The Gundam faithful were rewarded at New York Comic Con 2026 as they were given a special look into the future of the Cosmic Era during the “GUNDAM Showcase 2026 @ NYC – Feat. SEED FREEDOM ZERO” panel. Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. brought together Japanese production staff and the original English voice cast of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED to celebrate the franchise’s history and share exciting details about the next animated chapter, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM ZERO.
The panel featured Gundam series Executive Producer Naohiro Ogata and MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM ZERO Planning Producer Kaori Shida alongside voice actors Matt Hill (Kira Yamato), Sam Vincent (Athrun Zala), and Matthew Erickson (Shinn Asuka).
Reflecting on 50 Years
The showcase began with Executive Producer Naohiro Ogata highlighting the expanding global community surrounding the Gundam franchise. Looking ahead to the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Gundam, Ogata invited fans worldwide to “enjoy Gundam life” through upcoming productions, releases, and special events.
The English voice cast then put on an absolute show surprising the room with a live scene reenactment from the original MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED series before sharing their fondness for the iconic Gunpla model kits on display.
Matt Hill recalled discovering the model kits after working on the show, sharing, “This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.”
Sam Vincent reflected on his character’s iconic mobile suit, adding, “I remember seeing the Justice Gundam and saying, ‘That’s me!’ And these take me back.”
Matthew Erickson, a self-proclaimed “Gunpla nerd,” revealed that building and painting the kits has long been a personal hobby of his.
Teaser Trailer and Plot Details Revealed
Following the discussion, the auditorium lights dimmed for the debut of the brand-new MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM ZERO teaser trailer.
Planning Producer Kaori Shida took to the stage and confirmed that SEED FREEDOM ZERO is set chronologically between MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED DESTINY and MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM.
Shida revealed that the story was written by the late Chiaki Morosawa. The script was originally developed during the production of FREEDOM to explore the core characters’ internal emotional journeys during that crucial gap in the timeline.
A new teaser visual was also revealed, featuring Shinn Asuka prominently in the foreground with Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala behind him.
Bandai Namco unveiled an array of new SEED FREEDOM ZERO merchandise and Gunpla kits, including:
- Infinite Justice Gundam and Booster Unit
- Murasame Kai
- Gouf Ignited Custom
- Infinite Justice Gundam (SEED FREEDOM ZERO Ver.)
- New Figures: Shinn Asuka, Lunamaria Hawke, Leonard Valway, and Lacus Clyne
The showcase ended with the panel confirming that Matt Hill, Sam Vincent, and Matthew Erickson will reprise their iconic roles as Kira, Athrun, and Shinn for the English dub of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM ZERO.
Erickson expressed his gratitude to the audience, saying, “I am overwhelmed, you know? I feel amazing and I’m so thankful to all of the fans.”
Hill agreed, noting the rare opportunity to return to characters years later: “When a show ends, you think you may not get to do this again.”
Vincent shared the excitement, exclaiming to the crowd, “It’s an honor!”
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED FREEDOM ZERO will release in theaters across North America in February 2027. The Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
