YURI!!! On ICE is probably the most famous figure skating anime out there, and a highlight of the sports anime genre, in general. It stands tall among other famous sports anime such as Haikyuu!!, Sk8 the Infinity and Kuroko's Basketball. Since its widely successful premiere in 2016, fans have been itching for a continuation of the YURI!!! On Ice saga.
While a YURI!!! On ICE movie has been promised, and it has been a significantly long time since any news or updates on the movie has been released. Here is what we know so far about the highly anticipated film.
The Debut Season
The anime follows the story of Yuri Katsuki, a young man who was once Japan's most up-and-coming figure skating champion. Due to his dismal performance at the finale of the international Grand Prix competition, Yuri contemplates his future as he will soon be past his prime for skating success, at 23 years of age. His luck changes when Victor Nikiforov, a highly decorated figure skating champion, shares a video of Yuri performing one of Victor's routines, making it go viral.
Victor flies to Japan to mentor Yuri back into competing. Since Victor is Yuri's idol, he enthusiastically accepts his offer, however the hot-headed rising star of Russia, Yuri Plisetsky, also desires Victor's mentorship. Therefore, Victor serves as both of their coaches to train them to become the best figure skaters they can be.
A Brilliant First Impression
YURI!!! On ICE shone a light on more than just figure skating. With MAPPA studio's beautiful animation, the first season portrayed the creativity and emotion behind the sport, with each routine and even the opening theme being animated to show smooth performances from the characters. The anime also showed Yuri K.'s anxiety and stress over not being Japan's rookie sensation anymore. He stress eats and reads critical articles about himself online, which further plunges himself deeper into anxiety.
More famously, the blooming romance between Yuri K. and Victor is probably what most fans remember about the show. The positive same-sex relatioship between them was very well received and admired; the notes of respect, adoration and even humor made this budding relationship a joy to watch. The anime's success also resulted in a side story manga, entitled YURI!!! On ICE: Welcome to The Madness.
The Upcoming Movie
At the end of the YURI!!! On Stage event, it was announced that a film based on the franchise was approved. In July 2018, a teaser was made available on avex pictures' official YouTube channel of an YURI!!! On ICE movie, YURI!!! On ICE the movie: Ice Adolescence. It featured Victor walking a snowy landscape with his dog. In 2020, avex pictures posted a longer trailer for the film, which showcases a young Victor about to skate in the Olympics at 17 years old in what appears to be Paris. The original creators of the anime Mitsurou Kubo and Sayo Yamamato have also written the story for this movie. Kubo is also responsible for the screenplay and original character design, and Yamamoto will take the lead for direction. Japanese figure skater Kenji Miyamoto will provide the choreography of the routines, just as he did for the anime. MAPPA will also return to animate the movie.
Updates on the Movie
According to the movie's official website, production "is still ongoing with the aim of further enriching the film". The team also stated that they have not yet reached a point where a release date can be confirmed. The YURI!!! On ICE Production Committee and MAPPA have promised to create the movie and share their love of figure skating. They also deeply apologized for the unfavorable circumstances and ask for generous understanding.
Sources: ICE ADOLESCENCE Official Site; Vulture; Anime News Network