The latest feature film in Japanese animation, Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Lineage, is directed by Takeshi Koike and written by Yūya Takahashi. Featuring the voices of Kanichi Kurita, Akio Ôtsuka, and Daisuke Namikawa, this film marks Lupin III’s return to the big screen in a darker, more mature tone. Originally slated for release in November 2025, then pushed back to February 25, 2026, the French premiere has now been rescheduled for March 25, 2026.
Based on the iconic character created by Monkey Punch, this new installment continues the legacy of the Lupin the IIIrd films directed by Takeshi Koike, renowned for their gritty tone and sharp visual style. The director maintains a blend of high-octane action, noir, and thriller elements, steering clear of the more family-friendly adaptations of the franchise.
Lupin III and his companions set sail for the Bermuda Sea, chasing after a mysterious island that doesn’t appear on any map. Their mission is twofold: uncover the mastermind behind a series of hired killers and track down a legendary treasure. But as they near their destination, their plane comes under attack and crashes on a hostile island, turning their adventure into a fight for survival.
The official trailer will be added as soon as it is released by the distributor.
Visually, the film adopts the sharp, high-contrast style that defines Takeshi Koike's signature aesthetic, already evident in Jigen’s Gravestone and Goemon’s Blood Spray. The violence is more direct, the stakes darker, and humor gives way to a noir-inspired atmosphere I feel more at home with in animated films.
A cultural icon of Japanese pop culture since 1967, Lupin III — the fictional grandson of Arsène Lupin — has been brought to life through countless TV series and films. In France, the character long remained linked to the name Edgar, the Gentle Burglar. Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Eternal Lineage aims to reconnect with the hero’s criminal and melancholic roots, while appealing to a mature audience.
Lupin the IIIrd: The Movie – The Eternal Lineage
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: March 25, 2026
Action, Animation, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime: 1h32
Directed by Takeshi Koike | Starring Kanichi Kurita, Akio Ôtsuka, Daisuke Namikawa
Original title: Rupan Sansei za Mûbî – Fujimi no Ketsuzoku
Country: Japan
With this feature film, the Lupin the IIIrd saga continues its evolution towards a more mature tone, blending action-packed thrillers with animated noir. The movie positions itself as a demanding entry within a multi-generational franchise, confidently embracing a bolder, more radical style.
To make the most of your cinema experience, check out the movie releases for March, discover the thrillers to watch now and coming soon, and browse our selection of recommended films to see today at the movies.
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