Mononoke the Movie: The Curse of the Serpent
2026 film by Tomoaki Koshida
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Mononoke the Movie: The Curse of the Serpent[b] is a 2026 Japanese animated supernatural psychological horror film directed by Tomoaki Koshida with chief direction by Kenji Nakamura and written by Yasumi Atarashi; the film is based on the Mononoke anime television series (2007), which in turn is a spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales anthology series (2006), both created by Toei Animation. Co-produced by EOTA and Studio Kafka and distributed by Twin Engine, The Curse of the Serpent is a sequel to The Ashes of Rage (2025), as well as the final film of the Mononoke trilogy film project. Hiroshi Kamiya reprises his role as the Medicine Seller, alongside Haruka Tomatsu, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yoko Hikasa, Yukana, Miyu Irino, Kenjiro Tsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara, and Atsumi Tanezaki, with Miyuki Sawashiro, Fumi Hirano, Mariko Honda and Eiji Takemoto joining the ensemble cast. The Curse of the Serpent was released in Japan on May 29, 2026.[2]
- Kenji Nakamura[a]
- Tomoaki Koshida
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Japanese | 劇場版「モノノ怪 第三章 蛇神」 |
| Revised Hepburn | Gekijōban Mononoke Daisanshō: Hebigami |
| Directed by |
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| Screenplay by | Yasumi Atarashi |
| Based on | |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Edited by | Shigeru Nishiyama |
| Music by | Taku Iwasaki |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Twin Engine |
Release date |
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Running time | 87 minutes[1] |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
Plot
After the major two incidents,[c] the Medicine Seller still feels an ominous presence within the inner palace. He then faces against a Snake God, which threatens the Inner Chambers by strangling maids to their deaths.
Voice cast
| Character | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Medicine Seller | Hiroshi Kamiya |
| "Ri" Medicine Seller | Takahiro Sakurai[3] |
| Botan Ōtomo | Haruka Tomatsu |
| Asa | Tomoyo Kurosawa |
| Tenshi (Emperor) | Miyu Irino |
| Hokuto Mozorogi | Kenjiro Tsuda |
| Fuki Tokita | Yoko Hikasa |
| Suikoin | Yoshiko Sakakibara |
| Sachiko | Atsumi Tanezaki |
| Third Emperess | Miyuki Sawashiro |
| Tokiwai | Fumi Hirano |
| Kawa | Mariko Honda |
| Amanotsubone | Yukana |
| Saku Mizorogi | Eiji Takemoto |
Production
In March 2025, the third and final film for the Mononoke anime trilogy film was announced, with its title reveal, The Curse of the Serpent.[4][5] In December of that year, it was announced that Miyuki Sawashiro, Fumi Hirano and Mariko Honda have been cast, with the returning key staff members, while Tomoaki Koshida will direct the film, and Studio Kafka will co-produce the film with EOTA.[2][6] In April 2026, it was announced that Eiji Takemoto was cast, while Yukana will return to voice a new character, and the theme song for the film is "No Epilogue" by Aina The End.[7]
Release
The film was released in Japan on May 29, 2026.[2]
Reception
Critical reception
Richard Eisenbeis of Anime News Network gave the film an A- rating, and stated "The Curse of the Serpent is a fantastic capstone to the trilogy. It's visually stunning, musically strong, filled with supernatural mystery and action, and continues to highlight the plight against women in feudal Japanese society."[3]
Controversy
Return of Takahiro Sakurai
In February 2023, it was announced that the voice of the Medicine Seller was recast to Hiroshi Kamiya for the Phantom in the Rain after Takahiro Sakurai, who voiced the role for the television series, whose scandal came to light around that year.[8] However, The Curse of the Serpent featured Sakurai reprising his version of the character in the climax of the film. Producer Kōji Yamamoto apologized to the fans after their mixed reactions, and later retired his position as a producer.[9][10]
Notes
- Credited as "Chief Director" (総監督, Sō Kantoku)
- As depicted in Phantom in the Rain (2024) and The Ashes of Rage (2025)