Rintaro Working On New ‘Galaxy Express 999’ Feature At Toei Animation

A new Galaxy Express 999 animated feature is in production at Toei Animation, nearly half a century after the franchise’s legendary first theatrical film opened in Japan.

According to an announcement from Leijisha, the company that manages franchise creator Leiji Matsumoto’s work and estate, anime icon Rintaro, who directed the original 1979 feature as well as Metropolis (2001), is developing the new film’s original story concept. No director, release date, or further production details have been announced.

Created by the late, great manga artist Matsumoto, Galaxy Express 999 follows Tetsuro Hoshino, a boy living on a future Earth where the wealthy can transfer their consciousness into mechanical bodies and live forever. After his mother is killed, Tetsuro boards the interstellar train Galaxy Express 999 with the mysterious Maetel, hoping to reach a planet where he can obtain a mechanical body for free.

Makiko Matsumoto, the artist’s daughter and president of Leijisha, said the new film fulfills a long-held ambition of her father’s. Her statement, translated by Google, reads:

Thank you very much for your patience. About half a century after the release of the movie version Galaxy Express 999, Toei Animation gave me the opportunity to present a new work that was Matsumoto’s long-awaited wish. Making animated films has been a dream of Matsumoto since he was young, and it was the biggest goal of his life. That unchanging feeling will run on the silver rails that travel far into the galaxy forever. Matsumoto should be pleased with the miracle that you can continue to travel with everyone. We hope you will look forward to the release.