The Apothecary Diaries Film Sets a December 11 Release Date and Drops Its First Teaser Trailer

The news

The official account for The Apothecary Diaries announced on July 2 that the franchise's first theatrical film will open in Japanese cinemas on Friday, December 11, 2026. The post arrived with a new teaser visual, the film's first teaser trailer, and its subtitle, written in Japanese as 亡妃の秘宝 (Bouhi no Hihou), which translates roughly to "The Secret Treasure of the Late Queen." A follow up post carrying the trailer also kicked off a commemorative giveaway, with the account offering a B2 teaser poster to a handful of followers who reshare it before a July 17 deadline.

An original story from the author

According to the official announcement, the film is a completely new, original story written for the screen by the series' creator, Natsu Hyuuga, rather than an adaptation of an existing arc from the light novels. Anime News Network, reporting on the project's initial reveal in October 2025, likewise described it as a brand new story by the original novel author. That makes the feature a standalone chapter in Maomao's story rather than a recap of the television seasons, and it means even readers caught up on the novels are heading into the theater without knowing the ending.

What the teaser shows

The teaser visual centers on Maomao, lit by the blue flame of a torch as she stands in what looks like a treasure filled cavern, with Jinshi silhouetted behind her and a young companion at her side. The film's tagline, "That mystery will lead you to a hidden treasure," leans into the whodunit tone that has defined the series, promising a fresh case for the pharmacist turned palace sleuth to unravel. The subtitle's reference to a late queen hints that the mystery reaches back into the imperial court's history.

Background

The Apothecary Diaries began airing in October 2023 and follows Maomao, an apothecary's daughter sold into service at the imperial rear palace, who cannot help solving the poisonings and intrigues that swirl around the emperor's court. Its blend of drama and mystery, and the slow burn between Maomao and the enigmatic Jinshi, carried the first season across 24 episodes and turned the show into one of the most talked about titles of its seasons. The film extends that run onto the big screen for the first time.