Deaf Crocodile & Cartuna Announce Tamala 2030 Sequel Anime Film: What Fans Need to Know
Discover which exciting films are set for North American theatrical release in 2026. Stay ahead with the latest movie release updates and trends.
Exciting News: New Anime Film Set for Theatrical Release in North America in 2026
California-based distribution company Deaf Crocodile has announced a thrilling upcoming release. Along with Cartuna, they have acquired the North American rights to the highly anticipated anime film Tamala 2030: A Punk Cat in Dark, described as a "psychedelic cyber-noir". The plan is to bring this visually stunning film to theaters across North America in 2026.
Note: The trailer includes English subtitles that can be toggled.
This film is a follow-up to the cult favorite Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space, and features the creative duo K. and kuno, known collectively as t.o.L, returning as writer, composer, and director.
Deaf Crocodile describes the film:
"Written, directed, and composed by the mysterious duo K. and kuno — collectively known as t.o.L — Tamala 2030 continues the existential journey of its iconic feline anti-hero. Set in Cat Tokyo in 2030, the story follows Tamala—a chain-smoking, time-hopping cat—who joins her detective friend Michelangelo to investigate strange disappearances across Cat Japan. Their investigation uncovers ancient occult forces, cosmic prophecies, and a shadowy megacorporation called Catty & Co. As the mystery deepens, Tamala might be more than just a mascot—she could be a messiah, a myth, or the end of everything."
If Tamala 2010 was a subversive take on kawaii culture through a punk sci-fi lens, Tamala 2030 takes it further into a futuristic Neo-Noir universe. Inspired by the COVID pandemic's impact, the film is a kaleidoscope of surreal satire, pop iconography, and mind-bending narratives, blending influences from Philip K. Dick, David Lynch, and Thomas Pynchon with the aesthetics of Hello Kitty and post-internet paranoia. The result? A visually and philosophically radical experience—part art film, part cosmic joke, wholly unique.
The film will premiere at the 29th annual Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, running from July 16 to August 3.
Additionally, Deaf Crocodile previously released the Tamala 2010 anime on home video in October, marking its first English release since its original 2002 Japanese debut.
t.o.L directed, wrote, and designed characters for the film, with Kentaro Nemoto handling character design and 2D animation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
Source: Deaf Crocodile's Twitter