Dragon Striker is stepping into the spotlight as one of Disney+’s most ambitious anime-inspired animated projects, blending sports storytelling with a fully realized magical world. Premiering June 10 on Disney+ and Hulu, the series follows Key, a farm boy who discovers he may be the legendary “Dragon Striker,” as he joins an elite academy filled with powerful students and hidden dangers.
At first glance, the series thrives on high-energy matches and flashy abilities, but beneath that lies a deeper narrative about identity, creativity, and perseverance. Set within the prestigious Kal Asterock academy, the story gradually expands into something much bigger, teasing ancient secrets and darker forces shaping the world behind the scenes.
In a written interview provided to OtakuKart, co-creator and executive producer Sylvain Dos Santos opened up about the anime influences behind the series, its unique magic system, and what audiences should expect from this genre-blending project.
OtakuKart: Dragon Striker sits at a unique crossroads of European fantasy and Japanese animation influences. Where did the initial spark for the series come from, and how did you land on this fusion?
Sylvain Dos Santos: Charles Lefebvre and I are both huge fans of shonen manga, and I’m especially into sports shonen like Captain Tsubasa, Eyeshield 21, Haikyu!!, and Inazuma 11. Naturally, we wanted to create our own sports shonen story, but with our own unique twist.
In those series, special attacks and dramatic effects are often used to amplify the action visually. In Dragon Striker, we wanted to take that further by making magic real and part of the rules of the game. When Key summons his dragon, it is not just visual language. There is an actual dragon on the field that everyone can see.
OtakuKart: Anime fans are famously passionate and discerning. What do you want Dragon Striker to contribute to that global conversation?
Sylvain Dos Santos: We do not classify Dragon Striker as an anime in the strictest sense, but it was built by passionate otaku. Some of our team members have worked on series like My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Boruto, and One Piece.
Every design, every shot, and even the music reflects those influences. Without being a pure anime, Dragon Striker shows that the shonen spirit can resonate outside of Japan. We hope fans recognize that passion.
OtakuKart: Building Kal Asterock and the magical energy system of Tama clearly involved a lot of thought. How did you develop these ideas?
Sylvain Dos Santos: Not everyone in Asteria has a Tama. Around 15 to 20 percent of the population develops one, and each Tama is unique, shaped by the personality and dreams of its user.
For example, Ssyelle can control time because she always wanted to do many things at once, while Odward’s illusions reflect his ego. Even something that seems simple, like Milo’s ability to create fruit jelly, can become powerful with creativity. What matters is not the ability itself, but how it is used.
OtakuKart: Disney has a deep legacy in animation, but Dragon Striker leans heavily into anime aesthetics. What was that collaboration like?
Sylvain Dos Santos: Disney gave us a lot of freedom when it came to art direction and design, which was invaluable. Charles led the initial visual development before expanding the team.
We drew a lot of inspiration from JRPGs like Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, and Monster Hunter. At the same time, we mixed those influences with more modern and urban elements, like cities inspired by Rio de Janeiro and characters wearing hoodies and sneakers with a fantasy twist. That blend defines Dragon Striker’s identity.
OtakuKart: The story hints at darker mythology beneath its sports-driven energy. How did you balance those tones?
Sylvain Dos Santos: That contrast is part of what makes the series unique. There is as much shadow as there is light in Kal Asterock, and not always where you would expect it.
You might encounter intense and darker moments during matches, while lighter and more fun scenes appear in unexpected places. That balance keeps the story dynamic.
OtakuKart: The first episodes received an electric reception at CCXP MX. What was it like seeing that response?
Sylvain Dos Santos: It was incredible. After years of working on the project, seeing thousands of people reacting, laughing, and applauding is something you always hope for.
Disney also played a big role in making that possible by helping bring the show to a wider audience.
OtakuKart: Dragon Striker is being positioned as a gateway for younger audiences discovering anime-style storytelling. What do you hope viewers take away?
Sylvain Dos Santos: We want them to feel that same excitement we felt as kids discovering something new and thrilling. For me, it was watching Saint Seiya for the first time.
If Dragon Striker can give even a few viewers that feeling, then we have succeeded. As for longtime anime fans, we hope they recognize the passion that fills every scene.
OtakuKart: With the June 10 premiere approaching, is there a particular moment you are excited for audiences to experience?
Sylvain Dos Santos: It is always hard to pick just one moment. I really enjoy the exploration of Mestras in episode five, but episode eleven features a truly epic match that I cannot wait for audiences to see.
Dragon Striker premieres June 10 on Disney+ and Hulu, with all episodes releasing at launch. With its mix of magical combat, sports intensity, and character-driven storytelling, the series positions itself as a bold new entry in the growing space between global animation and anime-inspired narratives.
Copyright: Dragon Striker © Disney Television Animation / La Chouette Compagnie
