Dive into a New Adventure: The Slime Saga Continues!
A Fresh Cinematic Journey: "Tears of the Azure Sea" Announcement
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures have officially announced that the anime film, "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea," will make its theatrical debut on May 1, 2026. This release date positions the movie as a key kickoff event for the summer box office season, attracting fans of the popular series to cinemas.
Standalone Narrative: An Original Side Story
While this marks the second film in the "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" franchise, distributors emphasize that "Tears of the Azure Sea" is not a direct continuation of previous storylines. Instead, it offers an original, self-contained side story that unfolds after the events of the anime series' third season. This approach allows new viewers to enjoy the film without prior knowledge, while still rewarding long-time fans with fresh content.
The Phenomenon of "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime"
Since its launch in 2018, the animated series has captivated a global audience. It chronicles the extraordinary journey of an ordinary individual who is reborn into a fantasy realm as a powerful slime named Rimuru Tempest. Through his efforts, Rimuru strives to forge a peaceful and unified nation, blending elements of epic fantasy, intricate world-building, and profound emotional storytelling. This unique blend has cemented its status as a celebrated entry in the Isekai genre.
Literary Roots and Streaming Success
The foundation of the anime series lies in a highly successful manga and light novel franchise, which has collectively sold over 56 million copies worldwide. This extensive literary background provides a rich tapestry of narratives and characters for the animated adaptations. All existing three seasons of the streaming series are readily available for viewing on Crunchyroll, with the upcoming fourth season scheduled to premiere on the platform on April 3, 2026, further expanding the digital library for enthusiasts.
Previous Film's Global Impact: "Scarlet Bond"
The first feature film, "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond," also presented an original standalone narrative, set after the second season of the series. Crunchyroll and Sony were responsible for its release across most major territories, excluding Asian markets. The film achieved a global box office total of $14.6 million, with $2.5 million of that sum generated in North America, demonstrating the franchise's significant international appeal.