Nearly half a century after Galaxy Express 999 first carried audiences across the cosmos, one of anime’s most influential space adventures is preparing to board the train once again. In a surprise post on X on Saturday, July 25, a new theatrical Galaxy Express 999 anime film was announced by the official account of its creator, the late Leiji Matsumoto. Toei Animation, the same studio that originally helmed the project in 1978, is returning to produce the film with veteran director Rintaro — who helmed the acclaimed 1979 Galaxy Express 999 movie — providing the story concept.