Netflix has unveiled the latest addition to its anime lineup: a new series based on the manga Pluto, produced by Genco (Sword Art Online, Accel World), with animation production by Studio M2 (Onihei, Usuzumizakura: Garo) and set for release later this year. The streamer unveiled a sneak peek at the sci-fi series, which takes a classic character in a new direction.
Created by Naoki Urasawa (20th Century Boys, Yawara!, Master Keaton) and his long-time co-creator Takashi Nagasaki, the glabally acclaimed Pluto manga is based on Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy arc ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth’ from 1964.
“The animated Pluto is the real deal, and in addition to this being Urasawa’s latest work, this is also a new Tezuka anime,” notes project supervisor Macoto Tezka, son of the late manga legend. “I can hardly wait to see how this new generation of anime turns out.”
The series is being produced with the cooperation of Tezuka Productions.
The suspense drama takes place in a neo-futuristic world where humans and high-functioning robots live in complete harmony. The manga has won numerous awards, including the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. The 2015 stage adaptation of Pluto returned in 2018 by popular demand and toured Japan and Europe.
“I applaud the courage of everyone that has taken on the challenge of making an anime based on Pluto,” says Urasawa. “I am excited about the birth of this new series to win over people’s hearts. I hope that now more than ever, Osamu Tezuka’s message reaches the world.”
Nagasaki adds, “Pluto inherits the philosophy of Tezuka and does not merely convey a message of anti-war, but reminds us that there is suffering on both sides… but still, the only remaining answer is peace.”
The Japanese voice cast for the anime features Shinshu Fuji as Gesicht, Yoko Hikasa as Atom and Minori Suzuki as Uran.
