Gundam Franchise Reveals Exciting Prequel and Upcoming Projects

On November 1, 2024, Sunrise Studios made a significant announcement regarding a new prequel project titled Mobile Suit Gundam Seed FREEDOM ZERO, abbreviated as SEED FREEDOM ZERO. Along with this revelation, the studio shared a striking key visual that features the title logo. However, details regarding the nature and release date of this project are still under wraps at the time of this article.

This announcement follows closely after the reveal that a live-action Gundam film is in the works. Written and directed by Jim Mickle, the film is being produced in collaboration with Linda Moran under their company, Nightshade. Initial production efforts are slated to commence in early 2025. Notably, this live-action adaptation was first teased during Anime Expo in July 2018, and its development has been marked by various challenges and updates.

The Gundam Franchise: Two Major Projects on the Horizon for 2025

During the recent screening of Mobile Suit Gundam Seed FREEDOM, prominent figures including director Mitsuo Fukuda, producer Hisakazu Naka, and the voice of Kira Yamato, Soichiro Hoshi, were present. They disclosed that the screenplay for SEED FREEDOM ZERO was penned by screenwriters Chiaki Morosawa and Shigeru Morita while collaborating on the original series. Remarkably, Fukuda noted that the script for this prequel had been completed two decades ago.

Additionally, it was revealed that storyboard development is nearly 50% complete, with some parts dating back prior to the production of the Seed FREEDOM film. Initially conceived as an original video anime (OVA), there is now uncertainty surrounding its presentation format, which could potentially delay the project’s timeline.

As for the live-action adaptation, further updates remain sparse beyond what has already been discussed. Speculation surrounds the possibility of Mickle and Moran stepping away from the project, considering its tumultuous history. Following the project’s initial announcement in July 2018, directors like Jordan Vogt-Roberts and executive producers such as comic book writer Brian K. Vaughan were originally attached but have since been replaced by Mickle.

Notably, Makoto Atsuma, Mary Parent, and representatives from Legendary Entertainment, alongside Sunrise Studios’ Naohiroshi Ogata, were initially listed as producers. Netflix had also announced plans to distribute the film globally, unveiling concept art in November 2021. However, there is currently no information on the updated team for the live-action adaptation.

The Gundam franchise has its roots in the original Mobile Suit Gundam TV series that premiered in April 1979, laying the foundation for the “real robot”mecha anime genre. Over the years, it has expanded into a multi-faceted franchise, incorporating 50 TV series, films, OVAs, manga, novels, video games, and an extensive lineup of Gunpla model kits.

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