Netflix Announces ‘Princess Knight’ Anime Film for August 2026 Premiere

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 in August, 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.

When is The Ribbon Hero coming to Netflix?

Netflix has confirmed that The Ribbon Hero will be released worldwide in August 2026. The poster also offers a striking, modern interpretation of the beloved character Sapphire. 

We’re still waiting to learn the full release date, and expect an update soon.

What is the plot of The Ribbon Hero?

Netflix has released its own brief synopsis:

“The film depicts the story of a lone hero who chooses to defy a harsh destiny, set in a delicately crafted world and brought to life through polished action.”

We have a synopsis from the manga which provides further detail:

“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?

No cast members for The Ribbon Hero have been announced yet.

Are you looking forward to watching The Ribbon Hero on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!