Long Awaited Madoka Magica -Walpurgisnacht: Rising- Film Gets February 2026 Release Date Alongside New Trailer

For those confused about where the film fits into this sprawling multimedia series, which includes the original TV anime, manga adaptations, novels, and video games, this latest movie is a sequel to Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion, which itself was a continuation of the original TV series.

The 12-episode Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime was released in 2011 to effusive critical praise and commercial success. Famous for utilizing the aesthetics of magical girl shows while pivoting in a much darker direction, it is considered by many to be one of the greatest anime of all time. Here, Shaft’s avant-garde visuals combined with Gen Urobuchi’s penchant for shocking twists, marking a series that launched countless lesser imitators which copied its edgier qualities without replicating its underlying heart or commentary on utilitarianism, misogyny, and the heat death of the universe.

Shaft produced two compilation films shortly after the original TV anime aired, titled Beginnings and Eternal, that summarized the 12-episode series alongside new voice acting and some updated animation. Then, the third film, Rebellion, was released in 2013. It was a sequel to the original story written by Urobochi and produced by Shaft. During the series’ 10th anniversary in 2021, a sequel to Rebellion was announced called Walpurgisnacht: Rising. It was originally planned for a Q1 2024 release, before being delayed to Q1 2025, where it was postponed again. While the lengthy wait and the original show’s formidable reputation give the movie a lot to live up to, the good news is that, based on the trailer below, Shaft still has it.