Nearly two years have passed since Kyoto Animation released a film installment to the franchise of Free!. While fans and followers thought a new addition would arrive last year, alongside the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, both the film and the event were postponed.
The public continued to wait for further announcements regarding the anime. But, it was only on Monday when Kyoto Animation released a series of teaser materials for the upcoming movie.
Comic Book reported that the franchise will return later this year with the first part of the final installment. As it happens, the film will be in two parts, with the latter arriving next year.
The surprising announcement comes in honor of the eighth anniversary of Free! Iwatobi Swim Club. It is the original anime series, which the film series is all based on.
Kyoto Animation took its unveiling to various social media channels. Apart from YouTube and Twitter, the franchise's official website, also, updated its platform to provide essential details regarding the upcoming two-part film.
Based on the released information, the movie carries the title, Free! The Final Stroke. The first part will premiere in Japan on September 17, while the second and last material to the franchise will drop on April 22, 2022.
The last Free! film, also, has the tagline, "let's go, to the stage of glory." It remains unclear, though, as to how the plot will go on the upcoming materials.
The studio, as well as the production, has yet to share some details about the synopsis nor the storylines. But, it is likely that more information will arrive in the next few months.
Anime News Network said that the teaser materials have confirmed Eisaku Kawanami's return as the director of the franchise's final chapter. As for the lead cast, Nobunaga Shimazaki will, reportedly, reprise his role as Haruka Nanase.
Siliconera, later on, released a similar report, covering some of the essential details about the film's release. As stated, tickets for the first part will be available starting on May 28, 2021.
The price is, reportedly, set at about $13. Avid fans and viewers who will make an early ticket purchase will receive concessions, as well. These include a limited edition clear file and movie ticket card.
Free! The Final Stroke will conclude the entire storyline of the franchise. The first part follows the most recent entry, Free! Road to the World - The Dream, which debuted in July 2019.
