Excitement is building as Toei Animation announces an upcoming film project by the creative minds behind the critically-acclaimed 2014 CG anime film, Expelled from Paradise. This illustrious team, comprising director Seiji Mizushima, writer Gen Urobuchi, and producer Kouichi Noguchi, will unveil their latest collaboration during the Virtual Anime Fes. Enthusiasts can tune in to Toei Animation’s ONN’ON Studios’ virtual chat program on January 27 for the grand reveal.
In November 2022, Mizushima tantalized fans by hinting that the creative team would introduce a new project in spring 2023. Although specific details were not disclosed at the time, the project has been confirmed to include the talents of Masatsugu Saitō, the character designer known for his work on Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Saitō has created a captivating visual for the upcoming announcement:
楽園追放ご覧いただいた皆様ありがとうございました！昨年発表した楽園追放制作チームの新作、23年春に発表イベント開催が決定しました！
齋藤くん @saitomasatsugu に新たなティザー ビジュアル第2弾描いてもらいましたよ。
イベントの詳細は野口P @KoichiNoguchi のアカウントをチェック！！ pic.twitter.com/Qo0Am9Q3oR— 水島 精二 (@oichanmusi)
November 15, 2022
Seiji Mizushima is renowned for directing the D4DJ CG anime series at SANZIGEN, including D4DJ First Mix, D4DJ Double Mix, and D4DJ All Mix, all part of the expansive Bushiroad D4DJ mixed media franchise. His diverse body of work speaks to his exceptional skill as a director.
Gen Urobuchi reported that Nitroplus writer Renji Ōki, known for his work on side-story novels like Azur Lane and the novelization of Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, is contributing to the background materials for the highly-anticipated project. Urobuchi, alongside the skilled producer and CG director Kouichi Noguchi, whose credits include Digimon: Data Squad, is sure to create an exciting narrative. Although the staff remains tight-lipped about the connection between the new film and the universe of Expelled from Paradise, the anticipation among fans continues to grow.
Award-Winning Legacy
The Expelled from Paradise film made its grand debut in Japanese theaters in November 2014, earning the prestigious Best Animation of the Year Award at the 24th Japan Movie Critics Awards in May 2015. Its international acclaim led to a limited December 2014 theatrical release in the United States by Aniplex of America.
Aniplex of America further expanded the film’s reach by launching the film on Blu-ray Disc in North, Central, and South America in June 2015, allowing a wider audience to indulge in this animated masterpiece.
Sources: ONN’ON Studios website, Animation Business Journal (Tadashi Sudo)
Final Thoughts
The reunion of this accomplished team signals a new chapter in the world of anime cinema. The history of their previous achievements augurs well for the creativity and innovation we can expect from their next project. The collective anticipation will culminate on January 27 at the Virtual Anime Fes, as fans across the globe hold their breath for what promises to be a riveting cinematic journey from a team that has already proven its prowess in storytelling and animation craftsmanship.
