After 12 long years, a brand-new Madoka Magica movie is finally on the horizon! The all-new film “Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising” (Japanese title: Gekijōban Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica <Walpurgis no Kaiten>) is scheduled for release in February 2026, and on December 21, 2025, the much-anticipated second trailer was unveiled. This new trailer was a surprise reveal, dropping right after the televised recap “Beginnings/Eternal” finale, and it sent fan excitement to a fever pitch. Social media erupted with reactions like “The sequel is finally moving forward!” and “That footage gave me chills,” clearly showing the overwhelming hype from fans who have been waiting for over a decade.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what fans are expecting from Walpurgisnacht: Rising, the key highlights to look out for, an analysis of the latest Trailer #2, information on characters and staff, and how it ties into the overall series. We’ve compiled all the must-know details before the movie’s release, so be sure to read until the end!
Walpurgisnacht: Rising – Basic Information
Let’s start by organizing the fundamental info for the latest movie “Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising.” Here’s what has been officially announced so far, including the title, release timeframe, staff, and cast:
- Title: Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising
(Japanese: 劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ〈ワルプルギスの廻天〉, read as “Gekijōban Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten”) - Release Date: Scheduled for February 2026 (Japan)
- Main Cast:
- Madoka Kaname (CV: Aoi Yūki)
- Homura Akemi (CV: Chiwa Saitō)
- Mami Tomoe (CV: Kaori Mizuhashi)
- Sayaka Miki (CV: Eri Kitamura)
- Kyōko Sakura (CV: Ai Nonaka)
- Nagisa Momoe (CV: Kana Asumi)
- Kyubey (CV: Emiri Katō)
- Madoka Kaname (CV: Aoi Yūki)
- *(All the principal cast/characters from the TV series through the [New Edition] movie are returning. No details about brand-new characters or their voice actors have been announced yet. However, as we’ll discuss later, the new trailer does hint at the existence of a mysterious new character.)
How It Connects to the Series: A True Sequel and “A New Beginning”
“Walpurgisnacht: Rising” is positioned as a direct sequel to the TV series and the [New Edition] movie Rebellion. The 12-episode TV series (aired in 2011) told a complete story with many shocking twists, culminating in a beautiful yet bittersweet climax. After that, two compilation films (Beginnings/Eternal in 2012) recapped the series, and in 2013 the completely new movie Rebellion (officially Puella Magi Madoka Magica [New Edition]: Rebellion) was released. Rebellion became a massive hit – an unprecedented ¥2+ billion box office success for a late-night anime film. However, its ending was enigmatic and left many unanswered questions. Now, a full 12 years later, that story will finally continue in this new film, Walpurgisnacht: Rising.
At the end of Rebellion, we saw Homura literally rewrite the world in order to pull Madoka Kaname (who had become a cosmic Law of Cycles) back down and restore her as a normal girl. Madoka had ascended to godhood, and Homura herself “fell” into the role of a demon by betraying Madoka’s wish – a stunning development that closed the film with many implications. Walpurgisnacht: Rising will at last depict what happens after that dramatic turn of events. The official announcements even describe it as “the legitimate sequel — and the beginning of a new chapter.” This makes it clear that while the movie directly follows Rebellion, it also signals the opening of a new story arc.
Now, what does the title “Walpurgisnacht: Rising” (Walpurgis no Kaiten) actually mean? “Walpurgisnacht” immediately calls to mind the most powerful and fearsome witch from the TV series, Walpurgis Night. Meanwhile, the word “Kaiten” in Japanese means “turning the tide” or “reversal of fortunes.” From the title alone, one can’t help but imagine some dramatic development revolving around the still-mysterious Walpurgis Night. In fact, in the newest trailer we hear Homura talking about “Walpurgis no Yoru” (Walpurgis Night), so it’s almost certain that this legendary witch will be a crucial key in the story.
Key Visual #2 for Walpurgisnacht: Rising, featuring Homura (bottom left) and Madoka (top right). The tagline printed on this poster reads “The world will not forgive her.” This line presumably refers to Homura in context. Does it mean that the very world Homura created will seek to punish her for what she’s done? Or perhaps that even the other magical girls — maybe even Madoka herself — cannot forgive her actions? Fans have been buzzing with theories. In any case, it seems likely that the consequences and atonement Homura must face will be one of the central themes of the film.
Although a detailed plot synopsis hasn’t been released yet, looking at the series’ trajectory so far, one gets the sense that this movie could very well depict the true conclusion to the Madoka Magica saga. As the teaser trailer’s narration said, “Shall we continue the story?” — indeed, fans have waited for years to see the continuation of Madoka and Homura’s story. All eyes are on how this film will finally deliver that long-awaited continuation.
