On July 25, the official account of Leiji Matsumoto announced a new theatrical Galaxy Express 999 anime film. Toei Animation will produce the film, and veteran director Rintaro, who directed the 1979 movie, provided the story concept.

Galaxy Express 999 originally aired in 1978 and follows Tetsuro Hoshino, a boy who seeks a mechanical body after his mother's death, traveling aboard a space train with the character Maetel.

Makiko Matsumoto, the eldest daughter of Leiji Matsumoto and representative director of his company Leijisha, posted a statement celebrating the project. She said her father had dreamed of creating the film and that his passion would continue.

The new film is expected to take several years to complete. The original 1979 theatrical release remains available on the Internet Archive, and the series can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

The series, which began serialization in 1977, explores themes of immortality, loss, and identity. Its influence is seen in later anime works that blend science fiction with personal narratives.

The announcement marks the first major return of the franchise in nearly five decades, offering new viewers the chance to experience the story and providing longtime fans with a continuation of the narrative.