It has been confirmed that a brand-new theatrical film, serving as a continuation of the popular anime series “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED,” will be released on January 26, 2024. Titled “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM,” the story will be a sequel to “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY.” Alongside the announcement, a PV has been unveiled, with the film being produced under the direction of Mitsuo Fukuda, who also directed the TV series.
The revealed teaser visual showcases a beautiful image of Lacus looking back at Kira.
The first PV opens the curtain for a new story in the “Gundam SEED” series, featuring various keywords associated with “SEED” such as “Coordinator” and “Natural.” Amidst the perplexed expression of Kira, collapsing mobile suits, and the gazing moments between Kira and Lacus, the PV hints at a new battle, turmoil, and an epic story about to unfold in a world that should have achieved peace. This builds anticipation for the fully new main feature.
“Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” is a Gundam series that aired from October 2002, consisting of 50 episodes. It was the first Gundam TV series produced in the 21st century. The story portrays the conflict between genetically enhanced humans called “Coordinators” and regular humans known as “Naturals,” who align themselves with the military organizations ZAFT and the Earth Alliance. Through this war, the series depicts the struggles and growth of the protagonist, Kira Yamato, a Coordinator, and his childhood friend Athrun Zala.
The “Gundam SEED” series garnered a wide fan base, including many female viewers, achieving its highest viewer rating of 8.0%. It sparked the second Gundam plastic model boom, mainly among elementary school students, and became a sensation as the “Gundam series for the new generation.” A sequel TV series titled “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY” aired from October 2004, surpassing its predecessor with a highest viewer rating of 8.2%. The cumulative sales of the series’ home video releases exceeded an astonishing 4 million copies. It became a popular work that transcended the boundaries of a TV anime series, encompassing music, events, and captivating audiences throughout Japan.
Director Mitsuo Fukuda’s Comment: Originally, we were supposed to deliver this film right after the TV series, so I apologize for keeping everyone waiting for so long. Despite that, I would like to express my gratitude to all the fans who have been supporting us unwaveringly.
The past 20 years have brought significant changes not only in animation production methods but also in the staff involved. Those who watched “Gundam SEED” are now participating as new staff members, while the previous staff, in terms of age alone, can now be called veterans. Amidst the exploration of the transition from analog to 3D digital and the search for new forms of expression, the old staff members are facing their past techniques and sensibilities every day.
The story will be a completely new sequel to the previous TV series, “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY.” While I believe that sticking to the conventional “Gundam SEED” approach is the best, I don’t think recreating the same thing as back then would resonate with the audience.
Above all, it’s not about making a “Gundam SEED” that I personally want to see. This time, it’s a fusion of old and new staff members and technologies. We aim to create a new “Gundam SEED” that incorporates the strengths of analog while adapting to the times. In the TV series, there were some aspects that I felt were left unfinished, and I want to clear those while also embarking on new challenges. I want to go back 20 years and create a new drama with Kira, Athrun, and Shin once again.
