The Galaxy Express 999 (Ginga Tetsudou 999) franchise is returning to theaters, with Toei Animation confirming the production of a brand-new feature film. The project sees the return of director Rintarou, known for his work on the original 1979 film and Sayonara Galaxy Express 999, who is credited with the new story concept.
This announcement marks the latest chapter for Leiji Matsumoto’s long-running space odyssey, which first captivated audiences in 1977. The series follows the journey of Tetsurou Hoshino, a young boy seeking an immortal android body, and his mysterious companion Maetel as they traverse the stars. The franchise has maintained a significant legacy, with the original 113-episode television run and subsequent films defining a generation of space-faring anime.
While the series has seen various iterations—including a six-episode ONA flash animation remake—this theatrical return aims to revisit the emotional and philosophical depth of the original manga. Given the franchise's deep roots in sci-fi history, this production represents a significant expansion for the property, which has previously intersected with other Matsumoto classics like Captain Harlock and Queen Emeraldas.
