Osamu Tezuka’s Princess Knight — the 1953 manga that became an enduring classic — is getting a modern treatment. The Ribbon Hero, a new adaptation premiering in August, depicts the story of a lone hero who chooses to defy a harsh destiny, set in a delicately crafted world. The film is directed by the lauded animator Yuki Igarashi in his first-ever feature-length film.
Director Igarashi says, “For this film, I poured in my respect for Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Princess Knight; for Ichizo Kobayashi of the Takarazuka Revue, which lies at the root of the work; and for the supreme, classic entertainment they brought into the world. They also created their works while overcoming hardships such as infectious diseases and war, and those works became the very foundation of our culture. To everyone living in this era, I hope you enjoy this blood‑stirring, heart‑pounding piece of what I believe is ‘true’ mainstream entertainment.”
The character designs were produced by Kei Mochizuki (Fate/Grand Order, Touken Ranbu), with character concept collaboration from Mai Yoneyama (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, LAZARUS). Kazunari Arakaki is the animation character designer, and Cedric Herold is the film’s art director. Anime studio OUTLINE, led by Igarashi, produced the film.
The Ribbon Hero will stream worldwide this August. Check back for more updates ahead of its premiere.