Highlights Revealed in the 2nd Trailer
The second teaser PV (about 48 seconds long), released on December 21, 2025, offers a brief yet tantalizing glimpse of the new film. It’s packed with cuts from the movie and character dialogue. The tone masterfully blends cute, everyday moments with a palpable undercurrent of tension — a quintessential Madoka Magica vibe. Despite its brevity, the trailer contains many noteworthy scenes and hints. Here are some of the main highlights we spotted in Trailer #2:
- Peaceful Daily Life Scenes: The trailer begins with an adorably heartwarming scene of the magical girls indulging in snacks. We see Madoka, Sayaka, and Kyōko chatting and laughing in their school classroom, and even Mami wearing a pair of animal-ear headbands (cat ears, perhaps?) and goofing around. These tranquil, cheerful everyday moments are very memorable. On the surface it’s bright and cute, but underneath there’s a subtle tension — like the calm before the storm.
- Homura’s Foreboding Expression: While her classmates enjoy a carefree moment, Homura alone is shown with a grim, distant look on her face. In this new world Homura created, she’s living an ordinary school life alongside everyone else, but clearly something is weighing on her. In a voice-over, Homura speaks about “Walpurgis no Yoru” (Walpurgis Night), suggesting that she senses a looming great battle. Her determined yet uneasy expression hints at inner resolve and conflict to come.
- A Mysterious New Character: In the latter half of the trailer, there’s a very brief shot of what appears to be a new magical girl character. We catch a glimpse of a girl with green hair and glasses. Nothing else is known about her yet — even her name and voice actress are under wraps. Who is she? Friend or foe? This new character has immediately become a hot topic among fans. Given the title’s emphasis on Walpurgis, many suspect this character will hold a key to the story. Is she connected to Walpurgis Night somehow? We’ll have to wait for more info, but her appearance in the trailer has certainly fueled a lot of speculation.
- An Injured Sayaka: One particularly striking cut shows Sayaka Miki with bandages on her face. In the trailer, Sayaka (in her magical girl form) is seen with a bandage across her cheek, and what looks like traces of blood. Considering Sayaka played a crucial role in Rebellion, seeing her wounded here raises many questions. Could Sayaka be facing another major trial or battle in this film? Some viewers noted this shot “hints at a new story for Sayaka,” and fans are already worried and excited, asking: “What’s going to happen to Sayaka?”
- Madoka and Homura’s Relationship: The trailer’s final scene shows Madoka and Homura reaching out toward each other, as if trying to grasp hands across a distance (this is the same composition featured in the 2nd key visual poster). This powerful image of the two girls mirrors the emotional gulf between them — will it finally be bridged, or will it widen further? This symbolic shot prompted an outpouring of emotion from fans: “Are Madoka and Homura finally going to meet again?”, “I hope they reconcile!” Given that the dynamic between Madoka and Homura lies at the very heart of the series, this scene is arguably the biggest highlight of the trailer.
As we can see, even this short Trailer #2 is jam-packed with tantalizing elements of the new movie. The juxtaposition of lighthearted daily life against an encroaching darkness, the mix of beloved returning characters and intriguing new faces — it’s everything a Madoka Magica fan could hope for to get the hype going. The trailer is available on YouTube (you can watch the official 2nd Trailer here), so if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out. It’s the kind of teaser you’ll want to rewatch over and over, pausing to catch every detail and theorize about what it all means!
Fan Expectations and Theories: Can’t Wait for Release!
For fans who have been waiting years for a new installment, Walpurgisnacht: Rising carries extremely high expectations. The explosive reaction immediately following the trailer’s release makes that clear — comments like “I got goosebumps”, “I’m almost crying” flooded social media. Fans are ecstatic that Homura and Madoka’s story will continue, and they’re already busy dissecting every frame for clues. Here are some of the major points of excitement and speculation among the fan community:
- What Happens After Rebellion? – The biggest question on everyone’s mind is how the story will unfold after the events of Rebellion. In the world Homura remodeled, Madoka and the others have lost their memories of the previous timeline. How will their lives proceed, and what challenges will arise? How will Homura face the sin she’s taken upon herself? Will Madoka once again awaken as the Law of Cycles (her goddess form)? There’s a mix of excitement and anxiety as fans wonder how this long-awaited sequel will wrap up the story, and what kind of resolution (or twist) awaits the characters we love.
- Walpurgisnacht – A New Threat? – As indicated by the very title, the fearsome witch Walpurgisnacht is likely to be front and center once more. Many suspect that Walpurgisnacht: Rising means some major event or transformation involving Walpurgis Night will occur. How exactly will it figure into the plot? Will Homura or Madoka have to confront it again? One wild fan theory even posits, “Could Homura herself become the new Walpurgis Night?” (Just a fan hypothesis, of course!) The trailer’s hints have certainly set imaginations running wild about Walpurgisnacht’s role.
