Final Fantasy 9 Animated Series Revived, Set for 2028 Release

The animated series based on Final Fantasy 9, once thought to be abandoned, has apparently found new life with another production company aiming for a 2028 release. Back in 2021, it was first announced that French production house Cyber Group Studios was bringing our beloved characters from Final Fantasy 9—arguably the finest entry in the franchise—to the screen. However, the closure of Cyber Group earlier this year left fans fearing the project had met its end.

But hold onto your Chocobos! According to a report by French magazine Écran Total, as highlighted by BlueSky user ensis, production for the animated series is back on track with Euro Visual. The details are promising: the series is planned to be a 2D animated show comprising 13 episodes, each running approximately 22 minutes. It’s set to focus on six Black Mages, the offspring of one of the game’s key characters, Vivi.

Interestingly, this plot synopsis aligns with earlier leaks detailing a project titled “Final Fantasy 9: The Black Mages’ Legacy,” which featured similar key art, including a depiction of one of the Mages frozen in place. While this revival might seem detached from the whispers of a Final Fantasy 9 remake, I can’t help but let my imagination run wild with the possibilities. Could this resurgence indicate something bigger is on the horizon?

It’s worth noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9, a celebration of a game that has left a significant mark in the hearts of RPG fans. As I reflect on its legacy, I have my own little dose of optimism: if this animated series could manage to rise from the ashes, who knows what else might be in the pipeline for fans waiting on that elusive remake?