Attack on Titan: The Final Chapter Part 3 returns to CGV theaters after 11 years

Attack on Titan, after 11 years, is returning to theaters.

“Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom,” which was released in theaters in January 2015, will return to the screen after 11 years. This is not a simple re-release. Instead of showing the Titans directly on the screen, the visuals will be displayed on both sides of the screen. Furthermore, the motion, vibration, heat, and air blasts will be added to the 3D maneuver gear action sequences.

CGV announced that it will sequentially release three theatrical films, starting with “Hongryeon’s Arrow,” followed by “Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom” and “Attack on Titan: Roar of Awakening.” The release date for the first film is October 28, 2026, and its runtime is 119 minutes. However, the specific release dates for the second and third films have not yet been announced.

In my opinion, the core of this announcement lies not in “revisiting old works,” but in something more. For those who have already seen it, it’s a reunion that evokes memories. For those experiencing it for the first time, it’s an entry point to a grand spectacle of walls and the Scout Regiment’s battles, experienced in a theatrical format. It’s essentially applying current screening technology to past content, and whether this is simply a new packaging for nostalgia or a completely new viewing experience depends on the audience’s choice.

Why is this re-release playing in the premium theaters with a louder sound?

“Attack on Titan: The Arrow of Heaven” is a film directed by Tetsuro Araki, and it tells the story of Eren and the Scout Regiment as they fight against the giants. It is a theatrical adaptation of the TV animation series based on the original manga by Hajime Isayama. “Attack on Titan: The Arrow of Heaven” and “Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom” are based on the content of the first season of the TV animation, while “Attack on Titan: Roar of Awakening” is based on the content of the second season.

The first work is planned to be screened not only in standard 2D but also in SCREENX, 4DX, and integrated theaters that combine SCREENX and 4DX. SCREENX utilizes the front and side screens, while 4DX applies environmental effects such as motion, vibration, heat, and air blasts. In a world with walls reaching a height of 50 meters, the screen and seats react simultaneously when the three-dimensional maneuvering device changes direction. If you give up on the seat remaining still, the audience briefly becomes a member of the Survey Corps. Of course, you can keep your mind in a safe seat.

The popularity of the original work, which has a cumulative publication of 140,000,000 copies worldwide, is the foundation supporting this project. However, the scale of the original work does not guarantee a successful re-release. The nostalgia of long-time fans and the novelty of special theaters must translate into actual visits to the theaters. I believe this is where CGV’s strategy becomes clear. Instead of focusing on the story itself, they are emphasizing “where and how” to watch it, aiming to differentiate between animation that can be rewatched at home and experiences that are only possible in theaters.

Following the commercial success of Megabox, competition among multiplex theaters is reigniting.

This announcement, seemingly just about the re-release of a single film, reveals a clear calculation within the film industry. “Attack on Titan” series’ latest theatrical release, “Attack on Titan: The Final Chapter – The Last Attack“, was previously released exclusively in Megabox theaters, and *ITeudei* reported, citing data from the Korean Film Council, that the film’s revenue reached 5,500,000,000 won. It was also reported that this film achieved the highest commercial success among the “Attack on Titan” series released in Korea.

While it cannot be definitively stated that this occurred immediately after, the fact that CGV is sequentially and exclusively releasing three theatrical films based on the same popular animation IP is clearly a sign of competition. Japanese animation has evolved from a niche genre in theaters to a content asset that drives fan engagement and repeat visits. The success of one film strengthens the negotiating power for the next, and the exclusive screening by one theater chain can influence the audience strategies of other chains.

CGV is not the only one benefiting from this. The copyright holders and distributors of the original work and animation can create new revenue opportunities by re-releasing older works in theaters. Fans gain the option to experience the work from 11 years ago in a different format. On the other hand, domestic multiplex competitors are unable to secure screening opportunities through exclusive releases. For audiences, there is a trade-off: the number of theater choices decreases, but the number of format choices within a single chain increases. While it may seem like there are more choices, the starting point is narrowed to a single entity.

To watch all three films, a viewer’s schedule and wallet must both be flexible.

