Written by: Jei Beltrano | Published on: July 26, 2021 at 7:70 PM PHT (GMT+8)
The official Twitter for Kyoto Animation and Animation Do's Free! anime series has revealed on Monday the main visual and a new teaser for the first part of the upcoming duology anime film titled 'Free! -The Final Stroke-'. The first part of the film is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on September 17, 2021 and the second part on April 22, 2022. This two-part movie serves as the final chapter of the entire series.
The film is split into two parts and is animated by Kyoto Animation with Eisaku Kawanami returning to serve as the series director for both films. Kawanami previously directed the Free! Timeless Medley films, as well as the third season of the series Free! Dive to the Future. Additionally, Nobunaga Shimazaki will be reprising the role of the protagonist Haruka Nanase.
OLDCODEX, the Japanese rock band from Tokyo, is returning to perform the latest film release of the franchise. The band previously performed the franchise's theme songs including the OP song "Rage On" from Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club, the OP song "Dried Up Youthful Fame" from Free! Eternal Summer, the theme song "Aching Horns" from High Speed! -Free! Starting Days-, and the theme song "Heading to Over" from the recent film Free!-Dive to the Future-.
The film was originally scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters in 2020 alongside with the Tokyo Olympics but was later postponed due to the postponement of the Olympics. The first half of the film is now scheduled to premiere in Japan on September 17, 2021, and the second half will release April 22, 2022. This two-part movie serves as the final chapter of the entire series.
Source: Free! Official Twitter
