The Mobile Suit Gundam universe is ready to take another bold step forward with the long-awaited anime adaptation of Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt. Titled Path of the Little Challenger, the anime film will officially premiere in theaters across Japan on October 31, 2025. This marks the first time the Urdr-Hunt mobile game storyline will be fully animated, giving fans an entirely new lens into the richly layered Iron-Blooded Orphans world.
The theatrical release will be presented as a double-feature alongside a brand-new original short anime titled Makuai no Kusabi, which translates roughly to Kusabi of the Interlude. Unlike the game-based narrative of Urdr-Hunt, Makuai no Kusabi returns directly to the main timeline of the anime and takes place between Seasons 1 and 2. It reconnects audiences with iconic characters Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka during a pivotal moment in Tekkadan's rise.
Following the successful completion of their mission escorting Kudelia Aina Bernstein, Tekkadan’s name begins to spread across the Outer Sphere. But with growth comes new threats. Orga, now under mounting pressure to steer his crew in the right direction, faces a challenge not of battle but of leadership. His choices begin to shape the future of the organization, and not every decision will be easy.
The creative team for Makuai no Kusabi reunites much of the original talent that made Iron-Blooded Orphans a fan-favorite within the Gundam franchise. Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai and written by Mari Okada, the short film also features character designs by Michinori Chiba, based on the originals by Yu Ito. Mechanical design duties are handled by Naohiro Washio and Kanetake Ebikawa, while Masaru Yokoyama returns to compose the music. As with the original series, Sunrise remains at the helm of animation production.
Kengo Kawanishi and Yoshimasa Hosoya reprise their roles as Mikazuki and Orga, respectively, adding emotional continuity to the new chapter. For longtime viewers, this short promises a fresh but faithful expansion of the storylines they hold dear.
Meanwhile, Urdr-Hunt – Path of the Little Challenger brings the mobile game’s narrative to life for the first time in anime form. Set in the same world but featuring new characters and themes, the film aims to explore different corners of the universe with a fresh point of view. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the teaser trailer and visual hint at a story filled with intensity, ambition, and the same raw energy that defined the original series.
Advance tickets for the theatrical run will be available in Japan starting August 8. A North American release has also been confirmed, though dates and distribution platforms will be announced in the coming weeks.
With this double-feature, the Gundam franchise proves once again that it is unafraid to push boundaries and revisit its most beloved characters in new and exciting ways. Whether you're a returning fan of Tekkadan or curious about the Urdr-Hunt lore, these two stories promise high-stakes drama, powerful themes, and the signature mecha action that defines the Gundam legacy.
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