{"id":51420,"date":"2026-05-14T16:29:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/armored-votoms-die-graue-hexe-launches-november-20-in-japan\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T16:41:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:41:57","slug":"armored-trooper-votoms-die-graue-hexe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/armored-trooper-votoms-die-graue-hexe\/","title":{"rendered":"Armored Votoms Die Graue Hexe Launches November 20 in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bandai Namco<\/a> Filmworks and Sunrise have officially set the stage for the next chapter in one of mecha anime’s most storied sagas. The first part of Armored Trooper Votoms: Die Graue Hexe, a brand-new two-part theatrical duology, will premiere in Japanese theaters on November 20, 2026. This announcement, which follows the project’s initial reveal in January 2026, confirms that the long-dormant franchise is not merely returning but doing so with a format that honors both its cinematic ambitions and its episodic roots. The second part of the duology is slated for release at a later date, though no specific window has been provided at this time.<\/p>\n

Ryosuke Takahashi Returns as Supervising Director for Die Graue Hexe<\/h2>\n

Perhaps the most significant confirmation in the latest announcement is the return of Ryosuke Takahashi, the original creator of Armored Trooper Votoms, who will serve as supervising director for the project. Takahashi’s involvement lends an unmistakable sense of continuity and creative authority to the production. His vision defined the gritty, realistic mecha warfare that set Votoms apart from its contemporaries in the early 1980s, and his return suggests that Die Graue Hexe will remain faithful to the series’ core identity while exploring new narrative territory. The supervising director role positions Takahashi as the guiding creative force, ensuring that the project’s tone, character dynamics, and thematic weight align with the legacy he established decades ago.<\/p>\n

Kenji Kawai Composes the Soundtrack for the New Votoms Films<\/h2>\n

The musical landscape of Die Graue Hexe will be crafted by Kenji Kawai, a composer whose portfolio includes the widely acclaimed scores for Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Kawai’s reputation for blending orchestral grandeur with electronic textures makes him a fitting choice for a franchise that has always balanced large-scale mechanized conflict with intimate character drama. His work on Gundam 00 demonstrated an ability to evoke both the epic scope of interstellar warfare and the quieter, more reflective moments that give those battles meaning. For Votoms, which operates in a far more grounded and oppressive universe, Kawai’s approach will likely shift toward a grittier, more atmospheric soundscape that complements the series’ signature sense of dread and endurance.<\/p>\n

Mechanical Design Team Brings Deep Franchise Experience<\/h2>\n

The mechanical design for Die Graue Hexe will be handled by Yoshihiro Sono and Shinobu Tsuneki, two designers with extensive histories in the mecha genre. Sono previously worked on Votoms: AT Stories, giving him direct familiarity with the franchise’s visual language and the iconic Scopedog design. Tsuneki, known for his contributions to Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These, brings a sensibility for detailed, functional, and period-appropriate machinery. Together, they face the task of honoring the original Scopedog’s utilitarian silhouette while introducing new variations and perhaps entirely new Armored Troopers that fit the visual identity of the duology. The Desert color scheme already previewed for the HG model kit suggests a setting that may emphasize arid, rugged environments, which in turn informs the design philosophy for the mechanical cast.<\/p>\n

A Two-Part Theatrical Structure for a New Generation<\/h2>\n

Choosing a two-part theatrical format is a strategic decision that reflects both the narrative ambitions of Die Graue Hexe and the current landscape of anime distribution. A duology allows the creative team to develop a story with sufficient runtime and pacing while maintaining the production values and theatrical presentation that modern audiences expect. It also mirrors the approach taken by other legacy franchises seeking to reintroduce themselves to both longtime fans and newcomers. The theatrical model provides a window for immersive, big-screen experiences that can generate cultural momentum before the eventual home video and streaming releases. For a property like Votoms, which has always maintained a dedicated but niche following, this structure could serve as a powerful entry point for a broader audience unfamiliar with the original series.<\/p>\n

Merchandise Lineup Includes HG Model Kit and Hi-Metal R Figure<\/h2>\n

Bandai Namco’s announcement was not limited to the film itself. The company also revealed a robust merchandise lineup from two of its subsidiaries, Bandai Spirits and Megahouse. Bandai Spirits will release a High Grade (HG) model kit of the Scopedog in the Desert color scheme, alongside a Hi-Metal R figure of the same iconic Armored Trooper. The HG line is a staple for mecha modelers, offering a balance of detail, articulation, and affordability, while the Hi-Metal R series caters to collectors seeking die-cast and pre-finished figures with premium presentation. The Desert color scheme is a notable departure from the standard green or gray variants, suggesting that the duology’s setting or protagonist unit will carry a distinct visual signature. Megahouse will produce several 8cm (approximately 3.15 inches) tall model kits under the VA-KIT Platoon line, offering a smaller-scale option for fans who want to assemble and display multiple units without the space commitment of larger kits.<\/p>\n

Shizuoka Hobby Show to Showcase More Merchandise Details<\/h3>\n

Additional details regarding the full merchandise lineup are expected to surface at the 64th Shizuoka Hobby Show, scheduled for May 16-17, 2026, at Twin Messe Shizuoka. This event is one of Japan’s largest hobby trade shows, and it regularly serves as a launchpad for new kit announcements, prototype reveals, and pre-release information. For collectors and modelers, the show will likely provide the first in-person look at the HG Scopedog Desert color variant, the Hi-Metal R figure, and the VA-KIT Platoon offerings. It may also reveal additional product categories, such as action figures, accessories, or limited edition sets that were not included in the initial announcement.<\/p>\n

