According to Mashable, Netflix has released the trailer for the upcoming original anime film ‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!’, and it’s visually stunning. The movie is the feature directorial debut of the person behind the opening sequences for ‘Chainsaw Man’ and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Season 1. It’s set in the music-fueled virtual world of Tsukuyomi and stars Yuko Natsuyoshi as the moon princess Kaguya and Anna Nagase as the songwriter Iroha. The plot follows Kaguya, who wants to become a top idol and streamer instead of returning to the moon. The film’s soundtrack features major Vocaloid producers, including ryo (supercell) composing the main theme and songs from kz (livetune), Aqu3ra, yuigot, and 40mP. You can find more details on the official Netflix Tudum page.
Netflix’s Anime Strategy Gets a Boost
This film feels like a targeted strike by Netflix into a very specific, and very passionate, corner of the anime fandom. And it’s a smart one. By locking down the director of two of the most talked-about modern anime openings, they’re instantly signaling quality and a certain visual flair to fans. But the real masterstroke is stacking the soundtrack with Vocaloid royalty. I mean, ryo from supercell? kz from livetune? That’s basically assembling a musical Avengers for anyone who grew up with Hatsune Miku. It’s not just about making a movie; it’s about creating a cultural event that will trend on social media and drive subscriptions from a dedicated audience that values both artistry and music.
The Competitive Landscape for Anime
So who wins and loses here? Netflix is clearly trying to outmaneuver competitors like Crunchyroll, which dominates in simulcast series, by focusing on high-production-value films and events. A film like this isn’t just another series episode—it’s a spectacle designed for the “Netflix and chill” movie night, but with the hardcore appeal to generate online buzz. The winners are anime fans, who get more diverse and ambitious projects funded. The potential losers? Maybe traditional anime film distributors, as streaming giants continue to vertically integrate production and distribution. But here’s the thing: does this model put more creative power in the hands of artists, or does it just tie them to a different corporate master? The stunning trailer suggests the former, for now.
Beyond the Hype, What Really Matters
Look, a gorgeous trailer and a killer soundtrack lineup are a fantastic start. But they’re not the whole story. The real test will be the narrative—taking the classic “Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” and making this idol-streamer premise feel fresh and emotionally resonant. Can it balance the cosmic fantasy with the grounded struggles of a virtual performer? The premise is incredibly modern, basically swapping a celestial palace for a digital stage. If the story delivers, Netflix might have a genuine classic on its hands that transcends its niche ingredients. If it doesn’t, it’ll be remembered as a beautiful, well-scored missed opportunity. Basically, the pressure is on, but the pieces are all in place for something special.
