostro in 1979, early in his career.
What to Expect
Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku promises to be a thrilling addition to the Lupin III canon, blending classic 2D animation with a high-stakes adventure storyline. The film’s trailer teases a journey to a mysterious island, where Lupin and his team will face dangerous adversaries and uncover hidden treasures.
With the addition of new characters like Muomu and Sarifa, the film seems poised to explore themes of immortality and identity. The prequel net anime, Lupin the IIIrd: Zenigata to Futari no Lupin, will provide further insight into the world of Immortal Bloodline, offering a unique perspective on the dynamic between Lupin and Zenigata.
As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to a blend of classic Lupin III action, humor, and style, all wrapped up in a beautifully animated 2D package. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Lupin the IIIrd The Movie: Fujimi no Ketsuzoku is sure to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
