SDCC Panel Unveils Major Milestones for the Franchise That Brought Gundam to America and Sets the Stage for What’s Next
LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing took center stage at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 as fans packed the room to celebrate the legacy of the first Gundam series ever broadcast in the United States. Presented by Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., the official Gundam Stage marked a landmark moment in series history, the very first SDCC panel dedicated to Gundam Wing.
Hosted by MC Jacki Jing, the event opened with the original Gundam Wing opening animation, setting the tone for a high-energy celebration. Fans cheered as English voice actors Mark Hildreth (Heero Yuy), Scott McNeil (Duo Maxwell), and Brad Swaile (Quatre Raberba Winner) took the stage, later joined by longtime Gundam Executive Producer Naohiro Ogata. Attendees also got a first look at exclusive giveaway items, including Gunpla kits, art cards, posters, and a commemorative booklet, distributed outside the room after the panel.
Fans were encouraged to take out their phones as a new 30th anniversary key visual was unveiled, inspired by the eye-catch frames from the commercial breaks of the original broadcast. The moment gave way to a thoughtful conversation, as the cast reflected on Gundam Wing’s legacy, sharing memories from early recording sessions and the show’s impact on their lives.
- “We got the buzz right from the get-go. But this was different. You started to quickly learn this was something special,” said McNeil.
- Swaile added, “I was new to anime. Learning the Gundam style was wonderful. The immediate success of Wing in America was incredible.”
- “We were lucky to jump onto a train of amazing animation, music, and themes,” said Hildreth. “You start watching it for the action, but later realize there’s more going on underneath.”
The panel was packed with announcements that excited longtime fans and new viewers alike, spotlighting nostalgic releases and upcoming projects. Highlights included the screening of Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz -Special Edition- at theaters in 4K this fall in the United States. Fans can now stream all episodes of Gundam Wing (English dub) for free on the Gundam Info YouTube channel. On July 25, a new highlight reel narrated by Toshihiko Seki, the Japanese voice of Duo Maxwell, premiered on the same channel at 8:00 PM PDT.
A new Gundam Wing manga launches in Japan this August, featuring Meilan Long and Adin Lowe. Chapter 1 of the English version is already live on the Gundam Wing 30th Anniversary website. The panel also revealed newly drawn character reference sheets for Heero, Relena, Zechs, and all five pilots, along with “Cloaked Custom” mobile suits created for the anniversary PV. That PV, directed by Toru Iwasawa (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End), premiered during the event and featured updated animation, fan-favorite moments, and a modern look that stays true to the original series.
Looking ahead, fans received a first look at the next chapter of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM Hathaway through a teaser video and a special video message from Kensho Ono, the voice of Hathaway Noa. Executive Producer Naohiro Ogata also shared an update on the sequel film The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, confirming its Japanese release this winter and to expect for a North American release.
On the merchandise front, fans got an early look at new and upcoming items, including:
- The Entry Grade Wing Gundam and updated figures from the Gundam Universe and Metal Robot Spirits lines
- The official launch of the Gundam Card Game, with starter decks and booster packs now available
- The announcement of the Gundam Base Mobile USA Tour, coming to California with exclusive merch, Gunpla workshops, and photo ops
- A preview of the Gundam Layered Graph and a limited-edition hanging scroll featuring traditional Japanese ink art of Wing Gundam Zero
In a fun twist, the voice cast competed in a live Gunpla building challenge. Brad Swaile took the win to enthusiastic applause.
Looking ahead, the panel teased what’s next for the Gundam franchise:
- A teaser for MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM Hathaway – The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, release in North America to be dated
- A compilation film for Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans – Urdr Hunt will hit Japanese theaters on October 31, with North American release news to follow
- A major relaunch of Gundam INFO to gundam-official.com, set to become the global hub for franchise news, streaming info, and products
To close the celebration, fans received a surprise video message from Hikaru Midorikawa, the Japanese voice of Heero Yuy, paired with emotional responses from the English cast.
- “You guys keep Gundam alive,” said McNeil. “We’re just facilitators, but you bring it to life.”
- “These aren’t final words,” said Swaile. “I hope we get to do this again soon.”
- “Thank you for supporting Gundam for 30 years,” Ogata concluded. “I’m honored to celebrate this milestone with you.”
The celebration continues online and at the BNTCA booth at SDCC, where fans can see production art, life-size character panels, and a looping display of the 30th Anniversary PV. For more updates, visit https://gundam-official.com and follow the Gundam Info YouTube channel.
About Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
“Mobile Suit Gundam Wing” is the second title in the Gundam Alternative series. The story kicks off with an explosive opening, as five Gundam mobile suits launch a surprise attack on a powerful organization—setting the tone for a nonstop, high-stakes narrative that continues all the way through the finale. It is also notable for being the first Gundam series to be broadcast in the United States.
Summary of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
A.C. 195. The space colonies launch Operation Meteor, dropping Gundam mobile suits onto Earth to strike back against the United Earth Sphere Alliance which rules over them with armed force. After catching sight of Heero Yuy, one of the Gundam pilots, Relena Darlian is caught up in the vortex of fate. Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, Quatre Raberba Winner, and Chang Wufei–four other Gundam pilots with the same mission as Heero–begin encountering one another as if drawn together. Through the schemes of Treize Khushrenada, leader of the secret society known as OZ, they end up wiping out the peaceful faction of the Alliance leadership. With this incident, OZ steps onto the center stage of history.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Social Media
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing 30th Anniversary Special Website: www.gundam.info/feature/gundam-w/
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E:N https://x.com/GundamInfoNA
JP: https://x.com/GundamW_Info
Recommended Hashtag: #GundamWing
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SOURCE Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
