There’s something genuinely exciting brewing in the world of anime cinema right now, and it all centers around Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil, which is set to release on February 27, 2026. Now, I know what you might be thinking—it’s another Doraemon film, so what’s the big deal? But here’s the thing: this particular project is shaping up to be something special, even as it remains very much in production and shrouded in the kind of anticipatory mystery that gets fans speculating across forums and social media.
The fact that this film is still in active production doesn’t diminish the excitement; if anything, it amplifies it. We’re living in that sweet spot where the creative machinery is turning behind the scenes, where Tetsuo Yajima is crafting something ambitious at the helm. Yajima’s track record suggests we’re in capable hands—he’s someone who understands how to balance the whimsy and heart that Doraemon stories demand while also pushing the visual and narrative boundaries of what anime films can achieve. That’s no small feat when you’re working with a character franchise as beloved and as firmly established as this one.
The production lineup alone tells you something significant is happening:
- TOHO bringing their theatrical expertise and distribution muscle
- Fujiko Productions maintaining the creative integrity of Fujiko F. Fujio’s original work
- Shogakukan and TV Asahi anchoring the transmedia strategy
- Shin-Ei Animation handling the animation work with their proven expertise in character-driven stories
- ADK contributing to the broader creative vision
This isn’t just a film being made in isolation—it’s a fully supported, studio-backed effort with multiple stakeholders believing in the vision.
The voice cast is particularly intriguing, with Wasabi Mizuta, Megumi Oohara, and Yumi Kakazu all confirmed to reprise their roles. These aren’t just familiar voices; they’re the contemporary voices of these beloved characters, which means audiences will immediately feel at home in this underwater adventure.
What strikes me most about the premise—an undersea setting with a devil antagonist—is how it taps into classic adventure storytelling while remaining distinctly Doraemon. The franchise has always excelled at taking familiar settings and populating them with wonder: dinosaur eras, wild west towns, medieval kingdoms. An undersea realm with a supernatural threat? That’s absolutely in the DNA of what makes these films work. It’s exotic enough to feel fresh, yet grounded enough in the Doraemon universe that longtime fans know exactly what they’re getting.
The journey to this February 2026 release date matters too. We’re not seeing a rush job here—this is clearly a project that’s being given the development time it deserves. The “In Production” status means the creative team is still refining, still building, still making the kinds of choices that separate a competent film from a memorable one. Sometimes that extended production timeline is where the magic happens, where ideas have time to breathe and evolve.
Here’s what makes this film potentially significant in the broader cinematic landscape:
- Franchise Evolution — It continues the Doraemon theatrical legacy while potentially showing how the character and universe can remain relevant across generations
- Animation Innovation — With Shin-Ei Animation at the helm, there’s potential for visual storytelling that honors tradition while embracing contemporary animation techniques
- Global Reach — Doraemon has unprecedented international recognition now; how this film resonates with non-Japanese audiences could influence the trajectory of anime theatrical releases
- Narrative Ambition — The title itself suggests a reimagining of established lore, which is always a fascinating creative gamble
One thing worth noting: yes, the film currently carries a 0.0/10 rating on some databases, but that’s simply because it hasn’t been released yet and hasn’t accumulated any votes. This is the blank slate that precedes any film’s critical reception. What will be fascinating is watching how audiences and critics respond when it does arrive. Will it play it safe with familiar Doraemon beats? Will Yajima and the team take narrative risks? That tension between honoring the past and exploring new territory is exactly where interesting films live.
The voice acting choices deserve deeper consideration too. Wasabi Mizuta has grown into the role of Doraemon itself, bringing warmth and comedic timing to every interaction. Megumi Oohara as Nobita continues that anchor of relatable boyhood energy that makes the character work across cultures. Yumi Kakazu and the rest of the ensemble cast ensure that the supporting characters don’t just exist in the narrative—they breathe and contribute. An undersea adventure, especially one with a devil character involved, gives these actors plenty of emotional territory to explore beyond the typical comedy-adventure balance.
What I find myself genuinely curious about is whether this film will use its underwater setting to explore deeper themes about discovery, prejudice, or the unknown—things that Doraemon stories have done before when they really wanted to connect with audiences beyond just providing entertainment. The title specifically invokes “New Nobita,” which suggests some kind of transformation or challenge to the character’s established self. That’s intriguing.
As we count down to that February 27, 2026 release date, this film represents something important: the continued viability and evolution of character-driven anime cinema. Whether you’re a lifelong Doraemon devotee or someone curious about what modern anime filmmaking has to offer, this is a project worth following as it moves through production toward its theatrical debut.
