The critically acclaimed Made in Abyss anime franchise is set to continue its perilous journey into the titular Abyss with a new series of theatrical films, beginning in 2026. The first installment has been officially titled Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi (Made in Abyss: Awakening Mystery).
Kadokawa, the company behind the franchise, officially announced the film series, revealing a new visual that introduces two new characters, Tepaste and Cravagli. This marks an anticipated continuation after the previous anime seasons and film, promising to delve deeper into the mysteries and dangers of the Abyss.
Returning Staff and Cast for “Awakening Mystery”
Fans will be pleased to know that key creative personnel and voice actors are returning to bring the next chapter of Made in Abyss to life. Masayuki Kojima is confirmed to direct the new film series at Kinema Citrus, the animation studio known for its work on previous Made in Abyss installments.
Hideyuki Kurata will once again be in charge of series composition, ensuring narrative continuity, while Kazuchika Kise and Yuka Kuroda are returning as character designers. The beloved main cast members are also reprising their roles, including Mariya Ise as Reg, Miyu Tomita as Riko, Shiori Izawa as Nanachi, and Misaki Kuno as Faputa.
What to Expect from the New Film Series
While specific plot details for Made in Abyss: Mezameru Shinpi remain under wraps, it is expected to pick up the narrative after the events of the second television anime season, Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun. The new films are anticipated to further explore the uncharted and increasingly dangerous layers of the Abyss, with speculation pointing towards the perilous sixth layer.
The decision to continue the story through a film series rather than a third television season is likely influenced by the current pace of the manga’s release and the amount of available source material. This format allows for a focused and high-quality cinematic experience, maintaining the franchise’s reputation for stunning animation and intense storytelling.
Celebrating with a Film Concert Series
In addition to the film announcement, Kadokawa has also revealed a Made in Abyss film concert series scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Nakano ZERO in Tokyo. The acclaimed anime composer Kevin Penkin will conduct the orchestra, with vocalists Takeshi Saito and KIHOW (MYTH&ROID) also slated to perform. Cast members from the anime are also expected to attend, offering fans an immersive way to celebrate the series’ rich musical score and world.
The Legacy of Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss, based on the manga series by Akihito Tsukushi, first captivated audiences with its unique blend of heartwarming adventure and dark, harrowing exploration when the initial 13-episode television anime premiered in July 2017. The series quickly gained a reputation for its beautiful yet terrifying world-building, intricate lore, and compelling characters.
Following the first season, the story continued with the critically acclaimed film Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul in January 2020, which delved into some of the Abyss’s most disturbing secrets. The second television season, Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun, aired from July to September 2022, further expanding the narrative and pushing the protagonists to their limits. The announcement of a sequel to The Golden City of the Scorching Sun was made in January 2023, with the format now confirmed as a film series.
The upcoming film series is poised to continue the franchise’s tradition of exploring the depths of human nature and the unfathomable wonders and horrors of the Abyss, drawing fans deeper into its captivating and perilous world.