The world’s most beloved gentleman thief, Lupin III, is making a grand return to theaters in a brand-new 2D animated feature film slated for release in 2025. This marks the first traditional, full-length 2D anime film in nearly three decades for the franchise, since 1996’s Lupin III: Dead or Alive. A teaser trailer has been released, offering a glimpse into the stylish and thrilling world of Lupin and his crew.
A Nostalgic Return to Form
For fans who have followed Lupin’s adventures through various anime series, films, and specials, this new project promises a nostalgic return to the classic 2D animation style that defined the early days of the franchise. In recent years, Lupin has seen CG films like Lupin III: The First and crossover projects like Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye, but this new film signals a commitment to the traditional animation that many fans adore.
The Dream Team is Back
The teaser trailer confirms the return of Lupin’s iconic crew, with the current voice cast reprising their roles:
- Lupin III: Voiced by Kanichi Kurita
- Daisuke Jigen: Voiced by Akio Otsuka
- Goemon Ishikawa: Voiced by Daisuke Namikawa
- Fujiko Mine: Voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro
- Inspector Zenigata: Voiced by Koichi Yamadera
This film will be the first full-length 2D outing for this generation of voice actors, as the classic voice cast had largely remained the same since Lupin III Part II in the late 1970s. In 2011, many of the original voice actors retired, with Kobayashi Kiyoshi, the voice of Jigen, being the only exception until his retirement in 2021. With the passing of Eiko Masuyama, the voice of Fujiko Mine, the golden era of voice actors has come to an end.
Behind the Scenes
The new film boasts a talented creative team:
- Director: Takeshi Koike, known for his work on Redline, and Lupin the IIIrd series including Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko’s Lie
- Screenwriter: Yuya Takahashi, who has worked on Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone and Lupin the 3rd Part IV
- Music Composer: James Shimoji, also known for Redline, Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen’s Gravestone, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon’s Blood Spray, and Lupin the IIIrd: Fujiko’s Lie
- Creative Advisor: Katsuhito Ishii, the original creator of Redline
- Animation Production: Telecom Animation Film
A Glimpse into the Plot
While specific plot details are still under wraps, the teaser trailer hints at a high-stakes heist and a thrilling adventure. The tagline, “You still don’t know the real Lupin,” suggests a deeper exploration of the character’s roots and motivations. The film is expected to follow Lupin and his crew as they confront a powerful new enemy while pursuing a treasure shrouded in secrets.
The Legacy of Lupin III
Created by the late Monkey Punch in 1967, the Lupin III franchise has captivated audiences for generations with its blend of action, comedy, and stylish visuals. Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of the famous gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, leads a gang of skilled criminals on daring heists around the world. With his sharp wit, boundless energy, and a knack for improvisation, Lupin always finds a way to outsmart his adversaries, especially his longtime rival, Inspector Zenigata.
The franchise has spawned numerous anime series, films, TV specials, and OVAs, each offering a unique take on the world of Lupin III. From the early, more comedic adventures to the later, more mature storylines, Lupin III has consistently pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling.
A Cinematic Experience
LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE promises to be a cinematic experience, with bold color contrasts, sleek cinematography, and a fast-paced style that highlights the danger and mystery surrounding Lupin and his gang. A longer version of the trailer is being shown at 45th-anniversary screenings of Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro, the classic film directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Final Thoughts
As fans eagerly await the release of LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE in 2025, the promise of a return to traditional 2D animation and the familiar faces of Lupin and his crew is sure to generate excitement and anticipation. This new film has the potential to be a defining moment for the franchise, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
