Titled The Apothecary Diaries The Late Lady’s Treasure is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theatres on December 11 2026 and crunchyroll acquiring worldwide theatrical distribution rights outside Asia with India explicitly included in the distribution territories in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment. However the Indian theatrical release date is yet to be officially announced.
The latest promotional campaign has introduced several new characters through a series of trailers released between October 11 and 14 including members of the Bi clan, Kaja gang of water bandits and two figures connected to a deceased imperial consort. These reveals offer a glimpse into the film’s expanding cast and hint at a mystery that takes Maomao beyond the familiar confines of the imperial palace.
What makes the film particularly noteworthy is its original story written by series creator Natsu Hyuga. Rather than simply revisiting familiar material the production promises a new mystery designed specifically for the big screen giving longtime viewers another reason to follow Maomao and Jinshi beyond the television series.
The film's expanding cast adds further intrigue with Nobuo Tobita, Kumiko Watanabe and Hirofumi Nojima voicing key members of the Bi clan while Kensho Ono joins as Suija leader of the Kaja gang. Miyuki Sawashiro and Ai Mikami round out the new additions as the late consort Ruoqing and her former head maid Yinshan bringing fresh connections to the film’s central mystery.
With its expanding cast and carefully timed reveals that The Apothecary Diaries is building anticipation through character and mystery rather than spectacle alone. The December release will ultimately determine how successfully this palace intrigue translates into a theatrical experience.
For now, Maomao's next investigation appears to be one of the franchise most intriguing developments yet.