More than 20 years after the release of The Last Samurai (2003), Tom Cruise is back in armor and ready for battle in the highly anticipated sequel, The Last Samurai 2, set to hit theaters in December 2026. The first official trailer has just dropped—and it’s as breathtaking as it is brutal.

Directed by Edward Zwick, who also helmed the original, the film continues the story of Nathan Algren (Cruise), an American soldier who found honor and redemption among the samurai of 19th-century Japan. But this time, Algren’s journey is darker, more political, and steeped in betrayal.

Set in the final days of the Meiji Restoration, The Last Samurai 2 sees Algren reluctantly returning to Japan amid rising unrest and a fractured imperial court. With the legacy of Katsumoto still echoing in his soul, Algren must now guide the son of his fallen comrade in a new war—not just for honor, but for the soul of Japan.

The trailer showcases sweeping shots of misty mountains, violent sword clashes, and a haunting voiceover from Cruise: “We believed honor died with the sword. But now, I see—it never left us.”

Joining Cruise is Japanese rising star Takumi Kitamura as Katsumoto’s son, and Rinko Kikuchi as Lady Aiko, a noblewoman with her own vision for Japan’s future.

The sequel is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment, with Hans Zimmer returning to score the film’s majestic soundtrack.

The Last Samurai 2 will be released worldwide on December 18, 2026, and promises a sweeping, emotional, and action-packed farewell to one of Hollywood’s most iconic roles.