Fans celebrated the announcement of the movie adaptation of Yuri on Ice in 2017, following the anime’s conclusion in 2016. However, with numerous delays, its production studio, MAPPA, announced the cancellation of Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence.
Yuri on Ice was one of the most successful anime series of the 2010s. It has been well received in Japan and praised for its brave depiction of a same-sex relationship in a country and sport that has issues with homophobia.
Sadly, the film will not happen anymore.
MAPPA released a statement to announce the heartbreaking news about Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence. In a post on the anime’s official website, the studio addressed the film’s lengthy delay, considering it was supposed to be released in 2019.
And with those numerous setbacks, it ultimately cancelled the film.
“Thank you very much for always supporting Yuri!!! on ICE,” the statement reads. “Regarding the postponed release of Yuri!!! on ICE the movie: ICE ADOLESCENCE, we have come to the decision to unfortunately cancel its production.”
MAPPA apologised for failing to meet fans’ expectations as they continuously waited for the movie and supported the company throughout the years.
It then explained that despite the continuous discussion between the production committee and staff on creating and delivering the film, they decided to stop the project due to “various circumstances.”
“We sincerely apologise to everyone who has been anticipating its release and thank you once again for your continued support.”
Why was Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence delayed in 2019?
Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence was supposed to hit the theatres in 2019, but its release was delayed to a later date. The delay was due to the creative team’s effort to “substantially scale up the content more than originally planned.”
In 2020, the anime movie’s official X (formerly Twitter) account gave an update about its production. The film was still in the works then and was “ongoing with the aim of further enriching” it.
However, the staff didn’t reveal when it would be officially released.
Yuri on Ice follows the story of Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki, his idol, Russian figure-skating champion Viktor Nikiforov, and the up-and-coming Russian skater Yuri Plisetsky.
Yuri K. and Yuri P. join the Figure Skating Grand Prix, with Victor acting as the former’s coach. However, when Yuri K. loses, he stops skating for a while and returns to his hometown after five years.
The anime was produced by MAPPA and written and directed by Sayo Yamamoto, with original scripts by Mitsuro Kubo under the chief direction of Jun Shishido.
Tadashi Hiramatsu handled the character designs, while Taro Umebayashi and Taku Matsushiba worked on the music composition. Kenji Miyamoto served as the skating choreographer.
The anime, which had 12 episodes, ran from October to December 2016. The original staff was supposed to return to work on the movie.
Fans have waited years to see Yuri P., Yuri K., and Victor on the big screen, but it looks like Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence will not happen anytime soon.
READ MORE: Does Yuri on Ice Have a Manga? Where to Start Reading after the Anime
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!