The Netflix platform
has confirmed that Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage,
the second film in the Mononoke franchise, will be released in
its catalog on August 14. This production was originally released
in theaters in Japan on March 14, grossing more than 98
million yen (approximately $675,000) in its first three days.
A luxury
cast returns for the sequel
Hiroshi
Kamiya reprises
his role as the enigmatic Medicine Salesman, the central
protagonist of the story. Also returning are Haruka Tomatsu as Botan
Ōtomo, Yōko Hikasa as Fuki Tokita, and Yūki
Kaji as Saburōmaru Tokita. The soundtrack is by Aina
The End, who performs the title track titled "Hana Musō."
The film
had its international premiere during the Annecy International Animated
Film Festival, held from June 8 to 14, consolidating its
presence in the Western market before its arrival on Netflix.
A saga
that is reborn with force
This
new Mononoke film trilogy began with Mononoke The
Movie: Phantom in the Rain, released in July 2024 and also
available on Netflix. It should be remembered that this first
installment suffered delays in its production, originally planned for 2023.
During that process, Takahiro Sakurai's replacement by Hiroshi
Kamiya in the lead role was announced.
The third
installment, titled Gekijōban Mononoke Dai-San-Shō: Hebigami, is
already scheduled to premiere in spring 2026, confirming that this
iconic franchise is still more alive than ever and with ambitious long-term
plans.
