The production team behind the live-action adaptation of The Silent Service manga by Kaiji Kawaguchi has announced the release date for its sequel film. Titled Chinmoku no Kantai Hokkyoku-kai Dai Kaisen (The Silent Service: The Battle of the Arctic Ocean), the movie will premiere in Japanese theaters on September 26, 2024.
In anticipation of the release, the staff shared a behind-the-scenes promotional video alongside two new key visuals.
The upcoming sequel retains its original creative team, with Takao Osawa and Shinzō Matsuhashi producing, Kōhei Yoshino directing, and Hikaru Takai writing the screenplay. The film’s theme song, “Dignity,” performed by B’z with singer Ado as the vocalist, also makes a return.
Background on the Franchise
The first live-action Silent Service film debuted in Japan on September 29, 2023. During its opening weekend, it sold 274,000 tickets, earning ¥370,136,800 (approximately $2.46 million USD).
The story follows Shiro Kaieda, the captain of Japan’s first nuclear submarine, developed secretly in collaboration with the United States. Kaieda and his 76-member crew defy orders, going rogue in a narrative exploring the complexities of nuclear warfare, international diplomacy, and the pursuit of global peace.
Expansion into Streaming
The live-action series spinoff, Chinmoku no Kantai Season 1: Tokyowan Daikaisen (Silent Service Season 1: The Battle of Tokyo Bay), premiered on Amazon Prime Video earlier this year. The first six episodes debuted on February 9, with episodes seven and eight released on February 16.
The series features additional content not included in the film, with its first four episodes focusing on unreleased scenes. Episodes five through eight present a continuation of the story. Notably, “Dignity” serves as the theme song for the series as well.
Manga and Anime Origins
Kaiji Kawaguchi serialized The Silent Service manga in Kodansha’s Morning magazine from 1988 to 1996. The manga’s compelling narrative inspired multiple anime adaptations, including a television special by Sunrise in 1996 and a two-part original video animation (OVA) from 1997 to 1998. Central Park Media later distributed the anime on VHS and DVD, expanding its international reach.
With the sequel film’s release on the horizon, fans of the franchise can look forward to another thrilling chapter in the saga of Shiro Kaieda and his crew.
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