The beloved anime franchise "Haikyuu!!" is making waves once again with the announcement of its theatrical film sequel titled "Haikyuu!! VS Little Giants." The news was revealed on March 2, 2025, during the fan event "Haikyuu!! 10th Event - NEXT STEP -" held at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Following the impressive reception of last year's film, "Haikyuu!!: The Battle at the Garbage Dump," this sequel aims to capture the essence of the original storyline through two highly anticipated clashes: the match between Karasuno High School and Kamomedai High School, as well as the individual battle between Hinata Shoyo and Seiko Hoshiumi, both of whom are famously known as the "Little Giants."024 rose to the occasion with the previous film garnering over 10 billion yen at the box office, solidifying the franchise's popularity.
At the event, the excitement was palpable as fans of all ages gathered to celebrate the series' ten-year anniversary and witness the promotional reveal of the upcoming film. The release of the first teaser trailer sent the audience roaring with applause, showcasing high-stakes volleyball action between beloved characters.
"I think the excitement for the next project has been building since the success of the last film," expressed Ayumu Murase, who voices Hinata. "We all feel the pressure to deliver something even more thrilling! Please look forward to it!" He was met with enthused cheers from the packed auditorium, comprising approximately 10,000 fans.
Joining Murase on stage was Kaito Ishikawa, the voice of Tobio Kageyama, who stated his anticipation for the impending matches, expressing, "I truly can’t wait to see the showdown against Kamomedai! My involvement as just another fan excited me beyond words! I’ll give my utmost effort during the recording!"
The film's director and scriptwriter, Masaki Matsumoto, known for his previous work on "Haikyuu!!" TV series and films, is set to reprise his role, promising fans another riveting take on the beloved series. Matsumoto has been praised for his adept storytelling and capturing the intensity of the original matches.
Aside from the theatrical release, the event also marked the announcement of a short animated feature titled "Haikyuu!!: Where Monsters Go," which will depict the fierce showdown between Fukurodani Academy and the formidable Mugen High School. This short will also be broadcast on TV, creating additional buzz around the franchise.
"This is something I always hoped would come to fruition!" exclaimed Ryohei Kimura, who voices Koutaro Bokuto from Fukurodani.+ "I can't wait to share this experience with everyone. Thank you!" His enthusiasm echoed the sentiments of many fans eagerly awaiting the new content.
With the ten-year milestone marking the start of the next chapter for "Haikyuu!!," attendees were also treated to tributes celebrating the series' impact on both sports and anime culture. The event culminated with heartfelt messages from the cast, evoking nostalgia and excitement for the future. Murase concluded by stating, "When stood before this magnificent cast during the first production, I felt this would change lives. I genuinely believe 'Haikyuu!!' has changed so many lives, paving the way for new opportunities! Everyone's love for 'Haikyuu!!' was tangible today! Thank you for your continued support, and please keep your eyes on our upcoming adventures!"
The series' continued momentum invites the community to hold their breath for the engaging battles to come as production for "Haikyuu!! VS Little Giants" gears up. Fans can expect the blend of skill, emotion, and camaraderie to encapsulate every moment as the characters return to the court once more.
More details about the film’s release dates and specific details will be announced soon, ensuring fans are kept on their toes and eagerly counting down to the next exhilarating chapter of the "Haikyuu!!" saga.