A new trailer for the newest upcoming Digimon film, Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna, was released. This trailer gives a glimpse into the story of the film, which could possibly be the final appearance of the original Digimon Adventure cast.
The movie takes place after the previous entry in the Digimon Adventure timeline, Digimon Adventure tri, and features the Digidestined right on the cusp of adulthood. However, they soon learn that their partnership with their Digimon will soon end once they become adults. At the same time, a new evil Digimon named Eosmon is robbing the consciousness of other Digidestined around the world. As fighting with their Digimon will shorten their remaining time together, the team must struggle with the choice of cherishing their remaining time with their Digimon partners or going into battle.
As part of the 20 year anniversary of the Digimon franchise, Last Evolution Kizuna seems to also be addressing grievances fans had toward the previous anniversary film project, Digimon Adventure tri. The reception of tri was generally mixed for a variety of reasons. Although fans loved the fanservice, such as the remaining non-lead Digimon receiving their Mega forms, the movies were criticized for its lackluster plot, the usage of filler subplots, and the unusual exclusion of the Adventure 02 cast. This was on top of the release cycle of the films being spread over two years.
From watching the trailer, the new directions that differentiate Last Evolution Kizuna from tri become obvious. The basic theme about saying goodbye to old friends and entering adulthood is a meaningful concept that would resonate with the adults that had previously watched the original Adventure series as children. This type of audience connection is something that was missing from tri, whose plot was ultimately without consequence. In addition, the 02 cast members that were conspicuously missing from tri are shown to make an appearance. Finally, the trailer ends with two silhouettes, teasing the possibility of Agumon and Gabumon receiving two new evolutions after 20 years.
Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna premieres in Japanese theaters on February 21st, 2020.
