Haikyuu VS The Little Giant is still a little ways away from hitting theaters, but in the meantime, we've got a confirmed release window as well as a pair of teasers to tide us over. 2025 was anime's biggest year ever in terms of global reach, and with Haikyuu VS The Little Giant on the horizon among many other high-profile releases, its audience is shaping up to get even bigger as the years roll on.
Though there has been a bit of a drought of new info since the initial announcement of Haikyuu VS The Little Giant, we have gotten a pair of teaser videos, and we do know something of the plot, which follows up on 2024's The Dumpster Battle by pitting Hinata against a new opponent as the nationals continue.
Haikyuu VS The Little Giant release date
Although there is no release date for Haikyuu VS The Little Giant, it has been confirmed that it will arrive in 2027.
The Dumpster Battle was announced in August 2022 before finally dropping some 18 months later in February 2024 in Japan. If that were to be the same again, we would have seen the movie in fall 2026, but it seems it will be a bit delayed.
Given that the production teams now have their fair share of feature film experience (and not to discount that this was potentially being worked on back-to-back with the last film), a 2027 release window feels realistic, even if later than expected.
Haikyuu VS The Little Giant story: what manga chapters is it adapting?
Haikyuu VS The Little Giant will adapt the majority of the remaining chapters in the manga's Tokyo Nationals Arc, but not all of it (more on that in just a moment).
For this movie, all you need to know is it's set to cover around chapter 327 and then chapters 338-365.
The Little Giant is set to pick up immediately where The Dumpster Battle movie left off. With Karasuno having finally defeated their eternal rivals Nekoma – and sparking Kenma's passion for the game – they move on to the quarter finals to face opponents Kamomedai High and their star player Korai Hoshiumi, AKA The Little Giant.
Unfortunately for Hinata, he's set to find out why his rival is also called The Little Giant – the nickname of a player he once looked up to. While we don't spoil the action (or the result) here, expect another fast and furious encounter as each school bids to stay in the tournament.
Completionists should also ensure they watch the upcoming Haikyuu special The Place Where Monsters Go. That will cover the quarter final match between two other schools, Fukurodani and Mujinazaka and their respective aces Bokuto and Kiryu. For those reading along in the manga, that's covered by chapters 328-337.
Is Haikyuu VS The Little Giant the final movie?
Now, this is interesting. In 2022, it was announced that Haikyuu would come to an end with two 'FINAL' movies instead of the expected fifth season.
But it remains to be seen whether VS The Little Giant is actually the final movie. Notably, the show's official Twitter account has removed 'Final' from The Little Giant's movie title – and given fans fresh hope that the manga's post-timeskip Final Arc will be adapted.
Given that The Dumpster Battle made a cool $100 million at the worldwide box office – making it the 30th highest-grossing Japanese film of all time – it appears there's plenty of demand for fresh volleyball action from Hinata and his team. We certainly wouldn't rule out a Final Arc adaptation – whether that's on the big screen, a fifth season, or a series of television specials. Watch this space.
Haikyuu VS The Little Giant trailer
Despite the movie still not having a release date, the first Haikyuu VS The Little Giant trailer was released in 2025. The minute-long teaser, which you can see above, charts Karasuno's exploits in both their biggest matches to date as well as their current run of tournament victories. Then, focus moves to their opponents Kamomedai and their own 'Little Giant', Hoshiumi.
Will Hinata fly high or will Hoshiumi fly that little bit higher? The Little Giant looks set to answer that question. While that's still up for debate, the trailer teases that we'll get even more high-octane, fist-pumping volleyball action from the animation studio Production I.G.
A second teaser was released ahead of Christmas 2025, teasing the film and confirming a 2027 release. You can watch it below.
A poster has also been released, showcasing some of the players that have strutted their stuff at the Nationals. See it for yourself below.
Haikyuu VS The Little Giant cast: expected returnees
As you might imagine, all of Karasuno's players will be back on the court for VS The Little Giant. That includes Hinata (voiced by Ayumu Marase), the irascible setter Kageyama (Kaito Ishikawa), and Karasuno's captain Daichi (Satoshi Hino). Quiet-willed Asahi (Yoshimasa Hosoya), libero Nishinoya (Nobuhiko Okamoto) and hot-headed Tanaka (Yu Hayashi) will join the fray against Kamomedai in the quarter final.
Other players include Tsukushima (Koki Uchiyama), Sugawara (Miyu Irino) and Yamaguchi (Soma Saito), while Hitoka Yachi (Sumire Morohoshi) and Kiyoko Shimizu (Kaori Nazuka) will be watching from the sidelines.
On the opposing side, Kamomedai's team consists of ace Hoshiumi (Natsuki Hanae), middle blocker Hirugami (Yu Miyazaki), and setter Sawa (TBA), who also captains the team.
Where to watch Haikyuu VS The Little Giant
If it follows the first movie, Haikyuu VS The Little Giant will first be available in cinemas before being made available to stream for Crunchyroll members six months after its western release.
For more, check out our picks for the best anime you should be watching in 2025. Then dive into all the latest on Fire Force season 3 and Vinland Saga season 3, plus a look at how to watch Pokemon in order.
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