For fans of the beloved 90s rom-com anime Ranma ½, the excitement is palpable.
The news of a remake helmed by the Attack on Titan studio MAPPA and directed by early One Piece director Konosuke Uda has the anime community buzzing.
With the series set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on October 5, 2024, anticipation is through the roof.
Ranma ½, created by Rumiko Takahashi, follows the story of a young martial artist, Ranma Saotome, who transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water. The original series, known for its slapstick humor and chaotic romance, garnered a dedicated fan base. The announcement of a remake with such a high-caliber production team brings both excitement and a sense of trepidation.
The Ranma 1/2 remake by MAPPA is expected to be a spectacular revival. With the original voice cast reprising their roles and the addition of top-tier animation talent, fans are in for a treat.
The core of this excitement lies in MAPPA’s involvement. Known for their stunning work on Attack on Titan, they are expected to bring a fresh, dynamic look to the series.
Director Konosuke Uda, who previously directed the One Piece: Dead End film, adds further credibility. The combination promises a visually captivating and action-packed rendition of the classic anime.
The remake will feature the return of iconic voice actors such as Kappei Yamaguchi (male Ranma), Megumi Hayashibara (female Ranma), and Noriko Hidaka (Akane Tendo). This continuity ensures that the nostalgic charm of the original series is preserved. Artist ano, known for the Chainsaw Man theme song, will perform the opening theme, adding a modern touch to the soundtrack.
The Big Picture of Ranma 1/2 Remake
The choice to bring back the original voice cast is a masterstroke. It respects the legacy of the original while introducing the series to a new generation. The returning cast includes:
- Kappei Yamaguchi as male Ranma
- Megumi Hayashibara as female Ranma
- Noriko Hidaka as Akane Tendo
- Minami Takayama as Nabiki Tendo
- Kikuko Inoue as Kasumi Tendo
- Kōichi Yamadera as Ryōga Hibiki
- Rei Sakuma as Shampoo
- Akio Ōtsuka as Sōun Tendo
- Chō as Genma Saotome
- Kenichi Ogata as the Narrator
The differences in the cast are Akio Ōtsuka replacing Ryusuke Obayashi as Soun Tendo and Chō replacing Kenichi Ogata as Genma Saotome, with Ogata now narrating the series.
The creative team behind the series is equally impressive. Hiromi Taniguchi, known for her work on FLCL Alternative, is handling character designs, ensuring that the characters retain their classic look while benefiting from modern animation techniques. Kimiko Ueno, who has worked on Delicious in Dungeon, is in charge of the series scripts, promising a faithful yet updated adaptation.
Here’s a breakdown of the additional staff members:
- Chief Animation Directors: Hiromi Taniguchi, Takeshi Yoshioka, Yoshiko Saitō, Nao Ōtsu
- Main Animators: Nao Naitō, Rie Aoki
- POP Artwork: Minami Kitamura
- Art Director: Chihiro Ōkawa
- Color Key Artist: Yukiko Kakita
- Compositing Director of Photography: Atsushi Kanō
- Editing: Keisuke Yanagi
- Sound Director: Kōnosuke Uda
- Sound Effects: Takuya Hasegawa
- Music Selection: Makiko Chihara
- Sound Production: dugout Inc.
- Music: Kaoru Wada
- Planning Production: Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions
The premiere of the series will be a significant event, with a special screening set for August 24, 2024, at Anime NYC. This collaboration with VIZ Media and Hot Topic will give fans an early glimpse of the remake, building even more excitement ahead of its official release.
With the series set to stream on Netflix immediately after its broadcast in Japan, accessibility won’t be an issue for international fans. This global reach is crucial in bringing Ranma ½ to a wider audience and introducing a new generation to Takahashi’s work.
Will the new Ranma ½ capture the magic of the original while offering something new? Can MAPPA’s involvement and the return of the original cast live up to the high expectations set by fans?
Averagebeing’s Take: Honestly, this story is a bit quirky, but if you’re into light-hearted entertainment, deep relationships with a return to normalcy at the end, it’s a great pick. Plus, it’s notable for being one of the last broadcast anime to feature uncensored nudity.
