SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Wednesday, July 1, 2026 — VIZ Media today announced that BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, the latest installment of the blockbuster anime franchise, will premiere July 25 at 7:30 a.m. PDT exclusively on Hulu in the United States and Disney+ in select international markets.
Marking the next chapter in the acclaimed adaptation of Tite Kubo's bestselling manga, BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity brings fans closer to the conclusion of one of anime's most influential modern sagas. As long-buried truths surrounding the Soul Reapers come to light, Ichigo Kurosaki faces his most consequential battle yet in a conflict that will determine the fate of all worlds.
Produced by PIERROT FILMS, BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity is directed by Tomohisa Taguchi, with series composition by Tomohisa Taguchi and Masaki Hiramatsu and music by renowned composer Shiro SAGISU. Kubo remains closely involved in the production, continuing the creator's oversight of the anime's final arc.
"BLEACH helped define modern anime for an entire generation of fans and creators, and its impact continues to be felt around the world today," said Brian Ige, General Manager at VIZ Media "BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity marks a pivotal moment in the final arc of this extraordinary story, bringing audiences closer than ever to its long-awaited conclusion. We're excited for fans everywhere to experience what is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable chapters in anime history."
Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, BLEACH has since become a global entertainment phenomenon, spanning manga, television, film, games, consumer products, and live events.
The franchise's return with BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War has reignited worldwide interest in the property, earning critical acclaim and consistently ranking among the most-watched and most-discussed anime releases.
Official synopsis:
Destruction looms at the end of the Thousand-Year Blood War between the Soul Reapers and Quincies…
The Royal Guard Squad Zero confronts Yhwach as he attempts to enter the Royal Palace. However, the Quincy King and his Royal Guard shatter Squad Zero's powerful Bankai and finally steps into the Reio Greater Palace.
Ichibe Hyosube entrusts Ichigo Kurosaki and his allies to protect the Soul King, but due to Yhwach's trickery, Ichigo cuts down the Soul King with his sword.
The death of the Soul King mirrors the collapse of the Three Worlds, as distortions and omens of destruction start to appear in all realms.
The Thirteen Court Guard Squads join forces with the surviving Quincies and head for the Royal Palace, but it's fallen under the control of the Wandenreich, who have transformed it into the Wahr Welt. The Royal Guard wait for them within the castle, ominously towering against the sky.
Fierce battles then erupt throughout the Wahr Welt between the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the Royal Guard. Ichigo learns about Uryu's true intentions and renews his determination to protect the world together, as friends who trust each other.
Yhwach has surpassed even his own ability, The Almighty...
The fierce battle for the survival of the Three Worlds approaches its end.
Beyond the chaos of calamity, what lies in wait—despair or hope?
About VIZ Media:
Wherever manga and anime fans are, we are! VIZ Media is No. 1 in Japanese pop culture, introducing fans to what’s now, new, and next. Home to the world’s most influential and groundbreaking storytellers and artists, who today drive multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. If it’s big in Japan, you can find it at VIZ.
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