Original anime films are becoming increasingly rare in an industry dominated by franchise adaptations, but Grotesqqque is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated theatrical releases.
Revealed in greater detail during CloverWorks’ Anime Expo 2026 industry panel, the anthology film brings together celebrated creators led by Atsushi Nishigori, the chief animation director of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. With three visually distinct stories, a massive lineup of musical talent, and an all-original concept, the project is already generating significant attention ahead of its Japanese theatrical premiere on November 6, 2026.
According to information shared during the CloverWorks Anime Expo 2026 panel, Grotesqqque will also receive advance screenings at the Fantasia International Film Festival before its nationwide release in Japan.
CloverWorks assembles a powerhouse creative team
Originally announced at Anime Expo 2024, Grotesqqque is a collaborative project from CloverWorks and JOEN that consists of three standalone animated films connected under a single anthology banner. CloverWorks Vice President Yuichi Fukushima revealed during the Anime Expo panel that the project originated from his desire to collaborate with Nishigori, one of the industry’s most respected animation directors.
“The project was born out of my desire to work with Atsushi Nishigori,”
Fukushima explained during the panel, highlighting the creative vision behind the anthology.
Nishigori is widely recognized for his work on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, directing Darling in the Franxx, and serving as the character designer for Gurren Lagann. His experience across action, science fiction, romance, and character-driven storytelling makes him an ideal choice to oversee an experimental anthology.
Three original stories with distinct visual identities
The first segment, Æliens, is directed by Nishigori and follows an expressive octopus-like alien girl whose playful personality is reflected in the trailer’s colorful, fluid animation.
The second film, 4649 Girl, is directed by Takahiro Miura, best known for his work on Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]. Its cyberpunk-inspired visuals feature neon-lit cities, futuristic weaponry, and stylish action that immediately distinguish it from the anthology’s opening chapter.
Nishigori returns to direct the third installment, Nocturne: En Cette Nuit Grotesque, while also handling its character designs. The trailer hints at a darker supernatural story involving a group of girls, atmospheric settings, and vampire elements, creating a striking contrast with the anthology’s brighter opening.
One of Grotesqqque’s biggest strengths is its commitment to original storytelling. While recent anime film announcements have largely focused on expanding established franchises, CloverWorks is investing in a completely new property driven by artistic experimentation.
The production is also backed by an impressive soundtrack featuring 35 artists, including Metalverse, whose song “Shoot Shoot Shoot” serves as the opening theme. Other contributors include ASCA, Reol, Taku Inoue, VaVa, Mika Ichinose, Iori Noguchi, Kanon Shizaki, and several additional Japanese musicians.
With acclaimed creators, distinctive animation styles, and an ambitious anthology format, Grotesqqque is emerging as one of the most exciting original anime films on the 2026 release calendar.
