Toei Animation Announces New Galaxy Express 999 Feature Film

Toei Animation has announced that a new animated feature based on Leiji Matsumoto’s classic sci‑fi manga *Galaxy Express 999* is now in production. The original story will be written by veteran director Rintaro, who also directed the 1979 and 1981 films in the series. The announcement was made through the franchise‑rights holder Leijisha, and it marks roughly half a century since the first theatrical release.

The film will follow the series’ protagonist, the young orphan Tetsuro Hoshino, who boards the interstellar train Galaxy Express 999 with the mysterious Maetel after his mother is murdered. Their goal is to reach a planet that can provide a free mechanical body, granting immortality. No release date, voice cast, or additional staff details have been released. Makiko Matsumoto, the creator’s daughter and president of Leijisha, thanked fans for their patience and said the project fulfills her father’s long‑held wish.

Production details are currently limited, but multiple outlets in Japan, Europe and the United States have reported the same core information, confirming that the new film is officially underway.