Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht Rising- has introduced another major mystery to its increasingly complicated story, with acclaimed voice actress Maaya Sakamoto joining the cast. The announcement reveals that Sakamoto voices an unnamed upperclassman, a character also known as Wasu, whose appearance immediately draws attention because of her resemblance to Homura Akemi.
The casting was revealed through the movie’s official social media account on September 11, 2026.
Maaya Sakamoto Joins the Madoka Magica Cast
Sakamoto is one of Japan’s most recognizable voice actors, with credits including Motoko Kusanagi in the Ghost in the Shell franchise. Her addition gives the latest Madoka Magica movie another high-profile performer while keeping the details surrounding her new character deliberately vague.
The character is officially identified as an unnamed upperclassman, while the name Wasu has also been associated with her reveal. The movie has not publicly explained her true identity, leaving audiences to determine how she fits into the larger story.
Her visual design is particularly significant. The character bears a noticeable resemblance to Homura, immediately creating another mystery for viewers already familiar with the franchise’s complicated history.
Who Is the Mysterious Upperclassman?
At this point, the film’s official materials do not provide a definitive explanation of who Wasu really is.
That uncertainty is important because Walpurgisnacht Rising continues the story established by Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion. The new movie is described by its official website as a direct sequel to Rebellion and the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.
The official story already places Homura at the center of another distorted reality. After becoming an entity resembling a demon to prevent Madoka from being taken away, Homura creates a new world. The arrival of new magical girls and the reappearance of Walpurgis Night threaten to destabilize that reality once again.
