The Aniplex One Focus livestream event held this Saturday provided a major update for Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising, showcasing a new trailer and a fresh key visual illustrated by original character designer Ume Aoki. The footage offers a deeper look at the sequel to the 2013 film Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 3: Rebellion, though viewers should note the trailer contains significant spoilers for the previous installment.
Beyond the visuals, the production team confirmed that Maaya Sakamoto has joined the cast as an enigmatic upperclassman known as "Wasu," a character whose striking resemblance to Homura Akemi has already sparked speculation regarding her true identity. She joins a returning ensemble that includes Aoi Yūki as Madoka Kaname and Chiwa Saitō as Homura, alongside newcomers Shion Wakayama and Tomoyo Kurosawa, who voice the magical girls Shichōka and Selma Therese, respectively.
The film reunites the core creative team behind the original series, including chief director Akiyuki Simbo, scriptwriter Gen Urobuchi, and the team at studio SHAFT. With a Kitsu rating currently sitting at a strong 91/100, the franchise continues to maintain high audience interest as it expands on the psychological and urban fantasy elements that defined the original run. The film's theme song, "Kanata," is performed by Yuki Kajiura’s solo project, FictionJunction.
Given the film's strong opening performance—ranking at #1 in its Japanese debut with over 535,000 tickets sold—the continued rollout of promotional material suggests a concerted effort to maintain momentum following its late August theatrical release. With the mystery of Wasu's identity now at the forefront, it remains to be seen how her presence will shift the power dynamics established in the wake of the Rebellion film.
