Studio Sunrise has officially announced Armored Trooper Votoms: Die Graue Hexe, a new anime created to celebrate the studio’s 50th anniversary and a major event for fans of Japanese animation. The project will be directed by Mamoru Oshii, a filmmaker internationally known for works such as Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor, and other titles that helped redefine anime’s artistic scope.

The choice of Votoms for this celebration is no coincidence. Originally released in 1983, the franchise became a cornerstone of the real robot genre, focusing on a grittier, more military and grounded depiction of mecha combat, in contrast to the more heroic tone of other series of the era. Over the decades, Armored Trooper Votoms has built a loyal fanbase and achieved cult status both in Japan and internationally.

The meaning behind Die Graue Hexe

The subtitle Die Graue Hexe, which can be loosely translated as “The Gray Witch,” immediately stands out for its enigmatic tone. The use of German follows a recurring tradition in Votoms, which often incorporates European linguistic and cultural references to reinforce its atmosphere of war, decay, and moral ambiguity.

According to preliminary information released by the studio, the new anime will not be a simple remake or recap of the original series, but rather an entirely new story set within the Votoms universe, introducing new characters and conflicts while respecting the events and mythology established by the franchise.

Mamoru Oshii and his relationship with the mecha genre

Mamoru Oshii’s involvement is undoubtedly one of the most discussed aspects of the announcement. Known for his contemplative, philosophical, and often political style, Oshii has built a career defined by works that question power, identity, war, and technology. His approach typically prioritizes atmosphere, dense dialogue, and existential reflection.

Although Oshii has not previously directed a Votoms title, his experience with series like Patlabor shows his familiarity with stories that balance military action and social commentary. For many fans, his vision could further deepen the mature and reflective tone that has always defined Armored Trooper Votoms.

A commemorative project for Sunrise’s 50th anniversary

Founded in 1972, Sunrise is responsible for some of the most important franchises in anime history, including Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, Code Geass, and Love Live!. Over five decades, the studio has helped shape trends, styles, and generations of creators.

Die Graue Hexe is part of a series of special projects planned to mark the studio’s 50th anniversary, reinforcing Sunrise’s strategy of celebrating its classic catalog while also investing in new interpretations and creative approaches.

Expectations and upcoming details

So far, details such as format, episode count, and release window have not been revealed. However, the combination of Votoms, Mamoru Oshii, and Sunrise alone has already generated significant buzz across social media and specialized forums.

Expectations are that Armored Trooper Votoms: Die Graue Hexe will deliver a more adult and dense approach, maintaining the military and tragic spirit of the original franchise while carrying Oshii’s authorial signature. For longtime and new fans alike, the project stands as one of the most intriguing upcoming releases in the mecha anime landscape.