It’s no surprise at this point that Yuri!!! on Ice is getting a movie. The film was announced nearly four years ago at a Yuri!!! on Stage event in April 2017. A year later, the movie’s title YURI!!! on ICE the movie: ICE ADOLESCENCE was revealed at a Yuri!!! on Concert event in July 2018.
The Yuri on Ice movie was original targeted for release in 2019, but then went on an indefinite delay. We don’t know the reasons for the initial delay. It wasn’t due to the COVID pandemic, which didn’t start until 2020. However, the pandemic may have caused the film to be delayed even longer as most TV and movie productions took a long hiatus due to COVID lockdowns.
Since most anime productions are shifting back into high gear, we expect the Yuri on Ice movie to do the same. The lingering question is why the film was delayed in the first place. Whatever the reason, we have faith in the production team. They delivered on the series, so we think they’ll stick the landing on the movie.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE STUDIO
MAPPA, the anime studio that produced the Yuri!!! on Ice series recently made a public statement about the film that gave YOI fans new hope. MAPPA’s message was posted to the official YOI Twitter account, as well as the website for YURI!!! on ICE the movie: ICE ADOLESCENCE.
“The production of YURI!!! on ICE the movie: ICE ADOLESCENCE is still ongoing with the aim of further enriching the film. However, we have not yet reached the stage where we can announce the release date.
“Our team will continue to work diligently to deliver a film and share our unwavering love and dedication for skating. We deeply apologize to all fans for the circumstance and ask for your generous understanding.”
THE YURI ON ICE PHENOMENON
Yuri on Ice is one of those rare anime series that draws in the viewer with nuances and subtlety instead of bold theatrics. Essentially Yuri on Ice is about the dynamics of relationships set against a background of competitive figure skating.
The anime series started out with a small fanbase but continued to grow exponentially. Beyond the amazing ice-skating animation and the inside look at life on the international figure skating circuit, YOI fans were drawn in by the complex relationship between Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki and his coach Victor Nikiforov, a Russian figure skating champion.
The anime series was hailed for its portrayal of gay relationships and for addressing mental illness, in this case, anxiety.
Yuri on Ice went on to win a number of awards in 2017 including the “Anime of the Year” in Crunchyroll’s inaugural Anime Awards. It also swept Crunchyroll’s awards in the categories of “Best Animation,” “Best Opening,” “Best Ending,” “Best Boy” (Yuri Katsuki), “Best Couple” (Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov), and “Most Heartwarming Scene.”
RELEASE DATE
As announced by studio MAPPA above, a target date for release has not been set yet. We fully expect the Yuri on Ice movie to release in 2021. Hopefully, the world will be mostly immunized against COVID-19 by then, so the film will get a full theatrical release.
PRODUCTION
The same team that led the anime series are returning to produce the film. The script was written by Sayo Yamamoto and Mitsurou Kubo. Yamamoto also returns as director. Former Japanese professional figure skater Kenji Miyamoto will choreograph the skating routines again. And anime studio MAPPA returns to animate the movie.
TRAILER
The trailer doesn’t reveal much, but we see a young Victor, age 17, entering the ice during what appears to be an Olympic event. Given the film’s title “Ice Adolescence,” and these glimpses of Victor early in his career, it appears the plot will follow Victor’s early years prior to coaching Yuri.
If you haven’t seen it already, take a look at the trailer below and let us know what you think in Otaku Galaxy, our Facebook group for anime, manga, cosplay, and all things Otaku.
