Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil

Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil — Release Date: 27 February 2026.
Directed by Tetsuo Yajima and written by Isao Murayama, the film is a Japanese animated science-fantasy adventure and the 45th feature-length entry in the Doraemon franchise. Produced by Shin-Ei Animation, the film serves as a remake of the 1983 classic Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil, originally created by Fujiko F. Fujio.

The story begins during summer vacation, when Nobita and his friends argue over where to go camping. Doraemon proposes an unconventional solution: camping in the middle of the ocean. Using futuristic gadgets such as the Underwater Buggy and the Tekio Light, the group embarks on an undersea expedition that transforms leisure into discovery. As they explore the ocean depths, they encounter unfamiliar marine life and uncover traces of a forgotten world beneath the surface.

Their adventure deepens after discovering a sunken ship, leading them to El, a mysterious young inhabitant of an advanced underwater civilisation. El belongs to the Mu Federation, a society that exists beneath the sea and remains deeply distrustful of surface dwellers. This mistrust introduces a cultural and ideological divide, placing Nobita and his friends in a position where cooperation must be earned rather than assumed.

As tensions rise, news spreads of a massive structure known as Devil’s Rock Castle beginning to move beneath the ocean. The emergence of this ancient force introduces a global threat that extends beyond the undersea world, linking the fate of land and ocean alike. Faced with uncertainty and resistance, Nobita and his friends must rely on trust, empathy, and collective courage as they navigate unfamiliar terrain and complex alliances.

Tetsuo Yajima’s direction brings a renewed visual scale to the underwater setting, expanding the franchise’s sense of wonder while maintaining its emotional accessibility. The screenplay by Isao Murayama blends classic Doraemon adventure themes with environmental and cross-cultural undertones, positioning friendship as the central force capable of bridging divided worlds.

As a modern reimagining of an early franchise milestone, Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil combines nostalgic storytelling with contemporary animation sensibilities, offering a theatrical experience rooted in exploration, cooperation, and imagination.