
DUBAI: Netflix is elevating its stop-motion content with a brand new Sanrio animation series that will feature the characters My Melody and Kuromi. Set to be released in July, the adorable animation coincides with My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th anniversary.
My Melody, who made her first appearance in 1975, is loved by many Sanrio fans as she debuted as Hello Kitty’s best friend. Her self-proclaimed rival Kuromi debuted in 2005 as an escaped prisoner from Mariland, the homeland of My Melody and where the new Netflix special will take place.
Having ranked in the top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking, after Cinnamoroll and Pochacco, Kuromi is considered one of the most popular characters in that universe.
The show is directed by Tomoki Misato, who rose to fame after directing the Japanese stop-motion ‘Pui Pui Molcar’. “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together, take on various challenges, and push the envelope with stop-motion,” the director commented.
“I hope everyone will enjoy this exciting story set in our handcrafted Mariland, the thrilling action that pushes the limits of stop-motion, and, of course, the cute and dynamic characters,” he shared.
Award-winning playwright Shuko Nemoto wrote the script for the upcoming show in 2020. “Because of the pandemic, I couldn’t meet with Director Misato or the producers in person. But we connected remotely each week, carefully building this together.”
“Having My Melody and Kuromi speak lines I wrote felt like a reward for me as a writer. The project is filled with love for the world of My Melody, beloved by people of all ages. I believe everyone, from adults to children, will have favorite scenes and lines,” she added.
Sanrio also shared special messages from My Melody and Kuromi, as the former said, “Our animation with Kuromi is starting this summer. I want to bring lots of excitement to all my friends. Please look forward to it,” while the latter added, “A new anime with My Melody and me is starting! All you Kuromies around the world, you’re going to watch it, right? Don’t miss my cuteness.”
The show is produced by Toruku, which was established as part of the Japanese animation studio WIT Studio, known for producing the critically acclaimed anime ‘Attack on Titan’.
‘My Melody and Kuromi’ will be released on Netflix globally in July, with no specific date announced yet.