Following up from the announcement in late April, the bold new film based on Osamu Tezuka’s iconic manga Princess Knight got its first trailer in it is the first animated adaptation of the concept in 27 years, and it will premiere exclusively on Netflix on August 8, 2026.
Starring:
Sapphire– Saya (Comedy Duo known as Lalande, Saya’s first leading role in a feature-length animated production)
Directing the new film is Yuki Igarashi, one of the most versatile animators in the Anime Industry. Igarashi is known single handedly animating the ending sequence of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, and his directorial debut, Star Wars: Visions “Lop and Ocho,” which has received high praise for its storytelling and dynamic action. The Ribbon hero marks his first feature length directorial work. This year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival will feature the film as part of “Annecy Presents,” one of the festival’s non-competitive sections. The event will be held in Annecy, France from June 21-27.
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“Princess Knight” (リボンの騎士) is a landmark shōjo manga created by Osamu Tezuka. Serialized from 1953 to 1956 in Kodansha’s Shōjo Club magazine, it tells the story of Princess Sapphire, a girl born with both male and female hearts. Raised as a prince to secure the throne, she lives a double life as the courageous Princess Knight.The manga was adapted into a 52-episode anime series in 1967–1968 by Mushi Production, which became one of the earliest TV anime aimed at girls. Widely regarded as one of the first modern shōjo works, it blends adventure, romance, and gender themes. A follow-up story, The Twin Knights, was published in 1958. The latest English edition was released as a one-volume omnibus by Kodansha USA in 2022. Vertical released the manga in two volumes in print in 2011 and digitally in 2015.
Sapphire is the princess of a kingdom that no longer exists. Having lost everything in her homeland of Silverland to the calamity known as “Nergal,” she wanders in despair until she finally arrives in Goldland.
Though burdened by her past, she begins to find a glimmer of hope as she encounters the kindness of the people there. But as if to sneer at her peaceful new life, the calamity Nergal appears once more. The very despair that once reduced her homeland to ashes now threatens to steal the light from this land as well.
“I won’t lose anything ever again. And I won’t let anyone else lose anything either.” Brushing away her tears of sorrow, the girl takes up her sword. This is the story of a lone hero who ties her ribbon and resolves to defy her fate.
Source: Anime News Network
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