- Identity & Role of the New Character: The green-haired, glasses-wearing girl glimpsed in the trailer has sparked a flurry of theories. While completely new, some fans wonder if she could be connected to existing Madoka Magica lore or even spin-offs (for instance, characters from the Madoka Magica Gaiden like Magia Record). Others speculate she might serve as a new protagonist or key figure who could influence Homura and Madoka’s story. With no official info yet, anticipation is high for any clues about who this mystery character is and how she’ll affect the narrative.
- Character Growth and Changes: Given the time skip (both in real life and possibly in-story), fans are curious about how each character has changed or what new circumstances they’re in. For example, Sayaka Miki had transcended into part of the Law of Cycles in Rebellion and confronted Homura, yet in the new trailer she appears to be back as a normal human and even attending school again. However, the sight of injured Sayaka hints she won’t be on the sidelines — she might once more play a pivotal role and face danger. We also see small changes like Kyōko Sakura actually wearing a school uniform, implying Homura’s new world has altered some characters’ lifestyles. These developments have fans eager to see how their personalities and relationships have evolved.
- Music and Visuals – Old Team Back in Action: The trailer reaffirms that the signature Yuki Kajiura score and Studio Shaft’s unique visuals are very much intact, which has fans thrilled. Many commented, “The background music alone already made me emotional,” and “The animation quality looks stunning.” There’s also mounting curiosity about the theme song and ending song for the film — previous installments featured artists like ClariS and Kalafina, so fans are speculating whether they or other familiar names will return for the new movie’s soundtrack. Future announcements will hopefully reveal the theme song artist, which is another point of excitement for the community.
In summary, every fan has their own hopes and theories for Walpurgisnacht: Rising. Twelve years is a long time, and in that span the fandom’s imagination has run wild with ideas of where the story could go. This movie is poised to be the grand answer to those years of speculation. What kind of ending (or new beginning) will it present to us? The anticipation leading up to the release is almost palpable — it’s a mix of joy, nostalgia, and suspense. The February 2026 premiere simply can’t come soon enough!
Latest News & How to Enjoy the Wait Until Release
With the film set to release in February 2026, what should fans do in the meantime to prepare? Here are some of the latest updates and tips to fully enjoy the lead-up to Walpurgisnacht: Rising while we count down the days:
- Advance Tickets Now on Sale: The official movie theater pre-sale tickets (MoviTicke cards) are already available. They feature the second key visual artwork as their design, and come with a bonus: a special A4-size clear file folder. Tickets are priced at ¥1,600 (tax included) for general admission and can be purchased at participating theaters nationwide. These are limited in quantity, so if you’re a collector or eager to secure your seat, you might want to grab one early!
- Rewatch the Series & Past Movies: From October to December 2025, a TV edited recap, “Beginnings/Eternal TV Edition,” was broadcast to celebrate the upcoming film. If you missed it or just want to refresh your memory, now is a perfect time to rewatch the original TV series and the Rebellion movie. All the core story beats, especially in Rebellion, will directly inform the new film. Revisiting them (via Blu-ray or streaming services) will not only revive your love for the story, but also help you catch references in the new trailer and deepen your understanding of where Walpurgisnacht: Rising might be heading.
- Follow Official Updates: Keep an eye on the official website and social media (Twitter/X, etc.) for news as the release approaches. We might get additional announcements, such as the exact release date (day in February), more cast reveals, theme song artist, or even a third trailer. Closer to the premiere, there will likely be interviews in anime magazines and information on stage greetings or premiere events. Also, be on the lookout for tie-in merchandise and special events (like collaboration cafes or exhibitions) celebrating the release. As fans, we don’t want to miss any of these fun extras, so following the official channels and anime news outlets is highly recommended.
- Join the Fan Community Buzz: One of the best ways to enjoy the wait is to engage with fellow fans. Now that a new trailer is out, fan forums, Reddit threads, and Twitter discussions are exploding with activity. Joining these conversations can enhance your excitement — share your own predictions, read intriguing theories from others, and revel in the collective hype. After all, “the waiting period is part of the fun” for events like this. Fans have already waited 12 years for this moment; just a little longer to go! Let’s enjoy this final stretch together by celebrating the series and building up the excitement until we can all see the movie.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht: Rising was initially announced as part of the series’ 10th Anniversary projects. The original creative team and voice cast have reunited for this film, which means it’s being crafted with tremendous passion and dedication. This long-awaited sequel is nothing short of a miracle for fans, and it promises to deliver both heartfelt emotion and shocking twists. As the release date draws near, our hearts are pounding with anticipation. Be sure to mark your calendars for opening day, and get ready to witness the continuation of Madoka and Homura’s story on the big screen. Let’s be there in the theater to experience the magical conclusion (and new beginning) of their saga together — and become part of anime history as the legend unfolds!
