One of the most beloved anime franchises from the 90s, Ranma 1/2, is finally returning with a reboot. The first full trailer and release date have been revealed, much to the delight of fans. Based on the iconic manga series by Rumiko Takahashi, the Ranma 1/2 reboot was first announced in June 2024, and the series is now set to make an explosive return this Fall.
According to a post on X by the official account of the series, the new Ranma 1/2 remake will be released on Saturday, October 5, 2024, on Netflix. The series will air on Japanese television at 12:55 a.m. Japanese Standard Time, after which it will be available on Netflix for international fans.
Returns (Credits: Mappa)
The anime’s official website states that the remake has been produced by MAPPA, with the original voice cast for Ranma, Saotome, Akane, and Kasumi expected to reprise their roles. The announcement was also accompanied by a new key visual and an exciting new trailer posted on the Ranma 1/2 remake’s official X handle, reintroducing the beloved main cast with character designs that retain the iconic nostalgic charm of the original.
MAPPA’s Revival Promises High-Quality Animation and Returning Cast
Following the recent reboot of Rumiko Takahashi’s other classic series, Urusei Yatsura, anticipation for Ranma 1/2’s return has been high. Despite airing decades ago, Ranma 1/2 remains a highly beloved franchise, and fans hope MAPPA will do the series justice. The trailer suggests that the remake holds plenty of promise, particularly in terms of animation and visuals.
The official website for Ranma 1/2 has also revealed the staff in charge of production, featuring several recognizable names. The series will be directed by Konosuke Uda, best known for directing many of the initial episodes of One Piece, including the very first episode. Hiromi Taniguchi, who recently worked on Netflix’s Delicious in Dungeon, will be responsible for the character designs.
In addition to the production staff, Ranma 1/2 has revealed the cast for the remake. Kappei Yamaguchi and Megumi Hayashibara will be returning to voice Ranma and have expressed their excitement about reprising their iconic roles. Both Kappei and Megumi were newcomers to the voice-acting scene when Ranma 1/2 first aired, and their recent heartwarming comments reflect how much they cherish the series and the opportunity to voice Ranma again decades later.
The series has also announced the artist for the opening theme, which will be performed by the popular soloist Ano, who notably performed the seventh ending theme for Chainsaw Man. Ano expressed that she is honored to be in charge of the opening theme for such a beloved work and has crafted a song that perfectly captures the world of Ranma 1/2.
