Poupelle of Chimney Town Sequel Film's Guide Video Introduces Both Films, Characters

Poupelle of Chimney Town Sequel Set to Premiere

A new chapter in the Poupelle of Chimney Town saga is on the horizon, with the sequel film, Entotsu-chō no Poupelle ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~ (The Promised Clock Tower), preparing for its debut. TOHO recently released a "complete guide" video, offering a recap of the first film and a glimpse into the upcoming sequel. This video introduces the story and familiarizes audiences with the characters and their respective voice actors, building anticipation for the new release.

Film Festival Debut and Japan Release

The Promised Clock Tower is set to have its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, specifically in the Generation Kplus category, which showcases films aimed at young children. This screening will take place between February 12th and 22nd. Following its festival debut, the film will open in Japan on March 27th, giving audiences there the first chance to experience the next chapter in Lubicchi and Poupelle's adventures.

New and Returning Cast Members

The sequel features both returning and new voice actors. Yuzuna Nagase will be taking over the role of Lubicchi, replacing Mana Ashida from the previous film. Masataka Kubota will once again lend his voice to Poupelle. New additions to the cast include MEGUMI as Mofu, Poupelle's new companion. Fūka Koshiba will voice Nagi, a plant that has been transformed into a human with a beautiful singing voice. Mitsuo Yoshihara will play Gus, a watchmaker who patiently awaits the fulfillment of a century-old promise. Anna Tsuchiya will portray Nezumi, a queen who tasks Lubicchi with repairing a clock within a thousand-year-old fortress. Shingo Fujimori and Sairi Itō are also returning to their roles as Scopp and Antonio, respectively. Other cast members include Kōichi Yamadera, Kōji Higashino, Nishikigoi comedy duo, and Showtaro Morikubo.

Production Team and Theme Song

Akihiro Nishino, the creator of the original picture book, will be supervising the film's production and writing the script. Yūsuke Hirota will return as director at Studio 4°C. Lozareena will perform the film's theme song, "Entotsu-chō no Poupelle," adding to the overall atmosphere of the movie.

Story Based on Tick-Tock ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~

The film's story is based on Nishino's Tick-Tock ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~ picture book, which was released in 2019. This provides a foundation for the narrative and offers fans an idea of what to expect from the sequel.

Contrasting Themes

At a panel at Anime NYC in 2023, Nishino revealed that the sequel would differ significantly from the first film. The plot will center around a town where a clock tower is stuck at 11:59. The town is divided between those who want to protect the tower and those who wish to repair it. Nishino explained that the first film's theme was "Let's go, get this," while the second film's theme is the opposite: "wait patiently." This shift in focus suggests a more introspective and patient approach to the storytelling.

Future of the Franchise

In late October 2021, ANN spoke with Nishino and Hirota at the Animation is Film Festival. The duo expressed their interest in creating more films within the Poupelle franchise in the future, suggesting that there are more stories to tell in this world.

About the First Film

Eleven Arts released Poupelle of Chimney Town in North America in January 2022. The film tells the story of Lubicchi, a young boy living in a town filled with smoke, who dreams of seeing the stars that his father told him about. On Halloween night, he encounters Poupelle, a garbage man, and together they embark on an adventure to look at the sky. The first film was praised for its visuals, music, sound effects, and performances.

Initial Success

Poupelle of Chimney Town premiered in Japan in December 2020. It ranked #4 in its opening weekend and earned 322,998,700 (approximately US$3.13 million), indicating a strong initial reception from audiences.

Production Details of the First Film

Hirota directed the first film, with Nishino serving as production supervisor, original creator, and writer. Atsuko Fukushima designed the characters.