Bandai Reveals First Look at 3 New Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO Gunpla Kits
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai has revealed the first Gunpla kits based on “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO,” introducing three new High Grade releases tied directly to the upcoming prequel movie.
The initial lineup includes the “HG 1/144 Infinite Justice Gundam & Booster Unit,” “HG 1/144 Murasame Kai (Early Production Type)” and “HG 1/144 Gouf Ignited Custom,” with the three kits scheduled to launch between December 2026 and April 2027.
“Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO” takes place between Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY and 2024’s Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM, following Shinn Asuka and the other returning characters during C.E.74 as the international peacekeeping organization COMPASS is being established.
The prequel begins after the collapse of Gilbert Durandal’s Destiny Plan, with Shinn struggling to determine his next path before the Strike Freedom Gundam is stolen from COMPASS’ temporary base on Onogoro Island.
Bandai Namco Filmworks first revealed the project in 2024 before confirming earlier this year that it would become a full theatrical movie, based on a scenario originally developed by Chiaki Morosawa, Shigeru Morita and director Mitsuo Fukuda during production planning for SEED FREEDOM.
The first three Gunpla provide an early look at some of the Mobile Suit variations and equipment that will distinguish the prequel from its predecessors.
- “HG 1/144 Infinite Justice Gundam & Booster Unit”
Athrun Zala’s Infinite Justice Gundam returns with a newly sculpted large Booster Unit and a new shield created for its appearance in “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO”.
The kit represents the earlier version of the machine before the Infinite Justice Gundam Type II seen during the final stages of SEED FREEDOM.
Its current product name remains provisional, with Bandai planning to reveal further specifications through the Bandai Hobby Site ahead of release.
- “HG 1/144 Murasame Kai (Early Production Type)”
The second release introduces an Early Production Type version of the Murasame Kai, expanding the Orb-developed Mobile Suit’s history through a configuration associated with the events of FREEDOM ZERO.
It will be the first of the three newly announced kits to reach stores, launching before the movie itself arrives in cinemas.
- “HG 1/144 Gouf Ignited Custom”
Bandai is also turning the newly revealed Gouf Ignited Custom into a High Grade kit, marking the first Gunpla for one of the new Mobile Suits making its debut in the prequel.
The Gouf Ignited already has a long history in SEED DESTINY, where variants were used by ZAFT pilots including Heine Westenfluss and Yzak Joule, but the Custom introduces a new version specifically for FREEDOM ZERO.
The Gouf Ignited has already received renewed attention from Bandai during 2026 through the completely redesigned “HG 1/144 Gouf Ignited (Heine Westenfluss Custom),” which brought Heine’s orange machine into the modern HGCE line with the SEED Action System and a newly engineered weapon loadout.
All three FREEDOM ZERO kits were unveiled as part of the “GUNDAM Showcase 2026 @ NYC – Feat. SEED FREEDOM ZERO” panel at New York Comic Con 2026 on October 8, where Bandai Namco presented a much larger collection of announcements surrounding the movie.
The panel also confirmed that “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO” will open in Japanese cinemas on January 15, 2027, with a North American theatrical release now scheduled for February 2027.
A new trailer places Shinn at the center of the story and confirms the return of characters including Kira Yamato, Athrun Zala, Lacus Clyne, Cagalli Yula Athha, Lunamaria Hawke and Agnes Giebenrath, while Leonard Balway will make his first animated appearance after previously appearing in the “Moonlight Valkyrie” bonus novel.
The wider Cosmic Era is also expanding through “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM MSV,” which begins serialization in Monthly Hobby Japan on October 23 and will introduce new Mobile Suit variations connected to both SEED FREEDOM and FREEDOM ZERO.
Other collectibles revealed alongside the Gunpla include the “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Bandai also confirmed the “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS Rising Freedom Gundam Radiance Grandeur” from “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM MSV,” which will receive an advance release at GUNDAM-Con 2027 SIDE MAKUHARI before later sales through Premium Bandai and other official channels.
An “Ichiban Kuji Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM & FREEDOM ZERO” lottery is also in development, with MASTERLISE figures of Shinn Asuka, Lunamaria Hawke and Leonard Balway among the first prizes revealed.
The “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO Original Soundtrack” will launch on CD alongside the movie on January 15, with a limited vinyl edition following on February 24.
Bandai additionally launched the “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Series Grand Prix 2026,” allowing fans to vote for their favorite moments from 287 scenes featuring 55 characters across Gundam SEED, SEED DESTINY and SEED FREEDOM.
In Japan, the “HG 1/144 Murasame Kai (Early Production Type)” will be released first in December 2026 for ¥2,970 (approximately $19/£14).
The “HG 1/144 Infinite Justice Gundam & Booster Unit” is scheduled for February 2027 at ¥4,070 (approximately $26/£19), followed by the “HG 1/144 Gouf Ignited Custom” in April for ¥3,190 (approximately $20/£15).
Bandai has not yet announced US release dates or pricing for the three FREEDOM ZERO Gunpla kits.
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