Netflix Unveils ‘Mononoke the Movie: Chapter III – The Curse of the Serpent’ Trailer

Netflix has unveiled the primary trailer and key visuals for Mononoke the Movie: Chapter III – The Curse of the Serpent, the epic conclusion of the Mononoke film series, set to premiere on September 29. The Curse of the Serpent continues the story after Phantom in the Rain (2024) and The Ashes of Rage (2025).

Originally aired in the 2000s, the television anime Mononoke (a spinoff of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales) tells the story of a mysterious figure known only as the Medicine Seller, who journeys to exorcise spirits — mononoke — that arise from human passions and grudges.

Across the three feature film installments, the narrative unfolds against the magnificent backdrop of the Ōoku — the inner sanctum of Edo Castle where noblewomen dwell. The film series adopts a distinctive format, directing focus toward women of progressively higher status with each chapter.

Chapter I, The Phantom in the Rain, highlights a recently arrived maid; Chapter II, The Ashes of Rage, centers on the Ochurou, the elite courtesans of the Ōoku; and Chapter III, The Curse of the Serpent, centers on the Midaidokoro, the highest-ranking woman in the Ōoku. Each film explores the inner conflicts of women from diverse backgrounds, skillfully connecting the subtle hints introduced since the series’ inception…

The first two films are currently available for streaming on Netflix.

The Curse of the Serpent is brought to screens by chief director Kenji Nakamura, director Tomoaki Koshida, and screenwriter Yasumi Atarashi. The film is produced by Twin Engine’s studio EOTA, Engine of the Animation (The Ribbon Hero, Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, Drifting Home).

The creative team includes character designer Kitsuneko Nagata, animation character designer & chief animation director Yuichi Takahashi, background designer Youichi Katoono, background art directors Akira Kuramoto and Yoko Saito, art supervisor Takashi Kurahashi, color designer Kunio Tsujita, and visual director Yoichi Senzui.

Synopsis: Following the fierce clash between the Medicine Seller, bearer of the Sacred Sword, and the Karakasa, succeeded by the struggle with the Hinezumi — two significant events stemming from Mononoke — tranquility seemingly returns to the Inner Chambers. However, the Medicine Seller feels that something remains unresolved… and stays ever vigilant.

In this fragile peace, Yukiko, the lawful spouse of the Emperor, is blessed with a long-anticipated male heir. Yet the joy is short-lived — the newborn is lost, despite all the fervent prayers.

Hoping to change her empty marriage through childbirth, Yukiko succumbs to despair… and is pulled into a scheme that endangers the very essence of the Inner Chambers.

Sorrow without solace. Anger without sanctuary. Such feelings start to materialize. Hokuto Mizorogi, priest of the Inner Chambers’ faith called “Omizusama,” observes silently. Concurrently, strange tremors begin to disrupt the Inner Chambers. As if something immense stirs beneath the earth, triangular scales mysteriously descend… followed by a series of horrific deaths, bodies twisted, crushed, and strangled.

Before the Medicine Seller emerges a Mononoke resembling a colossal serpent, the snake deity. Although it is temporarily repelled with talismans, the Medicine Seller struggles to unsheathe the Sacred Sword. To do so, he needs to unveil its “Shape”, “Truth”, and “Reason”. Only then can the sword be drawn, and the Mononoke vanquished.

Where did the snake deity originate? What fuels its overwhelming fury? And why has it surfaced now?

The answers reside 150 years in the past, intertwined with the obscure origins of the Ōoku. The Inner Chambers were established by Ama-no-Tsubone, who was the wet nurse to the Third Emperor.

This system supported an era of peace and gradually became venerated as “Omizusama.” Sensing an intensifying disturbance, the Medicine Seller ventures to the shrine at the altar’s core, where he uncovers a truth that was never intended to be revealed.

The entwined fates of the third lawful wife and Ama-no-Tsubone, the mysteries of the Mizorogi lineage, and the genuine cause behind the recurring Mononoke appearances in the Ōoku all converge, weaving every thread into unity.

Confronting what can only be described as the essence of the Ōoku’s dark legacy, the Medicine Seller readies himself to risk everything in combat. Yet the snake deity, fueled by centuries of amassed hatred, possesses unimaginable power, pushing him towards an unforeseen crisis. As death looms, even more terrifying horrors arise.

What destiny awaits the Medicine Seller as he faces his utmost challenge yet?

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