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After years of delays, the wait has a hard date. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising- opens in Japanese theaters on August 28, 2026, and the full trailer — unveiled June 28 — finally lets Yuki Kajiura's theme song do the talking.
Quick answer According to SenpaiRanks, -Walpurgisnacht: Rising- is a theatrical anime film opening in Japan on August 28, 2026, animated by SHAFT, directed by Yukihiro Miyamoto under chief director Akiyuki Shinbo, written by Gen Urobuchi with character designs by Ume Aoki and music by Yuki Kajiura. The theme song "Kanata" is performed by FictionJunction. It is a direct sequel to the 2013 film Rebellion. The original Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TV series holds an 8.14 adjusted score on SenpaiRanks's board — top-tier territory.
Where it picks up This is the story after Rebellion — the film that ended on Homura reshaping reality. Magica Quartet's original creators return, the core voice cast is back (Aoi Yuki as Madoka, Chiwa Saito as Homura, Kaori Mizuhashi, Eri Kitamura, Ai Nonaka), and newcomers Shion Wakayama and Tomoyo Kurosawa join. SHAFT's signature visual grammar is all over the trailer.
The full trailer Watch the theme-song trailer here:
Why it took so long The film moved more than once — first eyed for winter 2024, then winter 2025, now locked for August 2026. For a project this central to one of the most acclaimed magical-girl franchises ever made, a careful runway is the trade most fans will take.
How it reads on the board The TV series sits at 8.14 adjusted on SenpaiRanks — and the two-axis split is the whole point with Madoka: it scores high on Quality (it genuinely holds up) and Consensus (it broke out far past the genre's usual audience). That's a nuance MyAnimeList's single number flattens. See where it lands against the rest of the season on our best of the season board, and if dark, character-driven shows are your lane, Wistoria: Wand and Sword Season 3 is also on the radar.
The read If you closed out Rebellion needing to know where Homura's gambit lands, this is the payoff a decade in the making. Revisit the original series ranking, then follow the film and rate it once you've seen it — your score moves the board.
Frequently asked questions Q: When does Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising release? A: It opens in Japanese theaters on August 28, 2026.
Q: Is Walpurgisnacht Rising a sequel to Rebellion?
A: Yes — it continues directly from the 2013 film Rebellion.
Q: Who sings the theme song?
A: "Kanata" is performed by FictionJunction, Yuki Kajiura's project.
Q: Which studio is making the film?
A: SHAFT, with Yukihiro Miyamoto directing under chief director Akiyuki Shinbo.
Q: How is Madoka Magica ranked on SenpaiRanks?
A: The original TV series holds an 8.14 adjusted score, placing it in the top tier of the board.