In a thrilling update for anime fans, a new sequel to the 2014 film Expelled from Paradise has been officially announced. The film, titled Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart, is set to hit theaters in Japan in 2026. This exciting new chapter will continue the story that captivated audiences almost a decade ago, reuniting key members of the original creative team. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming film and its potential to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor.
A Sequel Nearly a Decade in the Making
The original Expelled from Paradise made its theatrical debut in Japan back in 2014. The film was set in a futuristic world where most of humanity lives in a virtual reality, far removed from the barren, post-apocalyptic Earth. The protagonist, Angela Balzac, is an agent living on a space station known as Deva, in this virtual world. She embarks on a mission to track down a hacker who threatens the safety of the digital realm. As part of her mission, Angela takes on an organic body and heads to the desolate Earth, where she teams up with a man named Dingo. Together, they hunt for a mysterious device called the Frontier Setter, while Angela comes to appreciate the complexities of living in the physical world.
The film gained popularity for its unique blend of science fiction, philosophical themes, and stunning animation. It also left audiences wanting more, and now, almost ten years later, fans are finally getting a sequel to the original film. The sequel, Resonance of the Heart, has been highly anticipated and promises to dive deeper into the world established in the first movie.
A Stellar Team Returns for the Sequel
The announcement of Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart has been accompanied by the release of a new trailer and key visual, generating significant excitement within the anime community. Perhaps most exciting of all is the fact that much of the original creative team is returning to work on the new film, ensuring a familiar feel for fans of the original.
The film will be directed once again by Seiji Mizushima, a respected name in the anime industry known for his work on series such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Mizushima’s direction in the original film was widely praised, and his return as director for the sequel raises expectations for a continuation of the high-quality storytelling and visual style that fans loved.
The screenplay for Resonance of the Heart will be written by Gen Urobuchi, a legendary writer in the anime world. Urobuchi, known for his work on projects like Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Psycho-Pass, has a reputation for creating deep, thought-provoking narratives, often with elements of tragedy and complex characters. His involvement is sure to bring a level of intrigue and emotional depth to the film’s storyline.
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Additionally, Masatsugu Saito will return to provide character designs, ensuring that the iconic look of the original characters, including Angela and Dingo, is preserved in the sequel. The mechanical designs, which were another standout feature of the first film, will once again be handled by a talented group of designers: Kanetake Ebikawa, Junya Ishigaki, and Takayuki Yanase. This team has worked on some of the most well-regarded mecha anime, and their involvement promises to deliver impressive and detailed machinery designs for the film.
To top it all off, the music for Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart will be composed by NARASAKI, known for his distinctive and atmospheric soundtracks. The music in the original film was a crucial element in creating its unique atmosphere, and NARASAKI’s return is expected to add another layer of depth to the film’s overall experience.
What We Can Expect From the Sequel
While the plot details for Resonance of the Heart are still largely under wraps, it’s clear that the film will continue the story of Angela Balzac and her journey on Earth. Given that the first film ended on a note of reflection, with Angela coming to terms with her new organic body and gaining a new appreciation for life, it’s likely that the sequel will explore further questions about the relationship between the virtual and real worlds, identity, and the consequences of living in a digital environment.
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Fans can also expect the return of familiar themes, including the tension between technology and humanity. The original film’s exploration of living in a digital space while yearning for physical connection resonated with many viewers. This thematic element could be expanded in the sequel as Angela and her companions confront new challenges in the post-apocalyptic world of Earth, while navigating their own sense of self and purpose.
The introduction of new characters and potential new villains could also add an exciting layer to the story. In the first film, Dingo served as Angela’s guide and ally, so it’s possible that new characters will play pivotal roles in this sequel, helping to push the narrative forward.
A Beautifully Animated Future
One of the things that made Expelled from Paradise stand out was its breathtaking animation. The film made use of 3D CGI combined with traditional 2D animation to create a visually stunning world. The futuristic cityscapes, the desolate Earth, and the complex mechanical designs were all brought to life with incredible attention to detail. It’s likely that Resonance of the Heart will continue this tradition of high-quality animation, pushing the limits of what can be achieved on screen in terms of both technology and artistry.
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Given that anime fans have become more discerning about animation quality in recent years, the return of this visually dynamic style will undoubtedly excite audiences eager to see how the world of Expelled from Paradise has evolved.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Release
The fact that Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart won’t be released until 2026 means that there’s still a lot of waiting to do before fans can experience the full continuation of this story. However, with the creative team back in action, and the unique themes and stunning visuals set to make a return, the wait is sure to be worth it.
This sequel has the potential to offer not just a continuation of the first film’s narrative, but also a deeper exploration of the complex questions about humanity, technology, and the meaning of existence that the original raised. For those who loved the first film and those new to the series, Resonance of the Heart promises to be an anime event that is not to be missed.
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Conclusion
With the announcement of Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart, anime fans have something exciting to look forward to. The film will reunite the talented staff behind the original and bring new developments to the story of Angela and her journey in a post-apocalyptic world. While we have to wait until 2026 for the film’s release, there’s no doubt that it will be worth the wait, offering both visual spectacle and a thought-provoking story for fans of all kinds.
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