The Sword Art Online franchise has announced a new original film, titled Sword Art Online -Integral Domain-, set to debut in 2028. This film marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it is the first time a story not originally told in the web novel has been announced. Based on an original story by Reki Kawahara, the film takes place after the Sword Art Online: Alicization story arc. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka and Haruka Tomatsu reprise their roles as Kirito and Asuna, respectively. Shingo Adachi is directing the film at A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio, with Yumiko Yamamoto designing the characters. The film is set to be distributed by Animec. The announcement was made during the Sword Art Online franchise's 'Yuna First Live' concert, which celebrated the 10th anniversary of the franchise and the online launch of the fictional in-story game. The franchise had previously hinted at a new film project in November 2022, and the 'Yuna First Live' concert ended with a teaser for the film. Reki Kawahara began the Sword Art Online web novel in 2001 and has since inspired novel and manga spinoffs, a television anime adaptation with several seasons, an anime film, and a proposed live-action series. The franchise's new action RPG, Echoes of Aincrad, is set to launch in Japan on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 9, and on PC via Steam on July 10. In the West, it will launch on all these platforms on July 10. The film's announcement marks an exciting development for fans of the franchise, as it promises to bring new stories and adventures to the world of Sword Art Online.
