Qzil.la is producing the theatrical anime SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT, directed by Kenichi Kutsuna, with a limited three-week run in Japanese theaters starting September 4, 2026, and a worldwide Crunchyroll stream planned later in 2026. The production committee has publicly stated that no generative AI is used in the adaptation.
Qzil.la is the animation studio behind the theatrical adaptation of FromSoftware's SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE, titled SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT. The film is directed by Kenichi Kutsuna, with character designs by Takahiro Kishida and a screenplay by Takuya Satou. The production committee includes Kadokawa, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH.
The film is set for a limited three-week run in Japanese theaters starting September 4, 2026. A trailer and ticket presales launched in July 2026, and in August 2026 the committee released new character cuts featuring six main characters: Wolf, Kuro, Genichiro Ashina, Emma, Owl, and Isshin Ashina. A completion screening with stage greetings is scheduled for August 14 at United Cinemas Toyosu, with voice actors Daisuke Namikawa, Miyuki Sato, Kenjiro Tsuda, and Shizuka Ito, along with director Kutsuna.
Crunchyroll confirmed the series will stream on its platform later in 2026. The production committee also issued a statement that no generative AI is used in the adaptation, a response to audience concern after Qzil.la was chosen, as the studio is known for work involving AI technologies.
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Aug 3
On August 3, 2026, the production committee for the theatrical anime SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT released a new set of character cuts featuring six main characters. The film, based on FromSoftware's action-adventure game SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE, is produced by Qzil.la and directed by Kenichi Kutsuna, with character designs by Takahiro Kishida. The newly released cuts show Wolf, Kuro, Genichiro Ashina, Emma, Owl, and Isshin Ashina, each captured at a moment of resolve and unyielding conviction. Wolf, a one-armed shinobi, stands in a bamboo grove with a scar on his forehead, while Kuro, his master, holds a hand to his forehead with a smile that blends nobility and innocence. Genichiro Ashina, grandson of Isshin, wears a helmet catching ominous light, and Emma draws her sword on a dim grassland. Owl emerges from darkness, and Isshin, the Sword Saint, shows a dignified bearing despite his age. The film is scheduled for a limited three-week run in theaters nationwide starting September 4, 2026. A completion screening with stage greetings will be held on August 14 at United Cinemas Toyosu, featuring voice actors Daisuke Namikawa, Miyuki Sato, Kenjiro Tsuda, and Shizuka Ito, along with director Kutsuna.
Jul 12
Kadokawa, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH released a new trailer for the Sekiro: No Defeat anime adaptation and began ticket presales in Japan. The series premieres in Japanese theaters on September 4 for a three-week run, with a worldwide Crunchyroll stream planned later in 2026.
May 16
The anime adaptation Sekiro: No Defeat will open in Japanese cinemas on September 4, 2026, for a limited three-week run. Kadokawa, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH announced the date alongside a new main visual. Crunchyroll confirmed the series will stream exclusively on its platform later in 2026. The production committee also released a statement that no generative AI is used in the adaptation, a response to audience concern after studio Qzil.la was chosen. Qzil.la is known for work involving AI technologies. Kenichi Kutsuna directs, with Takuya Satou writing the screenplay and Takahiro Kishida designing the characters. The voice cast includes Daisuke Namikawa as Wolf, Miyuki Satou as Kuro, and Kenjiro Tsuda as Genichiro Ashina. The story adapts FromSoftware's game, following the shinobi Sekiro and the Divine Heir during the warring Sengoku period as Ashina faces an internal threat.