Analysis: Hathaway and the Universal Century – The Path to "Witch of Circe" Influenced by Amuro and Char
The upcoming film, 'Witch of Circe,' continues Hathaway's struggle as Mafty.
The upcoming cinematic installment of the saga, Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: Witch of Circe (directed by Shukou Murase), has confirmed its release in 365 theaters across Japan for January 30, 2026. This film continues the story of Hathaway's Flash, a work deeply rooted in the Universal Century (U.C.) timeline. To comprehend the weight of the events that lie ahead, it is crucial to review the life of its protagonist, Hathaway Noa, a man molded by the heroes and conflicts of his predecessors.
The Weight of Heritage: From the One Year War to Gryps
Hathaway is the eldest son of two legendary Federation figures: Captain Bright Noa and helmswoman Mirai Yashima, who met aboard the White Base during the One Year War (U.C. 0079). His first on-screen appearance occurs in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (U.C. 0087), seven years after the war.
Young Hathaway with mother Mirai.
As a mere child, Hathaway became entangled in the Gryps Conflict when he, his mother, and his sister Cheimin were taken hostage by the Titans in Hong Kong. He was rescued thanks to the intervention of Amuro Ray and Kamille Bidan, experiencing direct contact with the era's most powerful pilots from an early age. Although he does not appear in Gundam ZZ, his father continued fighting in the First Neo Zeon War, keeping his family safe and true to his principles despite the temptations and chaos of war.
Hathaway with legendary parents Bright and Mirai, and younger sister Cheimin.
The Turning Point: Char's Counterattack (U.C. 0093)
The event that fractured Hathaway's innocence occurred at age 13, during the Second Neo Zeon War. In Char's Counterattack, Hathaway travels to space and meets Quess Paraya, a young woman for whom he develops deep feelings. However, Quess is seduced by Char Aznable's charisma and joins Neo Zeon as a pilot.
A young Hathaway travels to space, experiencing the Second Neo Zeon War.
In a desperate attempt to save her, Hathaway steals a Jegan and launches into the battlefield. The tragedy of witnessing Quess's death and seeing the "Axis Shock"—the miracle provoked by the Psycho-Frame of Amuro's Nu Gundam—changed his psyche forever. Hathaway absorbed the contradictory ideologies of the two greatest figures of his time: Amuro's hope in humanity and Char's radical despair regarding Earth's corruption.
Amuro Ray, a powerful pilot whose ideals influenced young Hathaway significantly.
Bright Noa, Hathaway's father, a legendary captain in the Universal Century.
The Birth of Mafty (U.C. 0105)
Twelve years after Char's rebellion, the world has not improved. The Earth Federation's corruption has accelerated the planet's pollution and instituted an inhumane "Man Hunting" policy to forcibly deport civilians to space.
It is here that Hathaway's Flash begins. After serving in the military and training as a botanical officer, Hathaway assumes the identity of Mafty Navue Erin. Leading an anti-Federation terrorist organization, he utilizes the advanced Ξ (Xi) Gundam to assassinate high-ranking officials and force change, embodying the execution of Char's ideals with the methodology of a martyr.
Hathaway Noa, later adopting the identity of Mafty Navue Erin.
In Witch of Circe, we will see his fate complicate further after meeting Kenneth Sleg and the enigmatic Gigi Andalucia, a woman who painfully reminds him of Quess and endangers his double identity. The film will explore what kind of "light" Hathaway will emit in his final struggle against the system his own father helped defend.
What kind of conclusion awaits Mafty in this new chapter? What are your thoughts on Hathaway's tragic journey? Let us know in the comments below!
Where to Buy
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