Final Fantasy 9 Animated Series Resurrected for 2028 Release
Rumours of cancellation have been quashed as the Final Fantasy 9 animated series finds new life with a fresh production team, aiming for a 2028 debut and a 13-episode 2D run.
Fans who thought the Final Fantasy 9 animated adaptation was done and dusted might want to think again. The project, which many had written off after its original production company shut up shop, is now back on track and eyeing a 2028 premiere. The series, first announced in 2021, was initially in the hands of French outfit Cyber Group Studios, known for their work on the Mini Ninjas series. When Cyber Group Studios closed earlier this year, it looked like the show would never see the light of day.
But things have taken a turn. According to a recent report in a French magazine, the series has found a new home with Euro Visual. The revived project is set to be a 2D animated programme, spanning 13 episodes, each running for about 22 minutes. The magazine also shared a brief synopsis, revealing that the story will centre on six Black Mages, all children of Vivi, one of the original game’s main characters.
New Direction and Familiar Faces
Details about the plot seem to line up with earlier leaks that surfaced this year. These leaks included a summary and some key art for what was called “Final Fantasy 9: The Black Mages’ Legacy.” The artwork showed six Black Mages, with one of them frozen, which matches both the leaked and now-official descriptions. It’s a fresh angle, focusing on the next generation rather than retelling the original tale.
While the show’s direction is a bit of a departure from the source material, it’s still set in the same world that made the game a favourite among RPG fans. The decision to go with 2D animation and a limited episode count suggests a tight, character-driven story rather than a sprawling epic.
What About the Remake?
For those still holding out hope for a full-blown remake of the classic game, this news doesn’t offer much in the way of confirmation. The animated series appears to be a separate project, with no direct ties to the much-rumoured remake that’s been floating around for years. Still, the fact that the series has been brought back from the brink after its original production company folded might give some fans a bit of optimism.
It’s not every day a project gets a second chance, especially after such a rocky start. With a new team at the helm and a clear vision for the story, there’s a sense that this adaptation could bring something fresh to the table for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.