The TV anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica, which first aired 14 years ago, saw its new theatrical film, Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising-, announced for its 10th anniversary, finally set for a February 2026 release after several delays.
Recently, Japanese TV aired Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Beginnings / Eternal (TV Edition), featuring comedian Eiko Kano, who had never seen the series, as a secondary audio commentator. His reaction to the tragic scene involving "Mami Tomoe"—the infamous "Mami'd" moment (マミる) as Japanese netizens call it—left him utterly bewildered and broke the internet.
This "TV Edition" of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Beginnings / Eternal re-edits the films into an 11-episode TV series. It's a perfect entry point for newcomers to the Madoka Magica universe and a great refresher for veteran fans gearing up for the new movie, Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie -Walpurgisnacht: Rising-, hitting theaters in February 2026.
The secondary audio commentary project is designed to capture Eiko Kano's raw, first-time reactions as he experiences the world of Madoka Magica. He's slated to provide commentary for all 11 episodes, from start to finish.
During last week's Episode 1 broadcast, Kano confidently predicted upon seeing protagonist Madoka Kaname: "This is probably one of those stories where she can't use magic at first, but slowly trains and succeeds, right?" He was even misled by the title, exclaiming when the mysterious transfer student Homura Akemi appeared: "This kid must be 'Magica,' right? She has to be! Huh? No? Her name's Homura??" He was completely baffled.
When the enemy appeared and Mami asked Madoka, "Are you scared?", Kano quietly echoed, "I'm scared too..." He was completely engrossed, talking to himself and growing increasingly fascinated by Mami.
By this week's Episode 2, Kano was completely smitten with Mami, praising her as he watched: "Mami-san is still fighting! Her weapon is seriously cool." When he saw Mami cry, his voice dropped: "So you're lonely, Mami-san... You've been putting on a brave face, haven't you..." His tone was full of sympathy.
Then, as Mami battled the enemy, his excitement soared: "Did she win? From here—AAAH! Don't suddenly blast such loud sound effects!" But when the scene cut and Mami was decapitated by the monster, he froze: "Mami-san...? Huh? Huh? Huh? What is this? This isn't real, is it? You're kidding me...?" He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
When it was officially revealed in the show that Mami was dead, Kano yelled: "Are you serious?! Huh? I thought this was going to be Mami-san leading her friends to defeat witches! That's it? She's really gone? Awww... They're not suddenly going to say she's alive later, are they? Huh? It's over?! No way! Even the ending theme is creepy! Is this for real?... I'm so shocked I can't even speak..."
Kano finally sighed, "I always thought no one would die in anime like this. I figured it was a cute, heartwarming show for kids... But this is way too shocking!"
Of course, for anyone watching Puella Magi Madoka Magica for the first time, Eiko Kano's reaction is totally normal. Back when it first aired, who would've guessed that a seemingly heartwarming magical girl anime would suddenly turn into a horrifying decapitation scene? LOL. Even though Kano has only commented on the second episode, many netizens are already hyped for his future commentary, eager to see how he'll react to the ongoing shocks of the Madoka Magica anime.