by The latest entry in the legendary Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Witch of Circe, has made a powerful debut at the Japanese box office. Released nationwide on Friday, January 30, the film grossed over 1 billion yen and attracted more than 600,000 viewers within its first five days, marking an impressive start for the highly anticipated sequel.
As the second installment in the Hathaway trilogy, the film continues the story that began with Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, itself based on the novel series by Yoshiyuki Tomino.
A Darker, More Political Chapter in the Gundam Saga
Set within the long-running Universal Century timeline of the Gundam universe, the story follows Hathaway Noa, the son of Bright Noa, as he leads the anti–Earth Federation organization “Mufty.” Under the alias Mafty Navue Erin, Hathaway launches a resistance movement against what he sees as a corrupt and unjust federal government.
In The Witch of Circe, the narrative deepens both politically and emotionally. The film explores:
- Hathaway’s growing internal conflict
- The moral ambiguity of armed resistance
- The human cost of rebellion
- The escalating confrontation between Mufty and the Federation
Compared to earlier Gundam entries that focus heavily on large-scale mecha battles, this chapter places strong emphasis on psychological tension and ideological struggle. This mature tone has been praised by long-time Gundam fans and new viewers alike.
Strong Opening Weekend Reflects Ongoing Gundam Popularity
The 1 billion yen milestone within five days demonstrates the continued strength of the Gundam brand. The franchise, which began with Mobile Suit Gundam, remains one of Japan’s most influential and commercially successful anime properties.
Industry analysts note several reasons behind the strong performance:
- High anticipation following the success of the first Hathaway film
- Stunning modern animation quality
- A loyal multi-generational fanbase
- Increased international awareness of Gundam films
The film’s cinematic visuals, detailed mechanical designs, and realistic urban settings have been particularly praised. Many viewers describe the battle sequences as “intense” and “beautifully animated,” while also highlighting the emotional weight carried by Hathaway’s character.
Second-Week Moviegoer Bonus Announced
To celebrate the successful opening, theaters will distribute a special second-week admission gift from February 6 to February 12.
Fans will receive:
“Pablo Uchida Design Works”
- B5 size booklet
- 16 pages
- Featuring original setting materials and design sketches
This collectible showcases the work of character designer Pablo Uchida and offers fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the film’s visual development. Limited-edition theater bonuses like this often increase repeat viewings, which could further boost box office numbers in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for the Hathaway Trilogy?
The Witch of Circe is the second part of a planned trilogy adapting Tomino’s novel series. While no official release date for the third chapter has been announced yet, the strong opening performance suggests momentum is firmly on the franchise’s side.
Given the political intensity and unresolved tensions at the end of the first film, fans are eager to see how Hathaway’s rebellion ultimately unfolds.
Why This Film Matters for Anime Fans
For beginners, this film represents a great entry point into Gundam’s more mature storytelling. While prior knowledge of the Universal Century timeline adds depth, the movie stands on its own as a serious science-fiction drama about power, responsibility, and resistance.
For longtime fans, it marks another bold step in modernizing Gundam for theatrical audiences while respecting its classic roots.
With over 1 billion yen in just five days, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Witch of Circe has clearly proven that the Gundam universe remains as powerful as ever both on the battlefield and at the box office.
