Netflix's 'The Ribbon Hero' Releases Director and Designer Interviews

Two official interviews for the Netflix film 'THE RIBBON HERO' are now available. The film, based on Osamu Tezuka's classic manga 'Ribbon no Kishi' (Princess Knight), began its global exclusive streaming on August 8.

Director Yuki Igarashi's solo interview details the project's origins. He was approached in 2021 after his 'Star Wars: Visions' short 'The Duel' included homages to Tezuka. Igarashi describes his role as a 'shaman' channeling Tezuka's spirit for a new generation. He discusses updating the story, omitting the original's 'male disguise' trope.

The cast includes comedian Saya (LALAND) as the protagonist Sapphire.

A separate conversation pairs Igarashi with character designer Kei Mochizuki, known for work on 'Fate/Grand Order' and 'Touken Ranbu ONLINE.' Igarashi chose Mochizuki to create a Sapphire that was both 'cute and cool.'

Mochizuki's initial design removed Sapphire's iconic hat, replacing it with a large ribbon. The designers settled on white as Sapphire's key color, with a black cape lined in red.

Igarashi acknowledged the challenge of animating Mochizuki's distinct, line-heavy style, which prioritizes silhouette and proportion over anatomical accuracy.

The film's staff includes character design assistance by Mai Yoneyama ('Cyberpunk: Edgerunners'), animation character design by Kazunari Aragaki, and art direction by Cédric Herole. Music is by MONACA's Satoru Kousaki and Ryuichi Takada.

The full interviews, with additional questions, are available on the film's official website. A video version of the Igarashi-Mochizuki talk is on the Twin Engine YouTube channel.

'THE RIBBON HERO' is produced by Twin Engine and animated by OUTLINE.

Source: PR Times via ツインエンジン