The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Yuuki Ikeda’s supernatural mystery manga, Thunder 3, has officially dropped its first major promotional campaign, revealing the full production staff, an expanded cast list, a dynamic key visual, and the series’ main promotional video. The announcement, which landed on Thursday, marks the final major pre-broadcast information dump for a series that began airing on July 9 at 12:45 a.m. on Fuji TV’s prestigious +Ultra programming block, with additional broadcasts across other networks. For fans of the manga and newcomers alike, these details paint a vivid picture of the creative force driving this ambitious adaptation.
The story of Thunder 3, which began its serialization in Monthly Shounen Magazine in May 2022, has already proven its staying power. After a brief hiatus in February 2025, the series resumed serialization this February, demonstrating a commitment from both the creator and the publisher to see the narrative through. The manga’s eighth volume shipped in Japan in January 2025, and Kodansha USA, through its Vertical Comics imprint, has licensed the series for English-speaking audiences. The eighth English volume went on sale in February 2026, ensuring a steady stream of material for international readers. This strong foundation on the page sets the stage for a television adaptation that aims to capture the same intricate, suspenseful atmosphere.
Who Voices the Key Characters in Thunder 3?
The newly confirmed cast list brings a wealth of vocal talent to the world of Thunder 3, featuring several actors with standout recent credits. Leading the cast as Doku is Shougo Sakata, widely recognized for his explosive performance as Denji in Chainsaw Man. Opposite him, Taito Ban, the voice of Sung Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling (Ore dake Level Up na Ken), takes on the role of Teichi Segami. The supporting cast is equally stacked: Ryouko Maekawa (Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun) voices Mio Kisaragi; Haruki Ishiya (Marriagetoxin) plays Kyouji Sumeragi; and Yuuki Hirose (High Score Girl) lends her voice to Suzuka Tashiro. Rounding out the principal cast are Yuuki Onodera (Moonrise) as Yutaka Yamamoto, Yuuki Shin (Tokyo Revengers) as Samejima, and Miho Wataya (Kuroneko to Majo no Kyoushitsu) as Sydney. This carefully curated mix of seasoned performers and rising stars suggests a production that values both dramatic weight and character nuance.
Who Is Directing the Thunder 3 Anime?
The production team behind Thunder 3 is led by an impressive lineup of industry veterans, many of whom have worked together on previous high-profile projects. The Chief Director is Hiroyuki Seshita, a name synonymous with high-quality CG animation and dynamic action sequences, best known for his work on Ajin. The primary Director is Keisuke Ide, whose previous directorial credit includes the boxing sci-fi series Levius. The team is further bolstered by Assistant Directors Susumu Sugai (Souten no Ken: Regenesis episode director) and Ryuu Nari (Kamierabi battle scene director), ensuring a multi-faceted approach to scene composition and pacing.
The Writing and Character Design Foundations
One of the most reassuring names attached to the project is Hiroshi Seko, who handles Series Composition and Script. Seko’s resume includes the wildly inventive Gachiakuta and the sprawling narrative of Attack on Titan: The Final Season, marking him as a master of adapting dense, complex source material for the screen. The visual identity of the anime begins with Naoyuki Onda, the original character designer, whose work on Dandadan demonstrates a flair for expressive, exaggerated features that fit a supernatural thriller. Translating those designs into animation falls to Junko Yamanaka (Kono Oto Tomare!) and Yuuki Moriyama (Sidonia no Kishi), with Kouji serving as the Chief Animation Director to ensure visual consistency across episodes.
What Studio Is Producing Thunder 3?
The anime is being produced by Slow Curve and animated by the studio Unend. While Unend is a relatively newer name compared to industry giants, its involvement in this project, alongside a planning powerhouse like Slow Curve, signals a significant investment in the series’ production value. The studio’s focus on this title, combined with the pedigree of its staff, suggests a strong commitment to delivering a polished final product. The technical side of the production is further reinforced by a robust team of specialists, including Mecha Design by Takehiko Hoashi (Sand Land: The Series), Production Design by Naoya Tanaka (Ooyukiumi no Kaina) and Ferdinando Patulli (Godzilla trilogy), and Modeling and Photography Direction by Mitsunori Kataama (Blame! Movie). This confluence of CG and traditional 2D expertise points toward a visually hybrid style, a hallmark of Seshita’s previous directorial efforts.
Music and Theme Songs for Thunder 3
The audio landscape of Thunder 3 is being shaped by a compelling collaboration between two composers and two distinct musical acts. The background score is a joint effort between Frédéric Chateau and Akiyuki Tateyama, whose work on The Elusive Samurai (Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi) showcases a talent for blending historical drama with modern musical sensibilities. The opening theme, titled “Thunderbolt,” is performed by singer-songwriter Yuuri, who has previously contributed themes to major series like My Hero Academia 7th Season and SK∞ the Infinity. The track is already featured in the main promotional video, offering a first glimpse at the series’ energetic core. For the ending theme, “Sharurerira,” the production team has enlisted otoha, a musician whose recent work includes contributions to Shangri-La Frontier 2nd Season and Dr. Stone: Science Future Part 2. Sound direction is handled by Takayuki Yamaguchi, known for his work on Tower of God (Kami no Tou), ensuring that the series’ supernatural elements and tense dialogue are given the proper acoustic treatment.
What Is the Premise and Manga History of Thunder 3?
While the promotional materials focus heavily on the production side, the core of Thunder 3 is a supernatural mystery. The manga, created by Yuuki Ikeda, debuted in Monthly Shounen Magazine in May 2022. The narrative centers on a trio of characters who find themselves entangled in a world of cryptic events and otherworldly powers, though specific plot details have been kept tightly under wraps to preserve the mystery. The series’ journey has not been without its breaks; it went on hiatus in February 2025 but successfully resumed serialization this past February, a testament to the creator’s health and creative direction. With eight volumes already compiled in Japan and a steady English release schedule from Kodansha USA, the manga provides a rich, completed arc for the anime to build upon.
When and Where Can You Watch Thunder 3?
The anime adaptation of Thunder 3 began its broadcast run on July 9, airing in the late-night timeslot of 12:45 a.m. on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block. The +Ultra block is specifically dedicated to experimental and high-concept anime, a perfect home for a supernatural mystery of this nature. While the initial release is on Japanese television, the international streaming rights have not been detailed in the announcement, but given the global reach of the manga via Kodansha USA, a simultaneous or near-simultaneous streaming release on major platforms is highly likely. The main promotional video, available on YouTube, offers the best preview yet of the show’s visual style, pacing, and musical atmosphere.
The release of this first comprehensive look at Thunder 3 raises the bar for expectations. With a staff roster that reads like a who’s who of modern action and sci-fi anime, a cast of talented vocal performers, and a source material that has already proven its narrative strength, the series is positioned as a standout title for the summer season. As the first episodes air, the industry will be watching closely to see if this expertly assembled team can translate the intricate, suspenseful magic of Ikeda’s manga into a compelling weekly viewing experience. The pieces are all in place; the only thing left is for the thunder to roll.
