One of the most lauded parts of the annual
Annecy International Animation Festival is its work in progress sessions. And this year the online pass allows animation lovers the world over
to experience them from the safety of their homes. One project selected for
this year's line-up is Fena: Pirate Princess, the forthcoming adventure
series from Crunchyroll, Adult Swim and renowned anime studio
Production I.G (best known for various iterations of the
Ghost In The Shell franchise).
In the session (which is available to pass holders through to the end of June)
director Kazuto Nakazawa and producer Rui Kuroki offered a
glimpse behind the scenes. They detailed their inspiration behind the series and told fun anecdotes from the production. They also shared a wealth of never-seen-before production materials including backgrounds, character designs, backgrounds and more and unveiled a brand new trailer.
Nakazawa revealed the show was heavily inspired by shojo manga. He says
that while it features action and adventure, at heart "it's basically a love
story". The series will follow the adventures of Fena Houtman as she is on the run from both pirates and the English Navy. Only with the help of a crew of
Japanese Samurai can she hope to uncover her family's secrets and unlock a
hidden treasure.
Crunchyroll and Adult Swim revealed the details of the main characters and
announced the Japanese voice cast:
🕱 Fena Houtman will be voiced by Asami Seto: A positive, cheerful
orphan despite her traumatic past. Known for her pale skin and glowing silver
hair.
🕱 Yukimaru will be voiced by Ryota Suzuki: The introverted,
katana-wielding bodyguard of the Houtman family. He is extremely protective of
Fena.
🕱 Shitan will be voiced by Takahiro Sakurai: This handsome, elite warrior can kill with his bow and arrow—or his looks. Though on the surface he
seems aloof, he greatly values his friends.
🕱 Karin will be voiced by Aoi Yuki: Raised by a family of
blacksmiths, Karin geeks out over technology like her rifle, which she uses to
great effect in battle.
🕱 Enju will be voiced by Gen Sato: Kaede’s elder twin. They both
use a spear and wakizashi in battle, they’re both friendly and mischievous,
but Enju feels he’s more dependable than his younger brother.
🕱 Kaede will be voiced by Ryota Osaka: Enju’s younger twin. They
both use a spear and wakizashi in battle, they’re both friendly and
mischievous, but Kaede feels he’s more manly than his elder brother.
🕱 Tsubaki will be voiced by Jun Osuka: The oldest and most mature member of the group, he manages everyone’s wild energy. He’s also the cook,
but when he fights, he uses a short ninja sword.
🕱 Makaba will be voiced by Shintaro Tanaka: This mountain of a boy prefers fighting in close quarters with brass knuckles. When he’s not
fighting, he’s kind-hearted and mild-mannered.
🕱 Salman will be voiced by Manabu Muraji: An older knight who was once called “Salman the Onslaught” for being so deadly with a spear. He’s known Fena since she was a girl as he served the Houtman family for some time.
🕱 Otto will be voiced by Hiroaki Hirata: Another older knight who
served the Houtman family and possessed an intimidating nickname in his
younger days—'Otto the Blitz' for his quick swordplay.
Fena The Pirate Princess will be directed by Nakazawa and written by
Asako Kuboyama. Music comes from Yuki Kajiura and
FlyingDog. The series will premiere simultaneously English dubbed on
Adult Swim and subtitled on Crunchyroll later this summer.
Crunchyroll and Adult Swim have released production images which you can take a look at below- click for full size.
PRODUCTION ART
Meanwhile, an update was also offered on another Adult Swim co-production.
Uzumaki, based on the manga by the master of Japanese horror
Junji Ito, is a miniseries being produced by Adult Swim,
Production I.G USA and Studio Drive. A new video revealed that the series would be delayed until 2022 due to the pandemic. The series will be directed by Hiroshi Nagahama, with music by Colin Stetson. The video also offers a very brief tease from the anime itself- and shows its stunning monochrome artwork which brings Ito's art to life as if jumped straight off the page.
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