The zombie idol sensation is returning to the big screen! Zombie Land Saga, the comedy horror anime produced by MAPPA, Avex Pictures, and Cygames, has officially announced its film project, Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise, is slated for release in 2025.
A Long-Awaited Return
After being initially announced in late 2021, news regarding the Zombie Land Saga film had been relatively quiet, leaving fans eager for updates. The recent announcement has ignited excitement within the anime community, confirming that the project is still very much alive. Along with the release date, a new visual and “Kick-Off” trailer have been unveiled, offering a glimpse into what awaits the undead idol group, Franchouchou. The trailer features the tagline, “Everyone, we’re back!”
What is Zombie Land Saga?
For those unfamiliar with the series, Zombie Land Saga presents a quirky and unique premise. The story revolves around Sakura Minamoto, a high school girl with dreams of becoming an idol. In 2008, tragedy strikes when she is killed in a traffic accident. Ten years later, she is resurrected as a zombie by the enigmatic Kotaro Tatsumi.
Sakura soon discovers that she is not alone. Kotaro has resurrected six other “legendary” girls from various eras of Japanese history, all with the goal of forming an all-zombie idol group called Franchouchou. Their mission: to revitalize the Saga Prefecture.
The anime blends elements of idol culture, zombie horror, and comedy, creating a truly original and captivating viewing experience. The series has been praised for its humor, memorable characters, and unexpected twists.
The Undead Idols of Franchouchou
Franchouchou is composed of seven unique zombie girls, each with their own distinct personality and background:
- Sakura Minamoto: The protagonist, a cheerful and determined girl who dreams of becoming an idol.
- Saki Nikaido: A former biker gang leader with a rebellious spirit.
- Ai Mizuno: A legendary idol from the 1980s, known for her exceptional singing and dancing abilities.
- Junko Konno: Another idol from the Showa era (1960s), possessing a more traditional and refined image.
- Yugiri: A courtesan from the Meiji era (late 19th century), bringing elegance and maturity to the group.
- Lily Hoshikawa: A child actress who tragically died young, adding a touch of innocence to Franchouchou.
- Tae Yamada: The “legendary” member, an enigma even among the zombies, known for her unpredictable behavior.
Production and Staff
The Zombie Land Saga anime is a collaborative effort between MAPPA, Avex Pictures, and Cygames. MAPPA, known for its high-quality animation work on titles such as Attack on Titan: The Final Season and Jujutsu Kaisen, is returning to animate Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise.
While Munehisa Sakai, the director of the first two seasons, departed from MAPPA in late 2022, the studio continues the film production.
The voice cast includes:
- Kaede Hondo as Sakura Minamoto
- Asami Tano as Saki Nikaido
- Kotono Mitsuishi as Tae Yamada
- Maki Kawase as Junko Konno
- Minami Tanaka as Lily Hoshikawa
- Risa Taneda as Ai Mizuno
- Rika Kinugawa as Yugiri
A Saga of Success
Zombie Land Saga premiered in October 2018 and quickly gained a dedicated following. The anime’s success led to a second season, Zombie Land Saga Revenge, which aired in April 2021. Both seasons are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with Funimation providing an English dub.
The franchise has also spawned two manga adaptations. One manga loosely follows the events of the anime, running on Cygames’ Cycomi website from October 2018 to June 2021. The other is a spin-off series titled Zombie Land Saga Sidestory: The First Zombie, which focuses on Tae Yamada’s past.
Concerns and Speculations
Despite the excitement surrounding the film announcement, some fans have expressed concerns about the project’s future. The cancellation of Yuri!!! on Ice: Ice Adolescence, another film project by MAPPA, has led to worries that Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise could suffer a similar fate.
The departure of Munehisa Sakai, the director of the previous two seasons, has also raised concerns among fans. However, recent reports suggest that the film is still in safe hands.
Why Zombie Land Saga Resonates
Zombie Land Saga‘s unique blend of genres and its heartfelt story have resonated with audiences worldwide. The anime explores themes of:
- Second chances: The zombie girls are given a new opportunity to pursue their dreams, even after death.
- Friendship and teamwork: The members of Franchouchou learn to work together despite their differences and tragic pasts.
- Overcoming adversity: The girls face numerous challenges, both as zombies and as idols, but they never give up.
- Regional revitalization: The anime promotes the Saga Prefecture, showcasing its culture and attractions.
Looking Ahead
Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise promises to be a thrilling and entertaining addition to the franchise. Fans eagerly await more details about the film’s plot and its potential impact on the Zombie Land Saga universe. With its unique premise, lovable characters, and blend of comedy and horror, Zombie Land Saga has carved out a special place in the hearts of anime fans. The upcoming film is sure to be a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
