Plot Summary: What Is Walpurgisnacht: Rising About?
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising- continues the story that followed Rebellion. It returns to a world that looks settled on the surface, but the sense of balance proves far from secure.
The film centres on Homura Akemi. Her past decisions have reshaped everything around her, and she now has to live with what they set in motion. A new danger tied to Walpurgisnacht begins to surface. That name carries enormous weight for long-time fans, and Homura can no longer avoid the fallout of what she has done.
At the heart of it all is her devotion to Madoka Kaname. The film asks how much Homura is prepared to sacrifice, and what lines she might cross, to keep Madoka safe. The tagline, “The world will not exonerate her,” hints at the moral weight hanging over her.
Familiar faces return, including Sayaka, Kyoko, Mami, Nagisa and the enigmatic Kyubey. New characters such as Shichōka and Selma Therese also join the cast. The story blends psychological drama, mystery and surreal dark fantasy, rooted in the bonds between its young heroines.
What Makes It Notable
A long-awaited continuation. Walpurgisnacht: Rising is a sequel in the Madoka Magica franchise, a series known for subverting the magical-girl genre with darker, more psychological storytelling.
The creative team. The film is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Yukihiro Miyamoto and written by Gen Urobuchi. It is produced by animation studio SHAFT with Aniplex. Fans will recognise SHAFT’s surreal, highly stylised visual approach as a key part of the franchise’s identity.
The voice cast. The core Japanese voice cast returns:
- Aoi Yuuki as Madoka Kaname
- Chiwa Saito as Homura Akemi
- Eri Kitamura as Sayaka Miki
- Ai Nonaka as Kyoko Sakura
- Kaori Mizuhashi as Mami Tomoe
- Kana Asumi as Nagisa Momoe
- Emiri Kato as Kyubey
- Ryoko Shintani as Hitomi Shizuki
They are joined by Shion Wakayama as Shichōka and Tomoyo Kurosawa as Selma Therese.
Genre and origin. This is a Japanese animated feature in Japanese, running about 120 minutes. It combines animation, drama, mystery and fantasy, with recurring themes of witches, magic, school life, female friendship and surrealism.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Fans of the original Madoka Magica series and the Rebellion film who want to see where Homura’s story goes next
- Viewers drawn to dark fantasy and psychological anime that subvert the magical-girl formula
- Anyone who appreciates surreal, experimental animation, especially SHAFT’s distinctive style
- Audiences who enjoy character-driven mysteries built around loyalty, guilt and friendship
- Followers of writer Gen Urobuchi’s morally complex storytelling
Release Date & Where to Watch
The film’s first release date was August 28, 2026.
In the United States, a limited theatrical release is scheduled for January 16, 2027. A US age certification has not been announced yet, and specific participating cinemas may vary by location.
No streaming platforms are currently listed for the US. Digital and streaming availability have not been announced yet, so a theatrical screening is expected to be the first way to see it in the US.
A trailer is available, offering a first look at the film ahead of its US debut.
Trailer
Cast
Aoi Yuukias Madoka Kaname (voice)See credits →
Chiwa Saitoas Homura Akemi (voice)See credits →
Eri Kitamuraas Sayaka Miki (voice)See credits →
Ai Nonakaas Kyoko Sakura (voice)
Kaori Mizuhashias Mami Tomoe (voice)
Kana Asumias Nagisa Momoe (voice)
Emiri Katoas Kyubey (voice)See credits →
Shion Wakayamaas Shichōka (voice)
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When is Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising released in the US?
- The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on January 16, 2027. Its first release date was August 28, 2026.
- Where can I watch Walpurgisnacht: Rising?
- In the US, the film is set to play in select cinemas from January 16, 2027. No streaming services are currently listed, and digital availability has not been announced yet.
- Who is in the cast of Walpurgisnacht: Rising?
- The Japanese voice cast includes Aoi Yuuki (Madoka Kaname), Chiwa Saito (Homura Akemi), Eri Kitamura (Sayaka Miki), Ai Nonaka (Kyoko Sakura), Kaori Mizuhashi (Mami Tomoe), Kana Asumi (Nagisa Momoe) and Emiri Kato (Kyubey). Shion Wakayama and Tomoyo Kurosawa voice new characters Shichōka and Selma Therese.
- Is Walpurgisnacht: Rising a sequel to Rebellion?
- Yes. The story picks up in the world after the events of Rebellion and focuses on Homura Akemi facing the consequences of her past choices.
- How long is Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising?
- The film runs approximately 120 minutes.
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