Marking the 50th anniversary of studio Sunrise, the iconic military mecha franchise returns with a brand-new theatrical project, Armored Trooper Votoms: Gray Witch (Soukou Kihei Votoms: Haiiro no Majo). The film is officially slated for a nationwide theatrical release on November 20, 2026. Ahead of its premiere, production has revealed a striking main visual, an atmospheric final preview, and an official theme song trailer featuring an unexpected musical collaboration between J-pop icon Mika Nakashima and Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE.
Directed by visionary filmmaker Mamoru Oshii—renowned for redefining science fiction with Ghost in the Shell—this new chapter refocuses on the brutal realities of the Hundred Years War within the Astragius Galaxy. Operating heavy Armored Troopers known as Scope Dogs, soldiers are treated as disposable military assets. Oshii is joined by an extraordinary creative ensemble, including original mechanical designer Kunio Okawara, character draft artist Kazuya Kise, and composer Kenji Kawai, with franchise creator Ryosuke Takahashi serving as supervisor. Animation production is handled by Sunrise alongside production cooperation from Production I.G.
The narrative centers on two women navigating the unforgiving frontlines: Ash Vamps (voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro), a feared soldier dubbed the witch, and Maki Staufenberg (voiced by Azumi Asabu), an independent propaganda officer hunting for the truth behind her legend. Alongside the key visual, the production unveiled a substantial preview highlighting gritty mecha combat, including the debut appearance of the Balarant forces' Fatty armored troopers on the big screen.
The film's theme song, titled Namomaki Shijin no Youni, is performed by Mika Nakashima and written specifically by THE ALFEE guitarist Toshihiko Takamizawa. Nakashima shared her immediate captivation with the track's distinctive atmosphere, while Takamizawa noted that the arrangement balances string orchestrations with sharp guitar riffs to evoke the unrelenting tension of a war zone. To celebrate the opening day, a special premiere stage greeting will take place on November 20 at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku, featuring director Oshii alongside voice cast members Miyuki Sawashiro, Azumi Asabu, Shinichiro Miki, and Yuki Kaji, hosted by Mafia Kajita.
