Hold onto your hats, gunslingers! The highly anticipated sequel and "final phase" to Trigun Stampede, aptly titled Trigun Stargaze, is officially hitting Crunchyroll in January 2026. Studio Orange is pulling out all the stops for Vash the Stampede's grand finale!
TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know- Trigun Stargaze, the conclusive chapter to Trigun Stampede, premieres in January 2026.
- You'll be able to stream it worldwide on Crunchyroll as it airs in Japan.
- Get ready for a story set 2.5 years after Stampede, featuring familiar faces, a new alias for Vash, and the return of fan-favorite Milly Thompson.
The High-Stakes Announcement from New York Comic Con 2025
The anime community has been buzzing ever since New York Comic Con 2025, where Studio Orange dropped some massive news. Fans at the convention were treated to the world premiere of the first two episodes of Trigun Stargaze, alongside a brand-new teaser trailer and a stunning key visual. Series director Masako Sato and manga creator Yasuhiro Nightow himself were in attendance, hyping up what promises to be an epic conclusion.
It's been a long wait since Trigun Stampede first captivated us with its reimagining of Nightow's classic sci-fi western. The original series, which debuted in January 2023, brought a fresh, slick visual style and some intriguing new additions to Vash's story. Now, after a couple of years, Studio Orange is ready to deliver the final act, and from what we've seen, it's going to be nothing short of spectacular.
Unpacking the Plot: What's Next for Vash the Stampede?
Trigun Stargaze picks up about 2.5 years after the intense events of Trigun Stampede. The world is still reeling from the devastating Lost JuLai tragedy, which plunged an entire planet into chaos. Our beloved Vash, now going by the alias "Eriks," is living in hiding within a small settlement on Noman's Land. He's reportedly lost his memory after his climactic battle with his brother, Millions Knives.
But Vash can't stay hidden for long. Meryl Stryfe, now a seasoned senior journalist, is on his trail, accompanied by her new (and highly anticipated) partner, Milly Thompson. Their investigation into a fresh wave of plant robberies soon leads them to suspect that Millions Knives' organization is once again pulling strings from the shadows.
The stakes get even higher when a young girl named Jessica arrives with an urgent SOS from the third colony ship, which is supposedly humanity's last refuge. This forces Vash to confront his past and his long-standing feud with Knives, all while trying to protect those he cares about. Adding another layer of intrigue, a mysterious message from Earth broadcasts across the planet, promising a "new frontier" to those who wish to accompany a fleet of colony ships. Just when everyone starts to hope, the ominous "one-winged angel" returns, bringing despair. It sounds like all fates are converging for a truly explosive finale!
Who's Back? The Stellar Cast and Creative Team Behind Stargaze
Good news, everyone! Many familiar voices are returning to bring our favorite characters to life, along with some exciting new additions. Here’s a quick rundown of the main English voice cast:
- Vash the Stampede: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
- Meryl Stryfe: Sakura Ando
- Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Milly Thompson: Chika Ayamori (a new voice for the fan-favorite character!)
- Millions Knives: Ryuji Sato (taking over from Junya Ikeda)
- Legato Bluesummers: Kōki Uchiyama
- Elendira the Crimsonnail: Ayumu Murase
- William Conrad: Ryūsei Nakao
- Zazie the Beast: TARAKO
Behind the scenes, the talented team from Trigun Stampede is largely reuniting. Masako Sato, known for her work on Haikyu!! To The Top, is back in the director's chair at Studio Orange. Takehiko Oxi returns with the original story draft, while Kazuyuki Fudeyasu (Girls' Last Tour, Do It Yourself!!) handles the series scripts. Kouji Tajima is back as the original character designer and concept artist, ensuring that unique Stampede aesthetic carries through. And Kiyotaka Oshiyama, acclaimed for his work on Look Back, is the animation character designer, having previously contributed special effect design to Stampede.
This returning creative powerhouse promises to deliver a finale that’s both visually stunning and deeply emotional.
"Can I cry? Hey, can I cry?! Is it okay if I cry happy tears?!"
— An excited fan's reaction to the Trigun Stargaze announcementStudio Orange's Signature CGI: A Feature, Not a Flaw in Modern Anime
One of the most talked-about aspects of Trigun Stampede was its heavy reliance on CGI animation, a technique that often divides anime fans. However, Studio Orange has consistently proven themselves to be masters of the craft. With acclaimed works like Beastars and Land of the Lustrous under their belt, they've turned CGI into a genuine strength, showcasing its potential for fluidity, expression, and cinematic depth that many traditional 2D productions struggle to match.
While some purists of the '90s Trigun series might still prefer traditional animation, fans of Stampede know that Orange's 3D approach isn't a shortcut; it's a deliberate artistic choice that gives the action sequences and character movements a dynamic, unique flair. The article notes that their CGI use is "careful," making it a distinguishing feature rather than a detriment, unlike how CGI has been perceived in other anime adaptations.
January 2026: A Stacked Anime Season Awaits Vash
When Trigun Stargaze lands in January 2026, it's going to be entering a pretty crowded anime landscape. Crunchyroll's Winter 2026 lineup is already looking packed, with major returning hits like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2, Hell's Paradise, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Oshi no Ko all vying for viewer attention. Plus, Disney and Hulu's Medalist is also set to bring its own acclaimed 3D CG animation to the mix.
Despite this fierce competition, Trigun Stargaze holds a unique appeal. It's the culmination of a beloved franchise, offering a chance to see Yasuhiro Nightow's expansive manga fully adapted through Studio Orange's distinctive vision. The quick turnaround from Stampede to Stargaze is also relatively unheard of in the anime industry, which is a testament to the studio's dedication and the project's momentum. This means fans won't have to wait an agonizingly long time to see how Vash's story concludes.
A Grand Finale that Promises Devastation and Dazzle
This "final phase" isn't just a continuation; it's being pitched as a definitive conclusion to Vash the Stampede's chaotic yet compassionate journey. The series promises to push Vash's pacifist ideals to their absolute limits as the universe spirals towards destruction. The official synopsis hints at him adopting an alias, living in hiding, and then being forced back into action by an SOS from a colony ship. It’s all leading to that ultimate confrontation with Millions Knives, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.
With promotional materials ominously declaring, "On a dying planet, a new battle begins," we can expect an emotionally charged and action-packed ride. Studio Orange aims to deliver a finale that honors Nightow's original vision while embracing modern storytelling. So, get ready to experience the final chapter of Vash's saga—whether it ends with a bang or a whisper of "Love & Peace," it's sure to be unforgettable.
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FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Trigun Stargaze Answered
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Sources
- io9 - ‘Trigun Stargaze’ Will Dazzle and Devastate You in 2026
- Anime News Network - Trigun Stargaze Anime Listed as Premiering in January 2026
- Anime Trending - Trigun Stargaze Reveals Latest Visual, Teaser Trailer, New Cast, & January 2026...
- Final Weapon - Trigun Stargaze Anime Premieres in January 2026, New Teaser Trailer and Key Visual Revealed
- SoapCentral - Trigun Stargaze: Studio Orange confirms January 2026 premiere for the final chapter
- ScreenRant - Trigun Stargaze Confirmed For Crunchyroll In January 2026 As Series' Finale