Picture: The Ribbon Hero – TWIN ENGINE
From the studio that brought Netflix subscribers Cosmic Princess Kaguya and Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain, a brand new and exciting anime film is set to debut on Netflix on August 8, 2026: The Ribbon Hero. Inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s manga Princess Knight, the new anime feature will be released worldwide on Netflix. Here’s everything we know about The Ribbon Hero on Netflix.
The Ribbon Hero is an upcoming Japanese Netflix Original anime film directed by Yuki Igarashi, who previously worked as a key animator on the first season of Jujutsu Kaisen, and made his directing debut in the Star Wars Visions episode Lop & Ochō. The film will be the director’s first feature-length film. The film’s animation is being produced by Igarashi’s studio OUTLINE.
Here’s what Igarashi had to say to Netflix about the film, and his respect for the source material’s creator, Osamu Tezuka:
“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 film is inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s beloved manga Princess Knight, and his iconic characters, including Sapphire, are receiving brand-new original designs from Kei Mochizuki, who previously worked on the Fate/Grand Order and Touken Ranbu games.
Picture: Princess Knight illustrated by Osamu Tezuka
Tezuka is joined by Mai Yoneyama, who is collaborating on the character concepts and previously worked as the ending director on Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and LAZARUS. The wider production team also includes script associate Komura Junko, animation character designer Kazunari Arakaki, artistic director Cedric Herole, and music by Satoru Kosaki and Ryuichi Takada (MONACA).
When is The Ribbon Hero coming to Netflix?
Netflix has officially confirmed that The Ribbon Hero will be released worldwide on August 8, 2026. The movie will also premiere at the Annecy Film Festival, with several screenings throughout the week.
Alongside the release date, Netflix dropped a brand-new teaser trailer (see above) and key art (see below alongside previously released key art). The trailer teases harrowing scenes of a kingdom struck by calamity, a heart-rending cry from a badly wounded Sapphire, and a mysterious figure with a menacing smile. The new artwork highlights a striking, modern interpretation of the beloved character Sapphire in both her pre-transformation form—marked by a striking red ribbon—and her transformed hero figure, alongside three brand-new characters.
What is the plot of The Ribbon Hero?
Netflix has released an updated and detailed synopsis for the upcoming film:
“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.”
We also have a synopsis from the original manga, which provides further background detail on the source material:
“Set in a medieval fairy-tale backdrop, Princess Knight is the tale of a young princess named Sapphire who must pretend to be a male prince so she can inherit the throne. Women have long been prevented from taking the throne, but Sapphire is not discouraged and instead she fully accepts the role, becoming a dashing hero(ine) that the populous is proud of.”
Have any cast members been revealed?
Yes! It has been announced that Saya (Lalande) will be taking on the lead role of Sapphire. This will mark her first leading role in a feature-length animated production.
Sharing her excitement, Saya noted that director Yuki Igarashi told her there were aspects of Sapphire’s background and upbringing that overlapped with her own:
“Now that I’m over 30, I’ve never had a job where I struggled and enjoyed the challenge this much. I’d be so happy if you could watch it!”
Are you looking forward to watching The Ribbon Hero on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
