One of the foundational pillars of real-robot anime is returning to theaters with a monumental creative lineup. The official portal for Soukou Kihei Votoms: Haiiro no Hexe (Armored Trooper Votoms: Die Graue Hexe) has revealed the main trailer, full voice cast, and core staff for a two-part theatrical film project. Directed by auteur Mamoru Oshii at studio Sunrise, with production cooperation from Production I.G, the first feature film is slated to hit Japanese cinemas on November 20.
Mastermind Creative Team
The production brings Oshii together with long-time musical collaborator Kenji Kawai, whose score will set the tone for this new chapter in the franchise created by Hajime Yatate and Ryousuke Takahashi. Oshii is penning the script alongside Kei Yamamura, while original character designs originate from Kazuchika Kise and are adapted for screen by Tetsuya Nishio, Takashi Kojima, and Shingo Ogiso. Sound direction is handled by industry veteran Kazuhiro Wakabayashi.
The newly announced voice cast features leading roles and a stacked ensemble:
- Miyuki Sawashiro as Ash Vamps
- Mabuki Andou as Maki Stauffenberg
- Supporting cast including Shinichiro Miki, Yuuki Kaji, Yuuichi Nakamura, Tomokazu Sugita, Daisuke Ono, Takahiro Sakurai, Sumire Uesaka, Kenta Miyake, Chafuurin, Houchuu Ootsuka, Satoshi Tsuruoka, and Takayuki Sugou.
A Military Sci-Fi Legacy
Since Ryousuke Takahashi's seminal 1983 television series aired, Armored Trooper Votoms has stood alongside Mobile Suit Gundam as a high-water mark for grounded, tactical military science fiction. Ditching superheroics for mass-produced, expendable Armored Troopers (ATs) and bleak galactic geopolitics, the franchise built a dedicated global fanbase through landmark OVA titles like The Roots of Treachery and Pailsen Files.
Oshii's direct involvement marks his first major directorial return to high-grade military mecha narrative in years. The newly released main trailer offers a glance into the tone and visual craftsmanship defining this two-part theatrical endeavor.
