Toei Animation Greenlights New Galaxy Express 999 Theatrical Film

The silver rails are running again. Toei Animation, marking its 70th anniversary this year, has officially greenlit a new theatrical anime for Leiji Matsumoto’s landmark sci-fi saga Galaxy Express 999, confirmed Saturday at a National Film Archive screening event for the studio’s film heritage program.

Veteran director Rintaro—who helmed the 1979 theatrical hit and its 1981 follow-up Adieu Galaxy Express 999—is attached for story concept, while Toei itself handles animation production. Cast, character lineups, and a release window remain under wraps, but the pairing alone is a statement: the studio that shepherded the original TV series and cinema features is steering the franchise’s next leap.

From Leijisha, Matsumoto’s estate company, president Makiko Matsumoto (the late creator’s daughter) framed the project as a long-held dream finally boarding the train. Nearly half a century after the first big-screen 999, she called the chance a “miracle” her father would celebrate—animation filmmaking having been among his lifelong ambitions.

For otaku who grew up on Tetsuro and Maetel’s cosmic odyssey—or discovered it through reissues, exhibitions, and the ongoing Galaxy Experience immersion show—the news lands as pure studio-era poetry: a heritage house, a legendary staff name, and one of anime’s defining titles back on the production slate.

Official: X