by For anime fans, the announcement of a theatrical anime film is often followed by equal parts excitement and anxiety. While the reveal sparks massive hype, the road from announcement to actual release is rarely smooth. Delays, rescheduling, and long periods of silence have become almost routine—so much so that many fans jokingly say, “I’m used to delays now.”
As we head into 2026, several long-awaited anime movies are finally preparing to hit theaters after years of anticipation. Among them are two particularly high-profile titles that perfectly represent both the frustration and the excitement of waiting: Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten and Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway – Circe’s Witch.
Why Anime Films Take So Long to Release
Before diving into specific titles, it’s worth understanding why anime movies often face long delays:
- High production standards compared to TV anime
- Complex animation and action sequences that take years to refine
- Studio scheduling conflicts and staff availability
- Unexpected events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic
- A strong desire to meet fan expectations, especially for beloved franchises
While delays can be frustrating, they often mean creators are prioritizing quality over speed.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgis no Kaiten
A 12-Year Wait for the True Sequel
One of the most talked-about anime films scheduled for February 2026 is Walpurgis no Kaiten, the official sequel to the 2013 film Rebellion. This marks the first new Madoka Magica movie in nearly 12 years.
A Brief Introduction for Beginners
The Puella Magi Madoka Magica series follows Kaname Madoka, a kind-hearted girl who is offered the chance to become a magical girl—but at a terrible cost. The series is famous for subverting the magical girl genre with psychological drama, shocking twists, and emotional storytelling.
A Long and Uncertain Production Journey
- April 2021: Film production officially announced
- 2021–2023: Almost no updates, leading to fan anxiety
- September 2023: Planned release window announced
- August 2024: Film postponed again
- July 2025: Final release date confirmed, along with a new promotional video
The newly released PV hinted at the appearance of a new magical girl, sparking intense speculation within the fandom.
To prepare audiences, a re-edited TV broadcast titled Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Beginnings/Eternal Story – TV Edition began airing on TBS in October, reintroducing the story to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Why Fans Are Still Excited
Despite the delays, anticipation remains extremely high:
- It continues directly after Rebellion’s shocking ending
- The franchise is known for bold, unpredictable storytelling
- Fans are eager to relive the emotional impact on the big screen
Comments like “I can’t imagine how the story will unfold just from the trailer” reflect the excitement surrounding its release.
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: Circe’s Witch
The Sequel Gundam Fans Have Been Asking About for Years
Another major release finally arriving in January 2026 (January 30) is Circe’s Witch, the second installment in the Hathaway’s Flash trilogy.
Story Overview
Based on a novel by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the film follows Hathaway Noa (voiced by Kensho Ono), a young man burdened by humanity’s future. As the leader of the anti-government group Mufti Navue Erin, Hathaway wages a dangerous battle against Earth’s ruling elite.
This is a darker, more politically complex Gundam story—often described as “Gundam for adults.”
Why the Wait Was So Long
- The trilogy was announced in 2018
- Part 1 was delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19
- The working title for Part 2 was revealed, but no updates followed
- Multiple new Gundam TV series aired in the meantime, fueling fan impatience
During this period:
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury aired (2022–2023)
- A TV re-edit of Hathaway’s Flash aired
- Fans repeatedly asked, “When is Hathaway Part 2 coming?”
Finally, in June 2025, Bandai Namco officially revealed:
- The title Circe’s Witch
- A teaser video
- A confirmed release date
A full trailer followed in October, reigniting enthusiasm.
Why These Films Matter in 2026
Both Walpurgis no Kaiten and Circe’s Witch represent a trend in modern anime:
- Long-term storytelling across films
- Mature themes aimed at older audiences
- A focus on cinematic-quality animation
They also prove that even with delays, fan loyalty remains strong when the storytelling legacy is powerful
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off for Anime Fans
While waiting years or even over a decade for a sequel can test anyone’s patience, 2026 is shaping up to be a rewarding year for fans who stayed hopeful.
Whether it’s the emotional intensity of Madoka Magica or the grounded, political drama of Gundam Hathaway, these films show that sometimes, a long wait leads to an unforgettable experience.
For many fans, the feeling is simple:
“I’m used to delays now but I’m still excited.”
