Fans finally have a reason to celebrate as one of the most anticipated magic anime has received a release date after years of delays. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht is arriving in Japanese theaters on August 28, 2026, and the main trailer that dropped on June 28 proves the wait may well be worth it. The news was confirmed by the official website and ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) for the anime today.
Aniplex released the full main trailer on Sunday, with the biggest highlight being the reveal of the theme song, “Kanata,” performed by FictionJunction, the solo project of Yuki Kajiura. Kajiura, who previously composed the iconic soundtrack for the original Madoka Magica TV series and its earlier films, is returning to the franchise, reinforcing a strong sense of continuity in both its music and creative direction.
The Madoka Magica Sequel Fans Have Waited Over 10 Years For
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising picks up directly after the 2013 film Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie – Rebellion, which ended with Homura Akemi reshaping reality to keep Madoka Kaname by her side. The shocking ending divided fans and left them waiting more than a decade to see what happens next.
Set in a seemingly peaceful world, Walpurgisnacht Rising follows Homura as she faces a new threat connected to Walpurgisnacht. As the danger grows, she must confront the consequences of her past choices and decide how far she’s willing to go to protect Madoka. With its focus on love, sacrifice, obsession, and the cost of changing fate, the film promises to continue the emotional storytelling that made the Madoka Magica series a modern anime classic.
The Original Madoka Magica Team Returns
One of the biggest reasons for the excitement surrounding Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising is the return of the original creative team. Studio SHAFT is once again handling the animation, with Akiyuki Shinbo serving as chief director and Yukihiro Miyamoto directing the film.
Series writer Gen Urobuchi, whose storytelling helped make the original Madoka Magica anime a modern classic, is also returning to write the screenplay. His involvement gives fans confidence that the sequel will maintain the emotional depth, moral complexity, and unexpected twists that defined the franchise.
The film also welcomes Tomohiro Furukawa as a storyboard artist. Best known for directing Revue Starlight, Furukawa brings a distinctive visual style that could add another layer of creativity to the movie’s presentation.
Walpurgisnacht Rising Introduces New Magical Girls
The new trailer also introduces two new magical girls who are expected to play important roles in Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising. Shichōka is voiced by Shion Wakayama, and Selma Therese is voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa.
Selma Therese’s unique character design, especially her distinctive hair accessories, has already sparked fan theories about a possible connection to Walpurgisnacht. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the introduction of these new characters suggests the film will expand the Madoka Magica universe.
The Long Wait for Walpurgisnacht Rising
The road to *Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising* has been a long one. The film was first announced on April 25, 2021, during the *Madoka Magica* 10th Anniversary event. It was initially scheduled to premiere in winter 2024 but was later delayed to winter 2025 due to production circumstances.
In January 2026, the production committee announced another delay, moving the film from its planned February release to August 28, 2026. The official reason was to give the staff more time to deliver the best possible film.
After years of waiting, the release of the full main trailer and the announcement of the official premiere date are the strongest signs yet that *Walpurgisnacht Rising* is finally ready to reach theaters.
Why Walpurgisnacht Rising Matters
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising marks another major milestone for the franchise. It is the first Madoka Magica film to be presented entirely in the 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, giving it a more cinematic look for the big screen.
Since the original 12-episode anime debuted in 2011, the Madoka Magica franchise has grown into one of anime’s most successful multimedia series, expanding through films, manga, novels, video games, and other projects. Now, Walpurgisnacht Rising continues that legacy with the first new sequel to Rebellion in more than a decade.
With the full main trailer now available and the film officially set to premiere on August 28, 2026, fans can finally look forward to the next chapter in Homura and Madoka’s story after years of waiting.
