Doraemon's 45th Movie Announced! Classic "Nobita's Great Adventure into the Undersea Castle" Returns in 2026 After Over 40 Years

Fujiko F. Fujio's timeless creation, "Doraemon," is a cherished childhood memory for countless fans worldwide. Beyond its early manga success and ongoing TV anime, the annual theatrical films consistently rake in impressive box office numbers, proving the series' enduring charm and powerful appeal.

Today (Sept 6), it was announced that the 45th Doraemon movie, "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Undersea Castle" (tentative title: 映画ドラえもん 新・のび太の海底鬼岩城), will hit theaters in 2026. This highly anticipated film is a brand-new take on the 1983 classic, "Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Undersea Castle," which is still considered a definitive entry in the series. After more than 40 years, this beloved adventure is diving back onto the big screen!

The original "Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Undersea Castle" was a long-form Doraemon story penned by Fujiko F. Fujio, serialized in "CoroCoro Comic" from August 1982 to February 1983. It premiered as the fourth Doraemon feature film in March 1983. While its initial box office performance and critical reception weren't stellar, the movie has since garnered high praise and is now widely regarded as one of the pinnacle works in the Doraemon long-form series.

The new film is helmed by animation director Tetsuo Yajima, who has a long history with the Doraemon franchise. His previous work includes "Doraemon: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Underworld" (2007), "Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops ~Winged Angels~" (2011), and "Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony" (2024). This marks his directorial debut for a Doraemon theatrical film, as he personally takes the reins on this classic deep-sea journey.

The simultaneously released teaser visual features the tagline: "10,000 meters beneath the sea, a world unknown to anyone on Earth still exists." The image shows Doraemon and friends standing on a clear water surface, with a mysterious boy reflected in the water, alongside the faint outline of the massive "Undersea Castle." This hints at a brand-new adventure about to unfold.

"Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Undersea Castle" is confirmed for a 2026 release, inviting audiences to dive into the deepest parts of Earth's oceans. Fans of Doraemon are undoubtedly buzzing with excitement for this classic's long-awaited new chapter. Stay tuned for more official updates!

▼ "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Undersea Castle" Teaser Trailer