The highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 anime film Poupelle of Chimney Town, titled Entotsu-cho no Poupelle ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~ (The Promised Clock Tower), has unveiled a new teaser trailer and additional cast members. The film is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on March 27, 2026.
Key Cast Additions and Returning Voices
The latest trailer for The Promised Clock Tower introduced several new and returning voice actors who will bring the world of Chimney Town to life. Masataka Kubota will reprise his role as the titular character, Poupelle. However, the role of young protagonist Lubicchi will now be voiced by Yuzuna Nagase, taking over from Mana Ashida.
New additions to the cast include MEGUMI as the cat Mofu, Fuka Koshiba as Nagi, a plant who takes on human form, and Mitsuo Yoshihara as Gus, the clockmaker. Fans will also hear familiar voices with Shingo Fujimori returning as Scoop and Sairi Ito reprising her role as Antonio. Further cast members announced, though their specific roles were not detailed, include Anna Tsuchiya, Koichi Yamadera, Koji Higashino, the Nishikigoi duo, and Shotaro Morikubo.
A New Journey: The Promised Clock Tower Plot
The sequel promises a fresh narrative that diverges from its predecessor, drawing inspiration from Akihiro Nishino’s picture book Tick-Tock ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~, published in 2019. The story will see Lubicchi venturing into a mysterious world where time is controlled, centered around a clock tower with its hands perpetually frozen at 11:59. To find his way back home, Lubicchi must discover a way to restart the clock. Original author Akihiro Nishino has indicated that while the first film’s theme was “Let’s go, get this,” the sequel will explore the opposite sentiment: “wait patiently.” This shift suggests a more contemplative approach, delving into the conflict between those who protect the unmoving tower and those who wish to fix it.
Returning Creative Team
The production sees many key personnel from the first film returning to ensure continuity and artistic vision. Akihiro Nishino, the original creator of the Poupelle of Chimney Town series, is credited as executive producer, screenwriter, and scriptwriter for the sequel. Yusuke Hirota will once again serve as director, with STUDIO4ºC handling the animation production. Atsuko Fukushima returns as the character designer, and Youki Kojima and Yuta Bando are composing the music. The film’s theme song will be performed by Lozareena, though its title remains unannounced.
The original Poupelle of Chimney Town film, released in December 2020 in Japan, captivated audiences with its tale of young Lubicchi and his garbage-man friend Poupelle, as they yearned to see the stars beyond their smoke-shrouded town. Eleven Arts screened the first film in North America in January 2022.
