Fans of the enchanting fantasy series “Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina” have cause for celebration, as a new anime film project based on Jōgi Shiraishi’s popular light novels has been officially announced. The news comes almost six years after the conclusion of the highly-regarded TV anime series, and notably, 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the original novel’s publication. The announcement was made during the GA FES 2026 event, accompanied by a teaser trailer and a visual confirming the theatrical animation.
Elaina’s Journey Continues on the Big Screen
The announcement of a new theatrical anime film marks the first new animated project for the franchise in five years, following the successful television series adaptation that aired from October to December 2020. The news was officially revealed during the special program “GA FES 2026 GA 20TH ANNIVERSARY,” streamed on the Japanese platform ABEMA. A teaser video featuring newly recorded voice lines by Kaede Hondo, the voice of Elaina, was also released, though specific plot details for the film remain under wraps.
The Beloved Traveling Witch Returns
“Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina” (Japanese: Majo no Tabitabi) tells the story of Elaina, a young witch inspired by a book about a traveling witch named Niké. After becoming a full-fledged witch herself, receiving the title “Ashen Witch,” Elaina embarks on a journey without a fixed destination, wandering across various lands and encountering diverse people, cultures, and situations. Her adventures, often chronicled in her diary, range from charming and whimsical to surprisingly dark and thought-provoking, showcasing humanity in all its forms.
From Light Novel to Acclaimed Anime Series
The original light novel series, written by Jōgi Shiraishi and illustrated by Azure, began publication in April 2016 under SB Creative’s GA Novel label. As of March 2025, twenty-four volumes have been released. Yen Press licenses the light novel series for English publication in North America.
The first anime television series, produced by studio C2C and directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka, aired for 12 episodes from October 2 to December 18, 2020. Kazuyuki Fudeyasu handled the series composition, and Takeshi Oda adapted Azure’s character designs for animation. The series garnered significant attention during its broadcast, ranking first multiple times in weekly polls, and was praised for its balance of adorable moments and darker, more intense content. Crunchyroll streams the anime, allowing international audiences to follow Elaina’s episodic travels.
Manga Adaptation and Spin-offs
In addition to the light novels and anime, a manga adaptation with art by Itsuki Nanao has been serialized online via Square Enix’s Manga Up! platform from November 2018 to March 2024, collected into six tankōbon volumes. Square Enix also licenses the manga in English. A spin-off light novel series, Riviere and the Land of Prayer, began publication in January 2022, and a manga adaptation of this spin-off also ran from December 2021 to January 2024.
What to Expect from the New Film
While details regarding the plot, animation staff, and release window for the new “Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina” film are yet to be announced, the confirmation of a theatrical release suggests a significant production with potentially grander scope and animation quality. The enthusiasm surrounding the anime’s fifth anniversary in October 2025 and the light novel’s tenth anniversary in 2026 likely played a role in greenlighting this new project, responding to the continued fan support for Elaina’s adventures. Fans eagerly await further announcements to discover what new enchanting, and perhaps perilous, destinations await the Ashen Witch.
