The HiGH&LOW saga is coming back. Nine years after the last film, the Japanese entertainment franchise announced its final chapter: "HiGH&LOW THE 新世界" (HiGH&LOW THE New World), set to release in 2027.

The announcement came during a 10th anniversary screening event in Tokyo on June 24, where cast members and producers revealed new footage and details. The film will feature returning stars AKIRA, NAOTO, 白濱亜嵐 (Shirahamaaran), 川村壱馬 (Kawamura Kazuma), and 吉野北人 (Yoshino Hokuto). Directors 久保茂昭 (Kubo Shigeak) and 平沼紀久 (Hiranuma Norihisa) are helming the project.

The biggest reveal: Balge, the franchise's enigmatic mystery character, will finally appear. A teaser video shown at the event featured NAOTO's character saying "Wait for me, Balge..." Hiranuma confirmed that the mysterious figure's identity will gradually unfold leading up to the 2027 premiere, building anticipation across the franchise community.

In the film, AKIRA plays Kopal, NAOTO takes on Jesse, and 白濱 will portray Barney—though producers hinted that Barney has undergone a dramatic transformation. The 'New World' will blend the franchise's established cast with new faces, and Hiranuma teased that international artists and actors may also participate.

To kick off the hype, HiGH&LOW is hosting a 10th anniversary live event called "HiGH&LOW 10th ANNIVERSARY FEVER" on September 22-23 at K Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa. The two-day concert will feature EXILE THE SECOND, DOBERMAN INFINITY, THE RAMPAGE, FANTASTICS, BALLISTIK BOYZ, PSYCHIC FEVER, and more. According to cast members, the performance will combine new material with reimagined versions of the franchise's iconic tracks.

Producers acknowledged that COVID-19 delayed the project's development, but emphasized the final film will deliver surprises worthy of the wait. With nearly two years until release and a live event this fall, the HiGH&LOW franchise is building momentum for what organizers promise will satisfy longtime fans while welcoming newcomers.