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The acclaimed anime The Apothecary Diaries (also known as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) has officially announced that a third season and an original theatrical film are in the works. These developments mark an exciting new chapter for the story of Maomao and Jinshi.
🎬 What’s Announced: Season 3 + Movie
Season 3 is officially confirmed and currently in production.
The anime film — featuring an original story by the light-novel author Natsu Hyūga — is slated for December 2026 theatrical release in Japan.
Season 3 is set to premiere its first cour in October 2026, with the second cour expected around April 2027.
📅 Release Timeline & What to Expect
| Release | Date / Window | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Movie | December 2026 | Original story, theatrical format |
| Season 3 (Part 1) | October 2026 | First cour of new season |
| Season 3 (Part 2) | April 2027 | Second cour follows after break |
This schedule gives fans a consistent stream of content and builds anticipation between the movie and the new season.
🧩 Story & Setting: What’s Changing
Season 3 promises to expand the setting beyond the palace where much of the earlier story took place.
The movie is expected to be a unique side-story rather than a simple recap, offering something new even for long-time fans.
Key characters like Maomao and Jinshi will return, and the same studio team is reportedly involved, which bodes well for continuity of style and quality.
✅ Why This Is Big for Fans
The franchise is highly rated (8.86/10 on MyAnimeList) and has a strong fan-base, so a third season + movie are major trophies.
A theatrical movie demonstrates the studio’s confidence in the brand and promises high production values.
The split-cours model for Season 3 means less burnout and better pacing for complex story arcs.
For viewers who loved the intrigue, mystery, and character dynamics, this is a long-awaited return.
📌 What You Can Do Now
Revisit seasons 1 and 2 to refresh plot details and catch subtle set-ups for the new arcs.
Keep an eye on official announcements from studios TOHO Animation Studio and OLM Studio for trailers, key visuals and exact release dates.
Follow streaming platforms like Crunchyroll (international) to be ready when the new season drops.
Engage with fan communities (Reddit, Discord) to share theories and stay updated.
🎯 Final Words
The upcoming movie and Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries represent a major milestone for the series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the story, 2026 is shaping up to be a year you’ll want to watch closely. With rich narrative potential and top-tier production behind them, these new instalments could elevate the franchise to new heights.
