The legacy of the “God of Manga” is about to captivate a new global generation. On Thursday, April 23, streaming platform Netflix and renowned producer Twin Engine officially announced the development of The Ribbon Hero, a new anime movie based on the legendary manga Princess Knight (Ribbon no Kishi) created by Osamu Tezuka. The film, which promises to revive this timeless classic with current top visual standards, is scheduled for a worldwide release in August 2026.

The creative minds behind the rebirth

While the project still keeps the seiyuu cast a secret, the producer revealed the impressive technical team leading this ambitious adaptation from the newly founded Studio OUTLINE. Here are the key talents tasked with redesigning this masterpiece:

• Yuuki Igarashi taking the general director’s chair.

Director of the acclaimed short film Lop & Ocho in Star Wars: Visions and key animator for the first ending of Jujutsu Kaisen.

• Kei Mochizuki in charge of character conceptual design.

Lead illustrator for the visual novel LOOPERS and the game Criminal Girls X.

• Mai Yoneyama providing cooperation in design.

Recognized in the industry for her stunning design work in Kiznaiver and dazzling music videos.

• Issei Arakaki as character designer for animation.

Veteran animator with major credits in Vladlove and the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha franchise.

A monumental return after 27 years of absence

The historical significance of this announcement should not be underestimated. Exactly 27 years have passed since the last time this franchise received a new animated project. Originally published in 1958 in the Nakayoshi magazine, Princess Knight is universally regarded as one of the foundational pillars of modern shoujo manga. Director Yuuki Igarashi shared an emotional message highlighting his deep respect for Tezuka, aiming to deliver a fantasy experience that will quicken the heart of today’s audience without losing the soul of the original work.

What is Princess Sapphire’s secret?

For new generations discovering this universe, the story is a fascinating fairy tale that broke molds by exploring themes of identity decades ago. The narrative introduces Princess Sapphire, a young girl who, due to a mischievous angel’s intervention before birth, arrives in the world with two hearts: one male and one female.

Her existence becomes a minefield due to her kingdom’s strict laws, which dictate that only a male heir can ascend the throne. To protect the crown from the clutches of the dark Duke Duralumin, who seeks to usurp power at all costs for his own lineage, Sapphire is raised in complete secrecy as a prince. Thus, she is forced to lead an intense double life, hiding her true nature while bravely fighting for justice and the future of her nation.