CGV’s Content Operations Team Leader, Jang Ji-yeon, stated, “We hope that viewers will enjoy the ‘Attack on Titan’ series, which CGV will be releasing sequentially, and experience the unique, overwhelming scale and immersive quality of the work in the theater. CGV will continue to discover new content that viewers want, and will work to enhance the enjoyment of visiting the theater.” While the goal of increasing the enjoyment of visiting the theater is clear, enjoyment generally involves the reservation button and the payment process.

If viewers want to watch all three films, they must check the release dates for each film and ensure they do not miss the screening period. In particular, the ticket price for special theaters may differ from that for regular 2D screenings, so the actual ticket price and any additional costs can be factors in viewing plans. Currently, ticket prices, screening locations, the start date for ticket reservations, and whether special benefits are offered have not been disclosed. It has not yet been confirmed whether all three films will be screened in SCREENX, 4DX, or combined formats. In the official announcement, only “Hongryeon’s Arrow” was specifically mentioned as a film that will be shown in a particular format.

This is a very real issue for fans. While some might think, “Once it’s released, I’ll just go see it,” the accessibility of a solo screening and the number of seats available in special theaters can significantly impact the likelihood of being able to watch it. Viewers must choose whether to experience the story in 2D, expand their view with SCREENX, or even feel the action with 4DX. I believe this is not simply a matter of personal preference, but a consumption decision. It is not necessary to purchase every format just because you enjoy animation, and there is no guarantee that the overwhelming presence of the giant will be a comfortable experience for all viewers.

The fragrance is powerful, but the gaps in the re-released version need to be filled.

These works are not new productions, but rather theatrical versions that reassemble parts of past TV animation seasons. While existing fans may enjoy the condensed storytelling, audiences new to the series may find it challenging to follow the characters and world. The motion, vibration, and heat effects in special theaters can enhance the action, but they may also cause fatigue or feel excessive for some viewers.

Another remaining question is the composition of the re-release version itself. It has not yet been confirmed whether there are any scene modifications or additional footage, whether there are any changes to the translation and dubbing, or how the story sequence of “The Last Attack,” which was previously released exclusively by Megabox, connects to these three films. This information is not a minor addition for fans. It is a criterion for determining why viewers who already know the content would buy tickets again.

CGV stated that it would “discover new content that audiences want.” I believe that this promise will be put to the test in this series. While bringing back older popular works is not inherently difficult, clearly explaining to the audience what is new is a separate issue. Providing accurate information about the screening format, schedule, price, and composition is the quickest way to gain the trust of the fandom, rather than relying on exaggerated marketing.

Ultimately, the clarity of the viewing information is more important than the size of the screen.

“Hongryeon’s Arrow” is scheduled to be released on October 28, 2026, in 2D, SCREENX, 4DX, and integrated formats. Following “Hongryeon’s Arrow,” “Wings of Freedom” and “Roar of Awakening” will be released sequentially, but the release dates and screening conditions for these two works are still undisclosed. The overall plan for the three theatrical films has been established, but the detailed schedule for actual screenings has not yet been determined.

For this project to be successful, nostalgia alone is not enough. The fame of the original work, with its 140,000,000 copies in print, and the 5,500,000,000 won revenue from the previous theatrical release, cannot replace the tickets purchased by the audience for this re-release. Ultimately, the audience will only open their wallets after confirming what they are going to see, how much it costs, and when and where they can watch it. While the giant’s wall is 50 meters high, the threshold for trust between the audience and the theater must be much lower.

Frequently Asked Questions.

When will “Attack on Titan: The Crimson Arrow” be released?

It will be released on October 28, 2026.

What are the release dates for “Wings of Freedom” and “Roar of Awakening”?

The specific release dates for the two works have not yet been announced.

What format will “Hongryeon’s Arrow” be shown in?

It is scheduled to be screened in 2D, SCREENX, and 4DX formats, as well as in a combined format that integrates SCREENX and 4DX.

Can all three films be watched in special theaters?

It has not yet been confirmed whether all three films will be screened in SCREENX, 4DX, or integrated formats. In the official announcement, the film “Hongryeon’s Arrow” is the only one specifically mentioned as being shown in those formats.

Have the ticket prices and the locations where special screenings will be held been announced?

The ticket price, screening locations, start date for ticket sales, and whether special benefits will be offered have not yet been announced.

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