The Legacy of Armored Trooper Votoms and Its Enduring Appeal<\/h2>\n

To understand the significance of Die Graue Hexe, one must appreciate the unique position Armored Trooper Votoms occupies in the mecha anime landscape. Created by Ryosuke Takahashi and produced by Sunrise, the original series aired from 1983 to 1984, spanning 52 episodes. Unlike the super robot shows that dominated the era, Votoms presented a grounded, war-weary narrative centered on Chirico Cuvie, a former soldier who becomes a fugitive after being betrayed by his own military. The Armored Troopers, or ATs, were not glamorous machines but utilitarian war vehicles, battered and repaired, reflecting the harshness of the world they inhabited. This focus on realism, trauma, and survival over heroics earned Votoms a devoted following and critical acclaim that has persisted for over four decades.<\/p>\n

The franchise has seen numerous sequels, OVAs, and spin-offs over the years, including Armored Trooper Votoms: The Last Red Shoulder, Armored Trooper Votoms: Big Battle, and the more recent Armored Trooper Votoms: Alone Again. Each entry expanded the universe while maintaining the series’ core themes of war, identity, and the dehumanizing nature of conflict. Die Graue Hexe represents the first major theatrical entry in years, and its development under the supervision of Takahashi himself suggests a deliberate effort to return to the franchise’s roots while exploring new creative directions.<\/p>\n

What Die Graue Hexe Means for the Future of the Franchise<\/h2>\n

The launch of Die Graue Hexe in November 2026 is not merely a one-off event but a potential rekindling of interest in the Votoms brand. The coordinated release of a theatrical duology, accompanied by a wave of merchandise from Bandai Spirits and Megahouse, indicates that Bandai Namco sees long-term value in the franchise. The HG and Hi-Metal R product lines are typically reserved for properties with strong collector bases, and the VA-KIT Platoon line suggests an effort to capture the entry-level modeler demographic as well. If the duology performs well both critically and commercially, it could pave the way for further animated projects, expanded merchandise lines, and even potential game adaptations.<\/p>\n

Moreover, the involvement of key staff from related mecha properties, such as Kenji Kawai from Gundam 00 and Shinobu Tsuneki from Legend of the Galactic Heroes, signals a cross-pollination of talent that could introduce Votoms to viewers who may not have engaged with the original series. The choice of a two-part theatrical release also aligns with broader industry trends, where legacy franchises are being revived through high-quality, event-style presentations that generate buzz and attract media attention.<\/p>\n

Preparing for November 2026: What Fans Should Watch For<\/h2>\n

In the months leading up to the November 20 premiere, fans can expect a steady stream of promotional materials, including additional trailers, character and mecha reveals, and premiere event announcements. The trailer already released on Bandai Namco Filmworks’ YouTube<\/a> channel offers a first glimpse at the animation quality, visual direction, and tone of the duology. Subsequent trailers will likely delve deeper into the story, introduce key characters, and showcase more of the mechanical designs that Sono and Tsuneki have developed.<\/p>\n

Attendees of the Shizuoka Hobby Show in May will be among the first to see the merchandise prototypes up close, and those prototypes often provide hints about the final design direction of the mecha featured in the film. For international fans, the question of a global release remains open. While no international distribution plans have been announced, the involvement of Bandai Namco Filmworks<\/a> and the high-profile nature of the project make a worldwide release likely, whether through theatrical partnerships, streaming platforms, or home video distribution.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for a Legendary Series<\/h2>\n

Armored Trooper Votoms: Die Graue Hexe carries the weight of a legacy that spans more than four decades. With Ryosuke Takahashi returning as supervising director, Kenji Kawai composing the score, and a dedicated team of mechanical designers ensuring that every AT feels authentic and purposeful, the duology has all the ingredients to honor its past while forging a new path forward. The November 20, 2026 release date<\/a> marks a milestone not just for the franchise but for mecha anime as a whole, reminding audiences that the stories of soldiers, machines, and the wars that consume them remain as relevant as ever. The first part of Die Graue Hexe will arrive in Japanese theaters this fall, and the second part will follow at a later date. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, the wait promises to be worth it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Bandai Namco Filmworks and Sunrise have officially set the stage for the next chapter in one of mecha anime’s most storied sagas. The first part of Armored Trooper Votoms: Die Graue Hexe, a brand-new two-part theatrical duology, will premiere in Japanese theaters on November 20, 2026. This announcement, which follows the project’s initial reveal in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":85671,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cards.overcentral.com\/cards\/en\/51420.png","fifu_image_alt":"Armored Votoms Die Graue Hexe Launches November 20 in Japan","footnotes":""},"categories":[32908],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51420","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-pop-culture"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cards.overcentral.com\/cards\/en\/51420.png","fifu_image_alt":"Armored Votoms Die Graue Hexe Launches November 20 in Japan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51420","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51420"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51420\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85671"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51420"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51420"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/overcentral.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51420"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}