Crunchyroll secured international theatrical rights to the first Apothecary Diaries anime film. Japan opens December 11; overseas dates will be confirmed by territory.
The world of The Apothecary Diaries is heading from palace corridors to cinema screens. Crunchyroll announced that it has acquired theatrical distribution rights for The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure, the first feature film in the anime franchise. The Japanese release is scheduled for December 11, 2026.
The announcement gives the series a theatrical chapter rather than simply extending its television story. The film’s original concept comes from series creator Natsu Hyuuga, with Norihiro Naganuma directing at TOHO Animation STUDIO. Crunchyroll says its international distribution plan covers multiple territories, with release timing varying by market.
What fans should know about the release
Japan has a firm December 11 date. International theatrical rights have been announced, but that should not be confused with a confirmed opening day in every country. Viewers in India and other overseas markets should wait for local cinema listings and territory-specific announcements before making plans.
The title brings Maomao’s world of medicine, court politics and deduction into a feature-length format. That combination is part of the series’ appeal: its mysteries are often rooted in ordinary details—food, medicine, etiquette and palace routines—rather than conventional action set pieces.
Why this is a milestone
A theatrical film can bring the franchise to viewers who may not follow every weekly episode, while giving existing fans a larger-screen event. The creative team’s connection to the original creator is useful context, but the final measure will be how the film balances a self-contained mystery with the character relationships that made the television series popular.
For now, the practical takeaway is simple: December 11 is the Japanese date, and international dates should be treated as pending until Crunchyroll or local distributors publish them.
