The first feature film in The Apothecary Diaries anime series has revealed its title and main trailer, alongside a December 11 release date.

While the film is simply called The Apothecary Diaries: The Movie in English, the Japanese version carries the subtitle Bouhi no Hihou, meaning Treasure of the Lost Empress. This makes sense when you watch the first trailer, as Jinshi asks Maomao to investigate the mystery behind a recently deceased concubine. It just so happens that the pair are transporting the remains to her hometown at this time.

In our interview with original light novel author Hyuganatsu, she teased that the story for the film would take place on a much bigger scale than usual. Her promise that viewers would be able to see the usually sedentary Maomao do lots of running around seems to ring true given that the protagonist is being taken out of her comfort zone. According to the trailer, the story will largely take place in a "vibrant floating city" away from the Imperial Palace.

Much like many other anime original films, The Apothecary Diaries: The Movie will feature a new character by the name of Mu Qing. She will be voiced by Mariya Ise, famous for playing Reg in Made in Abyss and so much more. Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka return as Maomao and Jinshi respectively.