Osamu Tezuka's Legendary Work Returns: "The Ribbon Hero" Film Coming to Netflix in 2026!
One of the most iconic works by Osamu Tezuka, considered the "God" of the anime and manga world, Ribbon no Kishi (Princess Knight), is returning with a massive project. The new anime film The Ribbon Hero, prepared in partnership with Netflix and Twin Engine, will meet audiences worldwide simultaneously in August 2026. This new production breaks the 27-year silence since the series' 1999 short film, reviving the legendary story with modern animation techniques.
The film is directed by Yuuki Igarashi, known for his successful work on Star Wars: Visions ("Lop & Ochō") and the first ending sequence of Jujutsu Kaisen. Animation production is being handled by the OUTLINE studio, which Igarashi founded in 2022. On the visual side, star names from the anime world have come together; character designs are being prepared by Kei Mochizuki (Fate/Grand Order), while Mai Yoneyama (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners) is collaborating on character concepts. This team aims to blend Tezuka's classic lines with today's aesthetic understanding.
Princess Knight is not just a story, but is also considered the cornerstone of the shoujo (aimed at young girls) manga genre. First published in 1953, the work tells the adventures of Princess Sapphire, who is born with both a male and female heart due to an angel's prank. Because only men can ascend to the throne according to the kingdom's laws, Sapphire, who is raised as a prince, must hide her identity to both protect her kingdom and fight against the evil Duke Duralumin. This story has gone down in history as a work far ahead of its time with its deep commentary on gender roles.
Director Yuuki Igarashi expressed his passion for the project in a statement: "For this film, I have poured my heart into reflecting my deep respect for Osamu Tezuka and the Takarazuka Revue that lies at the origin of the work. They created works that laid the foundations of our culture amidst challenges like war and illness. I hope to provide true mainstream entertainment for the audiences of this era." The Ribbon Hero seems poised to excite not only old fans looking for nostalgia but also a new generation of anime lovers who will meet Sapphire's courageous story for the first time.
