Fans of the long-running isekai series That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime received a surprise yesterday with the announcement of a new anime movie in the works. However, it’s too soon to start lining up outside the theater just yet—the film, titled Soukai no Namida-hen (“Tears of the Blue Sea Arc”), won’t hit screens until February 2026.
Along with the announcement, a key visual was released, featuring Rimuru Tempest walking underwater with a stern expression. With Season 3 of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime having concluded last year and Season 4 now in production, Tears of the Blue Sea Arc ensures that fans will have plenty of Slime-themed content to look forward to in the near future.
The Origins of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
From Light Novel to Anime Success
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime began in 2013 as a light novel written by Fuse, originally published online. It follows Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old corporate worker who is fatally stabbed and reincarnated in a fantasy world as a slime named Rimuru Tempest. Embracing his new form, Rimuru embarks on adventures, befriends various creatures, and establishes the nation of Tempest, aiming to foster peaceful coexistence among all races.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was a hit in the early days of the isekai boom, when stories of people being reborn in fantasy worlds still felt fresh. After the light novels were published in print in 2014, a manga adaptation followed in 2015. The series made the leap to anime in 2018, proving so successful that a spin-off, The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, was released in 2021. The franchise then expanded into film with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bond in 2022.
A Standout in the Isekai Genre
A Refreshingly Honest Series That Stays Away From Troublesome Tropes
While the isekai anime genre is now crowded, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has established itself as a standard of the genre, beloved for its strong character development and intricate world-building. The series is also appreciated because it stays away from the most troublesome tropes of the genre and excessive fanservice.
Related
How To Watch That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime: Where It’s Streaming & What Episodes You Should Skip
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is available for streaming and purchase on multiple platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll.
As anticipation builds for Tears of the Blue Sea Arc, it’s clear that the franchise is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether through new anime seasons, spin-offs, or films, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime continues to prove that even a humble slime can have a big impact.
Source: Otaku USA magazine
