The news hit fans like a rogue triple axel – Yuri on Ice the Movie cancelled, a project teased for seven long years by animation studio MAPPA. This unexpected development leaves a frosty silence where anticipation once roared. But what exactly caused this dream project to melt away?
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Yuri on Ice the Movie Cancelled and A Legacy Left frozen
「ユーリ!!! on ICE 劇場版 : ICE ADOLESCENCE」
製作中止のお知らせ“YURI!!! on ICE the movie : ICE ADOLESCENCE” Cancellation Notice#yurionice pic.twitter.com/3ykLBgsvoB
— TVアニメ「ユーリ!!! on ICE」 (@yurionice_PR) April 19, 2024
With the recent announcement, the fate of “Ice Adolescence” is sealed. While the official notice by MAPPA cites “various circumstances,” a confluence of factors likely contributed to its demise. An overloaded studio, a perceived lack of financial gain, and the passage of time all seem to have played a role.
A Quick Rise to Fame
Yuri!!! on Ice, the original full-fledged figure skating anime series, created by Mitsuro Kubo, Sayo Yamamoto, and MAPPA, burst onto the scene in 2016. This unprecedented Grand Prix series followed Japanese figure skater Yuuri Katsuki, in his fifth year as a senior, as he took on the challenge alongside Russian prodigy Yuri Plisetsky, five-time world champion Victor Nikiforov, and a cast of captivating competitors.
The TV anime, broadcast from October to December 2016, became a global phenomenon, with thousands of fan edits for it’s underlying LGBTQIA+ themes. The series’ dazzling animation, compelling characters, and surprisingly heartfelt story of personal growth ignited a passionate fanbase and propelled MAPPA, then a rising studio, into the anime spotlight.
Announcement, Delays, and Fan Discontent
Capitalizing on the series’ success, MAPPA announced the movie, “Ice Adolescence,” in 2017, with a projected 2019 release. However, delays soon followed. In 2019, the release was pushed back, citing plans “to substantially scale up the content.” This initially fuelled fan excitement, suggesting an even grander production. Yet, radio silence followed, punctuated only by a brief 2020 update confirming ongoing production.
Is the Studio Overloaded?
Fingers point towards a potential culprit – MAPPA’s rapid rise in workload. From Kakegurui and Inuyashiki in 2017 to Banana Fish and Zombie Land Saga in 2018, all within a year of Yuri!!! on Ice’s final episode, the studio has become a powerhouse. Taking on even bigger projects like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, Chainsaw Man, Takt Op. Destiny, and Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku in recent years has solidified their position.
While commercially successful, this ambition might have come at a cost. Fans speculate that “Ice Adolescence” may have lost staff and resources to these more high-profile projects with tighter deadlines.
Adding fuel to the fire were comments made by MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka in 2023. He cited the series’ lack of revenue as a reason for the movie’s sluggish development. This statement raised eyebrows. While “Yuri!!! on Ice” may not have reached the dizzying heights of Jujutsu Kaisen, it was undeniably a success story. Fans felt Otsuka’s statement downplayed the series’ cultural impact and passionate following.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
The cancellation of “Ice Adolescence” leaves a bittersweet taste. While the original series continues to hold a cherished place in fans’ hearts, the prospect of revisiting these beloved characters remains unfulfilled. Yuri!!! on Ice will undoubtedly continue to inspire skaters and anime fans alike, but the on-ice adventures fans longed to see remain a dream forever frozen in time.