Originally released in 2021,Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flashstunned anime fans with its spectacular animation and gripping story filled with intrigue. The film ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving viewers to wonder: When will Part 2 arrive?
The wait is finally over—Hathaway’s Flash Part 2is officially on the way. Yesterday in Japan, the Shochiku movie company announced its 2025–2026 production lineup at a press conference. The highly anticipatedGundamsequel was included in the list as a title currently in production.
Origins of Hathaway’s Flash: From Novel to Screen
A Complex but Worthwhile Journey for Gundam Fans
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flashbegan in 1988 asa trilogy of novels written by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the original 1979Gundamseries. The story follows Hathaway Noa, a character previously introduced in the 1985Mobile Suit Zeta GundamTV series and further explored in the 1988 filmMobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. InHathaway’s Flash, Noa becomes the secret leader of a terrorist group and pilots the powerful RX-105 Ξ Gundam against the Earth Federation forces.
Though the story leans more on complex character dynamics than action-packed battles,the 2021 anime adaptation of the firstHathaway’s Flashnovel is considered one of the finest entries in theGundamfranchise. The film is dense with lore and filled with callbacks to earlier events in Gundam’s Universal Century timeline, making it a challenging yet rewarding watch. With the sequel—presumed to be titledHathaway’s Flash: Sun of Brightafter the original novel—now confirmed, fans are eager to see how the story unfolds.
A Packed Slate of New Gundam Anime: Hathaway’s Flash Part 2 and More
Gundam’s Momentum in 2025 Is Rising
Hathaway’s Flash Part 2was just one of several anime projects announced by Shochiku for its 2025–2026 lineup. Other upcoming productions include anime adaptations of manga series such asIf Kujima Sings, the House Gurgle, andTamon’s B-Side, along with an adaptation of the light novelThe Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System.
Meanwhile, theMobile Suit Gundamfranchise is already off to a strong start this year with the release of theGundam GQuuuuuuX Beginningmovie. Co-written by Hideaki Anno ofNeon Genesis Evangelionfame, the film debuted at number one in Japan and is scheduled to open in the United States on February 28. It seems likely thatHathaway’s Flash Part 2will contribute toGundam’s ongoing success, continuing its legacy as one of the most iconic mecha franchises of all time.
Gundam
The Gundam franchise is a cornerstone of mecha anime, featuring giant robots known as “mobile suits” in various wartime settings. Originating with Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979, it explores complex themes of war, politics, and humanity through the struggles of pilots who navigate these massive machines. The franchise spans multiple timelines and universes, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and standalone narratives.
