“Yuri on Ice” Stuns Anime Fans with Movie Cancellation
The “Yuri on Ice” movie has been officially canceled, leaving fans devastated. Despite delays and high hopes, MAPPA has confirmed the end of “Ice Adolescence” production. Learn more about the fandom’s reaction and ongoing efforts to revive the series.
The beloved anime series “Yuri on Ice” has left its fans reeling with the unexpected news of its movie’s cancellation. Originally released in October 2016, this MAPPA Studios production quickly catapulted the company into the spotlight. Despite having only one season, “Yuri on Ice” captivated audiences with its compelling drama and unique storyline, becoming a hot topic among anime enthusiasts.
However, the fervor was met with disappointment when MAPPA announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated “Yuri on Ice” movie. The official website confirmed the news on April 19, issuing a statement that read:
“Thank you so much for your support of ‘Yuri on Ice.’ Sadly, we’ve decided to cancel the production of ‘Yuri on Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence,’ which had been postponed. We deeply apologize for not being able to meet the expectations of all those who have been waiting and have continued to support us through these years.”
The announcement further explained that despite ongoing discussions among the production committee and staff, the film’s production was halted “due to various circumstances.”
The movie had been announced back in April 2017, just a year after the anime’s 12-episode run in 2016. Initially set for a 2019 release, the project faced delays, raising fans’ hopes with promises of an expanded and enhanced production. The last update in 2020 confirmed that the movie was still in the works, but those hopes have now been dashed.
Fans’ disappointment was further compounded by comments from MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka last year. In an interview, Otsuka cited the series’ lack of revenue as a key reason for halting the movie’s development. Fans were not pleased with his comments, feeling they downplayed the importance of “Yuri on Ice.” This series was crucial in boosting MAPPA’s reputation before they tackled major titles like “Attack on Titan” and “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
The cancellation has sparked a significant response from the “Yuri on Ice” community. A petition on Change.org, calling for Netflix to revive the series or movie, has garnered over 10,000 signatures within a week. The petition states:
“The movie for one of the most popular and award-winning sports anime has been canceled. We’re asking Netflix to help save ‘Yuri!!! On ICE’ from fading away by picking up the rights for a second season or a new movie. We will continue making history.”
Despite the official cancellation, the “Yuri on Ice” fandom remains active and dedicated. In its prime, the series won numerous awards from outlets like Crunchyroll and drove significant home video sales. Social media platforms, from Tumblr to Reddit, buzzed with “Yuri on Ice” content, especially its stunning ice-skating sequences. The film had seemed poised for success, but with MAPPA’s recent decision, its future now rests in the hands of its passionate fans.
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