by The latest installment in the legendary Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Witch of Circe, continues its impressive theatrical run. The film has officially surpassed ¥2.7 billion in box office revenue and attracted over 1.59 million viewers, marking it as one of the most successful anime films of 2026 so far.
To celebrate this milestone, a final theatrical bonus has been announced: a special illustration card designed by director Shuko Murase, which will be distributed starting May 1, 2026 (week 14 of release).
Box Office Success: A Strong Performance for the Gundam Franchise
Since its release in January 2026, The Witch of Circe has:
- Earned over ¥2.7 billion at the box office
- Reached 1.59 million admissions
- Outperformed the first film in the trilogy
This success highlights the enduring popularity of the Mobile Suit Gundam series and its ability to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences.
Final Bonus Item: Exclusive Illustration Card by Director Murase
As part of the film’s final theatrical campaign, fans attending screenings from May 1, 2026, will receive:
Bonus Details:
- Item: Illustration Card (L-size: 89mm × 127mm)
- Design: Based on selected storyboard cuts by director Shuko Murase
- Availability: Limited quantities, while supplies last
Important Notes:
- One card per viewer per screening
- Available for both standard and premium formats
- Not sold separately or distributed without a ticket
- Minor production variations (scratches, color differences) may occur
This collectible item offers fans a unique chance to own a piece of the film’s creative process, as it directly reflects the director’s visual storytelling.
Story Overview: A Complex Human Drama in the Gundam Universe
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway is based on the novel by Yoshiyuki Tomino and continues the story after Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack.
Beginner-Friendly Plot Summary:
The story follows Hathaway Noa, who leads an anti-Earth Federation movement known as Mafty.
His journey becomes increasingly complicated after encountering:
- Gigi Andalusia – a mysterious young woman
- Kenneth Sleg – a Federation officer pursuing him
Core Themes:
- Political conflict and rebellion
- Moral ambiguity and personal responsibility
- The psychological burden of war
Unlike traditional action-focused anime, this film emphasizes character-driven storytelling and realistic war drama.
Why The Witch of Circe Stands Out
- High-quality animation and cinematic direction
- Realistic, large-scale mobile suit battles
- Deep psychological storytelling
- Strong connection to classic Gundam lore
- Appeals to both new viewers and longtime fans
The film builds on the success of the first installment (released in June 2021), which was praised for its intense realism and emotional depth.
What’s Next for the Hathaway Trilogy?
The Witch of Circe is the second chapter in a planned trilogy. While details about the third film are still under wraps, fans can expect:
- Continuation of Hathaway’s journey
- Escalation of political conflict
- More intense mobile suit battles
- Deeper exploration of character motivations
Given the current success, anticipation for the final chapter is already growing.
Release & Distribution Information
- Now showing in theaters across Japan
- Distributed by: Bandai Namco Filmworks / Shochiku
- Final bonus item available from May 1, 2026
Final Thoughts
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Witch of Circe has proven to be both a commercial success and a critical highlight within the Gundam franchise.
With its strong box office performance, compelling story, and exclusive final bonus, the film continues to draw audiences even weeks after release.
For fans of Gundam—or anyone interested in serious, story-driven anime films—this is a must-watch before its theatrical run concludes.
