Lupin the 3rd isnโt just backโthe worldโs favorite gentleman thief is staging a grand return, and this time, heโs tossing out CGI for the classic flair that made him a legend. Lupin the IIIrd: The Movie just locked in a June 27th release date, confirmed via the franchiseโs official Twitter with a teaser so stylish itโd have Inspector Zenigata tipping his hat. For the first time in nearly 30 years, Lupinโs dashing smirk, signature jacket, and chaotic heists will unfold in pure, traditional 2D animationโno crossover crutches or digital shortcuts. The last solo Lupin film to rock this style? 1996โs Lupin the IIIrd: Dead or Alive.ย
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Created by the late Monkey Punch, the original Lupin III manga first began serialising in Weekly Manga Action on August 10th, 1967. Since then, the highly successful franchise has come a long way, receiving seven anime series and fourteen movies. The story follows Lupin III, the world’s greatest thief and grandson of the gentleman thief, Arsรจne Lupin. Unlike most thieves, when Lupin intends to steal something, he lets the objectโs owner know with a calling card. But thatโs not enough to satisfy Interpol Inspector Zenigata who pursues Lupin across the globe with just one goal: to arrest him and his gang of friends for good. Adding a new layer to his storied legacy, the newest Lupin film promises unexpected twists and subtle nods to fans of his adventures. You can check out the movieโs teaser below.
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Everything You Need to Know About Lupin the IIIrd: The Movie
Directed by the Lupin III trilogyโs Takeshi Koike and penned by Lupin Part IVโs Yuya Takahashi, Lupin the IIIrd: The Movie is the animated equivalent of a meticulously planned heist: risky, retro, and ridiculously cool. The teaser hints at veteran heists, weird mecha creatures, and Lupin taking an unwilling dive like a cold shower on a Monday morning. The result is a non-stop rollercoaster of fluid chase scenes and exaggerated expressions with that iconic jazzy soundtrack in the background. The best part is the movieโs tagline, โYou still donโt know the real Lupin.โย
The film itself is set to follow Lupin and his crew as they hunt for treasure on a mysterious, unmarked island crawling with hostile locals. Expect the usual shenanigansโJigenโs sharpshooting, Goemonโs slicing swordplay, and Fujikoโs oh-so-sly negotiation tacticsโto clash with a shadowy new rival in this latest installment of Lupin the 3rd. Even better, rumors hint at clever puzzles and masterfully crafted set pieces that honor the original series while pushing creative boundaries. This isnโt nostalgia baitโitโs a full-throttle statement that Lupinโs back to steal our hearts the old-fashioned way.
Since his 1967 manga debut, Lupin has survived reboots, crossovers, and even a gritty, Joker-esque phase. But this film feels differentโa full-circle moment that reminds us Lupinโs allure isnโt just in his elaborate heists but in his raw, imperfect humanity. The return of the original Japanese voice actorsโKanichi Kurita as Lupin, Akio Otsuka as Jigen, and Miyuki Sawashiro as Fujikoโensures that the soul of the series remains intact. Itโs like reuniting with an old crew who still knows all the secret handshakes.
Why This Isnโt Just Another Heist Movie
While many studios today lean on CGI for speed, Lupin the 3rd is doubling down on 2D artistry that celebrates every quirky detail. Sure, CGI can smooth out the rough edges, but it also erases the charming imperfections that make Lupin, well, Lupin. Those rain-soaked rooftop leaps and hyper-expressive reaction shots arenโt just pretty. Theyโre a living, breathing homage to the golden age of anime.ย Lupinโs back, babyโand heโs stealing the summer with a return thatโs as raw and unfiltered as his legendary antics.ย
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