Haikyuu!! Movie 2: vs the Little Giant What We Know So Far

(Image credit: Production I.G Studio)
The electrifying continuation of Haikyuu!! is finally on the horizon with its second and potentially final movie: Haikyuu!! The Movie: VS The Little Giant. Following the massive success of Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle, fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment, which promises to be one of the most intense and emotional matches in the series. Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming movie and what the future might hold for the anime franchise.
Haikyuu!! Movie 2: VS The Little Giant Release Date Speculation
At the time of writing, no official release date has been announced for Haikyuu!! VS The Little Giant. However, based on the previous movie's timeline, there’s a strong precedent for estimating a likely window:
- The Dumpster Battle was announced in August 2022
- It was released in February 2024 (approx. 18 months later)
If VS The Little Giant follows a similar production cycle (it was officially green-lit in March 2025), a Fall 2026 release seems the most likely. There is no indication that the film will release in 2025, especially in Western markets, where a delayed premiere is typical.
During a special Haikyuu!! event in Tokyo, a new teaser trailer and visual were released, giving fans their first official look at Haikyuu!! VS. Chiisana Kyojin (VS The Little Giant). The teaser features Hinata gazing toward the rafters with a determined smile, highlighting the film’s intense emotional tone. Check out the teaser trailer below!
What Will Haikyuu!! VS The Little Giant Cover?
The second movie will adapt the highly anticipated Karasuno vs. Kamomedai match from the Tokyo Nationals arc. This game will showcase the clash of the Little Giants, with Shoyo Hinata facing off against Korai Hoshiumi, another short but explosively powerful player who shares Hinata’s title and ambitions.
Specifically, the film is expected to cover:
- Chapter 327
- Chapters 338 to 365, encompassing the bulk of the match against Kamomedai
This match is significant not only because of its technical gameplay and emotional weight but also because it marks one of Hinata's greatest character evolutions. The presence of legendary coach Washijo and former ace Tenma Udai (the original Little Giant) adds further gravitas to the story.
Will This Be the Final Movie?
While the franchise initially labeled these two films as the "final movies", recent changes hint otherwise. The removal of the word “FINAL” from promotional materials and the announcement of a short, anime special (Where the Monsters Go, covering Fukurodani vs. Mujinazaka from chapters 328–337) has sparked hope among fans that more content may be coming.
This new TV special, officially titled Haikyuu!! Bakemonotachi no Iku Tokoro (“The Place Where Monsters Go”), will focus on Bokuto and Kiryu in a high-stakes match between Fukurodani and Mujinazaka, further expanding the Nationals arc and giving fan-favorite players more spotlight.
Returning Cast and Characters
Fans can expect all the main Karasuno members to return for VS The Little Giant:
- Shoyo Hinata (voiced by Ayumu Murase)
- Tobio Kageyama (voiced by Kaito Ishikawa)
- Daichi Sawamura, Asahi Azumane, Yuu Nishinoya, Ryunosuke Tanaka
- Tsukishima, Sugawara, Yamaguchi, Yachi, and Kiyoko
Kamomedai’s team will be led by:
- Korai Hoshiumi (voiced by Natsuki Hanae)
- Hirugami, the middle blocker (voiced by Yu Miyazaki)
- Sawa, the team's setter and captain (VA TBA)
Director Susumu Mitsunaka, who previously directed Haikyuu!! Season 1 and The Dumpster Battle, is also returning to helm the second movie, raising expectations for another high-quality production.
Where to Watch Haikyuu!! VS The Little Giant
Following the model of The Dumpster Battle, the movie will likely premiere in Japanese theaters first, followed by an international release and a streaming debut on Crunchyrollapproximately 8 months later. Fans should stay tuned for further updates about global screenings and eventual streaming availability.
Is Haikyuu!! Getting a Season 5?
While there’s no official confirmation of Season 5, many fans are now hopeful. With over 35 manga chapters still unadapted, including the Brazil arc, Oikawa’s return, and post-timeskip storylines, it seems unlikely that two movies alone could wrap up the anime satisfactorily.
If VS The Little Giant performs well (and given that The Dumpster Battle grossed over $100 million globally), Production I.G. may very well decide to adapt the remaining content through:
- A full final season (Season 5)
- A series of theatrical films
- A series of television specials
- Or streaming-exclusive OVAs
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Still in Motion
Haikyuu!! VS The Little Giant isn’t just another movie, it’s the emotional and competitive climax of Hinata's high school journey. Whether or not it marks the end of the anime adaptation remains to be seen, but it's clear that this movie will be a monumental event for fans of the series. With unforgettable rivalries, explosive animation, and deep character development, the upcoming film has the potential to be the best Haikyuu!! entry yet.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to soar one more time with the crows of Karasuno.