Mamoru Oshii to Direct New Two-Part "Armored Trooper VOTOMS" Film Series for 2026 Release

A brand-new project has been announced for the "Armored Trooper VOTOMS" series, which has maintained massive support as a milestone of real robot anime since its original broadcast in 1983. Titled "Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Gray Witch," the project will consist of a two-part theatrical film series, with the first installment scheduled to premiere on November 20, 2026.

World-renowned filmmaker Mamoru Oshii will serve as director, while Ryosuke Takahashi, the original creator and director of the series, is credited as supervisor. Takahashi expressed his full confidence in Oshii’s vision, stating, "I myself am a fan of the 'Oshii touch.'" The music will be handled by Kenji Kawai, a frequent collaborator on Oshii’s works. A recently released teaser trailer showcases heavy mechanical depictions alongside the series' iconic "roller dash" sound effects and narration by the legendary Banjō Ginga.

The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement across social media, with fans posting comments such as "The real deal is finally back" and "This tag team is just too perfect." Many fans expressed relief that the series' traditional gritty atmosphere—often described by the Japanese term "museru" (choking/smoky)—seems to be preserved. Additionally, MegaHouse has announced that the film’s mecha will be featured as the first entry in their new "VA KIT PRATOON" series of assembly figures, signaling high expectations for the franchise's revival across multiple platforms.

The context

"Armored Trooper VOTOMS" is a cornerstone of the "Real Robot" genre of Japanese animation, known for treating its mecha, called Vertical Tanks (ATs), as mass-produced, expendable military hardware rather than heroic entities. It is famous for its gritty, hard-boiled storytelling. The term "museru" (to choke or be overcome by smoke) comes from a lyric in the original series' opening theme, "Honō no Sadame," and has become a shorthand among fans for the series' dark, industrial, and cynical atmosphere. Director Mamoru Oshii is best known globally for "Ghost in the Shell" and is famous for his philosophical depth and meticulous attention to mechanical detail, making his pairing with the VOTOMS franchise a significant event for anime enthusiasts.

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