The countdown to Netflix’s next big anime phenomenon has begun. Moonrise, an original sci-fi series from WIT Studio, is set to premiere on April 10, bringing viewers a gripping story of interstellar war, rebellion, and fate. This ambitious project brings together an all-star team, including Attack on Titan director Masashi Koizuka, acclaimed novelist Tou Ubukata, and Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa. The result is an anime that promises not just breathtaking animation but an emotionally charged narrative that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. A Future Where the Earth Thrives, but the Moon Suffers Set in a near-future where humanity operates under a global AI system known as Sapientia, Moonrise envisions a world where Earth enjoys peace and prosperity—at a devastating cost. In an effort to maintain this harmony, Sapientia enforces a brutal policy that exiles criminals and pollutants to the Moon, creating a stark divide between the privileged and the oppressed. While Earth flourishes, the Moon becomes a dumping ground for society’s rejects, fueling anger, desperation, and ultimately, war. The people of the Moon refuse to accept their fate, rising up against the oppressive system that has cast them aside. As tensions escalate, the battle for lunar independence begins, setting the stage for an epic conflict that will shake the very foundations of human civilization. A Soldier’s Vengeance: The Story of Jacob “Jack” Shadow At the heart of this intergalactic struggle is Jacob “Jack” Shadow, a young man whose life is shattered when a terrorist attack orchestrated by the Moon’s resistance kills his family. Driven by grief and an insatiable thirst for revenge, Jack enlists in Earth’s military as a scout, eager to crush the rebels responsible for his loss. But war is never as simple as it seems. As Jack fights his way through the lunar battlefield, he comes face-to-face with an unexpected leader among the resistance forces—someone who will challenge everything he thought he knew about justice, loyalty, and the true cost of war. Jack is voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi, who brings a raw intensity to the character, capturing both his rage and his internal conflict. Alongside him is Yuto Uemura as Phil Ashe, Jack’s childhood friend, whose own journey will intertwine with Jack’s in ways neither of them could have foreseen. The Minds Behind the Masterpiece The pedigree behind Moonrise is nothing short of legendary. WIT Studio, known for delivering visually stunning anime like Ranking of Kings and SPY x FAMILY, is pushing the boundaries of sci-fi animation with this original work. Director Masashi Koizuka, the mastermind behind Attack on Titan Seasons 2 and 3, brings his signature flair for intense action sequences and deep character storytelling. Hiromu Arakawa, the beloved creator of Fullmetal Alchemist and Silver Spoon, lends her talent to the series with striking character designs. Every frame of Moonrise is crafted with her signature blend of realism and expressive artistry, ensuring that the characters’ emotions leap off the screen. Adding to the show’s emotional depth is its powerful soundtrack, headlined by AiNA THE END’s theme song Daijoubu. Known for her raw, soulful voice, AiNA THE END delivers a song that perfectly captures the spirit of resistance and resilience that defines Moonrise. What the Cast and Crew Are Saying The excitement surrounding Moonrise isn’t just coming from fans—it’s radiating from the cast and crew themselves. Masashi Koizuka (Director):“This may be WIT Studio’s first space opera, but it was created with the same passion and intensity as our most iconic works. There was a real sense of excitement—and a bit of madness—as we brought this world to life. I’ve watched the completed footage multiple times, and every single time, I’m blown away by the performances, the animation, and the sheer scale of what we’ve created.” Chiaki Kobayashi (Jacob “Jack” Shadow):“Being part of Moonrise has been an incredible experience. This is an original story, meaning we, as actors, had to build these characters from the ground up. The action is fast-paced, the emotions are intense, and every scene carries weight. I hope audiences feel the passion we poured into this project.” Yuto Uemura (Phil Ashe):“We spent a long time recording Moonrise, and every session was filled with energy and dedication. My character, Phil, has a deep internal struggle as he navigates this war. The battle sequences are breathtaking, but it’s the emotional depth of the story that makes this anime truly special.” An Unmissable Sci-Fi Epic With its high-stakes narrative, stunning animation, and powerhouse creative team, Moonrise is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about anime releases of the year. It’s a story of war, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong—all wrapped in a visually dazzling, action-packed space opera. The countdown has begun. On April 10, audiences will witness the battle between Earth and the Moon unfold in ways they never expected. Will Jack find the vengeance he seeks, or will he uncover a truth too painful to ignore? Prepare for war. Moonrise is coming exclusively to Netflix.