The Return of Kingdom: Live-Action Film Series Set to Release Fifth Installment in Summer 2026
The highly acclaimed live-action film series Kingdom, inspired by the popular manga by Yasuhisa Hara, is gearing up for its fifth installment, slated for release in the summer of 2026. This exciting announcement was accompanied by a fresh teaser image showcasing the protagonist, Shin, clad in impressive armor, alongside the motivational phrase, “Accepting the will, and moving forward.” The Kingdom film series has solidified its place as one of the most successful live-action franchises emerging from Japan.
The inaugural film, simply named Kingdom, debuted in April 2019 and achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over ¥5.73 billion, which is equivalent to approximately $53.2 million USD. Following this impressive debut, the franchise has continued to expand its narrative through several sequels.
The second film, Kingdom 2: Far and Away, was released in July 2022, and it garnered an impressive ¥5.16 billion at the Japanese box office. This was followed by Kingdom 3: The Flame of Destiny, which premiered in July 2023, and continued to depict the gripping saga of Shin’s ascent. The fourth installment, Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General, was unveiled in July 2024 and served as a pivotal chapter in the overall storyline.
To build excitement for the upcoming fifth film, a sneak preview of the sequel will be showcased following the broadcast of The Return of the Great General on Japan’s Friday Road Show on the evening of July 11. The program is set to begin at 7:56 PM, one hour earlier than usual, and it will be presented in its entirety.
Teaser and Insights from the Creators
In connection with the announcement of the fifth film, the teaser image has generated considerable buzz among fans. Yasuhisa Hara, the creator of the Kingdom manga, expressed his amazement at the film series’ journey. He remarked, “The live-action adaptation of Kingdom, once deemed impossible, finally came to fruition in the 13th year of the manga’s serialization. I never envisioned it becoming such a long-standing film series. While there’s still much I cannot disclose, I genuinely believe this new installment will surpass the previous four in terms of intensity, excitement, and emotion. I hope everyone looks forward to it!”
Kento Yamazaki, who portrays the lead character Shin, shared his enthusiasm about the sequel. “When I learned about the continuation of the story, I was ecstatic. There’s still a wealth of incredible material left in the original manga. I’m thrilled to finally share this news with everyone. I deeply appreciate everyone who has supported Kingdom. I aim to embody the spirit of General Ouki, played by Mr. Osawa, and lead this journey forward. Let’s embrace another unforgettable summer with an even more epic Kingdom!”
Director Shinsuke Sato also provided insights about the film’s development, stating, “Kingdom is making a comeback. Five years have passed since we filmed The Return of the Great General, and we’re reuniting the same talented team. We’ve continuously tackled challenges that many believed couldn’t be visualized, growing through perseverance, just like Shin and the Hi-Shin Unit. We’ve consistently moved forward with unwavering determination, akin to Ei Sei himself. This journey continues, and we’ve been working on this project in complete secrecy, even from those closest to us. We are excited to present you with a truly unique world that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Look forward to it.”
Producer Shinzo Matsuhashi emphasized the dedication of the Kingdom team in creating The Return of the Great General. “Crafting a sequel means undertaking the formidable task of exceeding the heights we achieved with the previous film. However, like Shin, who was entrusted with the glaive by General Ouki, we must keep pushing forward. This team has always embraced the seemingly impossible. Understanding that many people are eager for this next challenge, we are revealing the sequel alongside the visual of a now-armored, stronger, and more mature Shin. Although there are still many details we cannot disclose, rest assured, it promises to be incredible. Please anticipate it!”
Upcoming Manga Release and Anime Season
In addition to the film announcement, VIZ Media is set to begin releasing the Kingdom manga in English starting in Fall 2025. This release will coincide with the anticipated premiere of the anime’s sixth season, which is scheduled for October. This dual release is expected to further engage both existing fans and newcomers to the Kingdom universe.
The blend of live-action films, manga, and anime has contributed to the franchise’s growing popularity, enabling it to capture a vast audience across various platforms. As anticipation builds for the fifth installment, fans of Kingdom are eager to see how the story continues to unfold, especially after the impactful events of the previous films.
The Cultural Impact of Kingdom
The Kingdom series has not only excelled at the box office but has also made a significant cultural impact both in Japan and internationally. The vivid storytelling, compelling character arcs, and intricate plot lines have resonated with audiences, leading to a dedicated fan base that eagerly awaits each new release. The franchise’s ability to successfully adapt a complex manga narrative into live-action films showcases the creativity and talent of the production team involved.
As the film series continues to evolve, it remains rooted in themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. These elements are embodied in the character of Shin, who represents the spirit of determination and resilience. As the fifth installment approaches, fans are left to wonder how these themes will be further explored and developed in the upcoming film.
The excitement surrounding the Kingdom franchise is palpable, with each new announcement sparking conversations among fans. The blend of action, drama, and historical elements creates a captivating viewing experience that keeps audiences coming back for more. As we count down to the summer of 2026, the anticipation builds for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the Kingdom saga.
