A new trailer for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, the long-awaited sequel to the MSG: SEED Destiny anime, has been revealed by Bandai Namco.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the original TV anime series, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is gearing up for a highly anticipated return with a new series, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom. This ambitious project not only continues the plot following the events of the original series and the sequel series Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny, but also includes various homages to the show’s enduring legacy.
As seen in the first SEED Freedom trailer, the plot will follow characters Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne in Cosmic Era 75, following a forcible peace treaty between “Naturals” and “Coordinators”, the two important faction in this timeline. As tensions escalated, a Union special forces unit confiscated elite-grade Gundam suits from a large ZAFT military base. Two young pilots, Shinn Asuka and Athrun Zala, are tasked with recovering the suits and preventing the outbreak of war between the Naturals and the Coordinator.
SEED Freedom is coming to the world of Gundam
The new trailer offers a broader look at the upcoming film. A year after the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny event, the trailer reveals a new conflict between ZAFT and the Earth Alliance. The trailer also introduces Alexei Konoe, a mysterious figure with connections to the history of Kira and Athrun, portraying him as the main antagonist of the film. The preview subtly hints at the possibility of a ZAFT betrayal. The mastermind behind this new conflict remains shrouded in mystery, casting doubt on the lasting peace achieved after Seed Destiny. The trailer emphasizes the theme of “freedom versus destiny”, exploring the characters’ distinct approach to ending the war.
Director Mitsuo Fukuda has revealed the movie for 2021, confirming that the story will follow the events of the final main installment, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. The film was written by Fukuda and his late wife, Chiaki Morosawa, with MSG: SEED novel author Liu Goto also participating in the script. The production team also includes character designer Hisashi Hirai, animation director Satoshi Shigeta, and art directors Shigemi Ikeda and Yukiko Maruyama, all of whom were part of MSG: SEED and SEED Destiny. Returning voice actors include Soichiro Hoshi, Kenichi Suzumura, and Akira Ishida taking on the roles of Kira Yamato, Shinn Asuka, and Athrun Zala, respectively. Notably, Nanako Mori replaced Naomi Shindoh as the voice of Cagalli Yula Athha.
MSG: SEED Freedom is an important part of a broader initiative that began with the 20th Anniversary of the original Gundam series, which aired from 2002 to 2003. A video game titled Mobile Suit Gundam UC Engage and an MSG: SEED Eclipse spin-off comic, also released confidentially. The series is expected to be one of next year’s biggest anime events, as well as an explosive conclusion to the beloved Universe Era story.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom will hit theaters on January 26, 2024.
Source: YouTube