Political intrigue and poisons are set to make their biggest leap to the big screen. The production committee behind the animated adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries (known by purist fans as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) released the spectacular official trailer for its first cinematic venture. The feature film, officially titled The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort, is set to premiere on December 11 in Japanese cinemas, closing a year that will also see the start of its third season in October.

Unlike the cases seen in the TV series, this film will not directly adapt existing volumes of the light novel. It is a completely original script written by the very creator of the work, Natsu Hyūga. The narrative will force Maomao and Jinshi to leave the comforts of the imperial court for a risky journey south, specifically to the Minan-shu region. In this exotic setting of unknown flora, the duo will have to deal with fierce aquatic bandits and face what the trailer describes as the biggest and deadliest mystery in the entire franchise.

Voice cast for the new adventure

To ensure this leap to cinema maintains the high visual quality standard, Norihiro Naganuma returns to take full control as director. On the audio side, the main voice talent returns as expected, fine-tuning any production details and ensuring interactions maintain that unique chemistry. Additionally, the trailer introduced a veteran of the industry who will test the protagonist’s deductive skills with a brand-new character.

Voice Cast

• Aoi Yuuki (Madoka Kaname in Puella Magi Madoka Magica) as Maomao.
• Takeo Otsuka (Aqua in Oshi no Ko) as Jinshi.
• Mariya Ise (Killua Zoldyck in Hunter x Hunter) as Muchin.

Moving the action outside the palace is a fascinating narrative device to test the pharmacist’s medical knowledge. Do you think this original story will impact as much as the dark canonical secrets hidden within the royalty?