by It has officially been announced that a theatrical movie adaptation of the anime Medalist is now in production. The upcoming film is scheduled for release in 2027 and will depict the story following the events of the second season of the TV anime, which recently began airing. Alongside the movie announcement, a new key visual for Season 2 of the TV anime has also been unveiled, further exciting fans of the series.
What Is “Medalist”? A Brief Introduction for New Viewers
Medalist is based on the award-winning manga written and illustrated by Tsurumai Ikada, which has been serialized in Kodansha’s monthly magazine Afternoon since 2020. The story centers on figure skating, focusing on dreams, perseverance, and the emotional bond between an athlete and their coach.
The series follows Yuzuki Inori, a young girl who begins figure skating later than most competitors, and Akiura Tsukasa, a former skater whose own dreams were cut short. Together, they challenge the harsh realities of competitive sports and aim for the highest stage, one step at a time.
Highly Acclaimed Manga and Anime Series
Since its debut, Medalist has earned widespread praise from readers and critics alike. The manga has received several major awards, including:
- 1st Place (Comics Category) at the Next Manga Awards 2022
- General Audience Award at the 68th Shogakukan Manga Awards (2022)
- Best Actress Award for protagonist Yuzuki Inori at the 2022 Magazine Academy Awards, a unique honor that recognizes outstanding manga characters
Thanks to this strong reputation, anticipation for the anime adaptation was high even before it aired.
TV Anime Progress So Far
The first season of the TV anime aired from January to March 2025, gaining attention for its realistic depiction of figure skating, emotionally grounded storytelling, and expressive animation.
The second season officially began airing on January 24 in TV Asahi’s popular “NUMAnimation” programming block, alongside broadcasts on other channels nationwide. With Season 2 underway, the announcement of a movie adaptation signals strong confidence in the franchise’s continued success.
Season 2 Key Visual and Story Highlights
The newly released key visual for Season 2 showcases an iconic and emotionally charged image. It features Inori and Tsukasa, standing alongside their rivals Hikaru and Yotaka, set against a beautifully rendered frozen lake. The visual symbolizes both rivalry and growth, key themes that define Medalist.
Additionally, details for the first episode of Season 2 have been revealed:
Episode 1 (Score14): “Athlete’s Oath”
The story begins at the Chubu Block Tournament, a crucial competition that determines which skaters will advance to the All-Japan Novice Tournament. Filled with excitement at finally standing on the stage she has always dreamed of, Inori enthusiastically greets her fellow Novice A competitors. However, the atmosphere quickly grows tense when elite training athletes selected by the federation make their appearance, signaling a much tougher road ahead.
Preview cuts and a trailer video for this episode have also been released, offering fans a glimpse of the intense competition and emotional moments to come.
Anime Movie: What We Know So Far
The newly announced Medalist movie will continue the story after Season 2, making it an essential chapter for fans following Inori’s journey. While detailed plot information has not yet been revealed, the decision to move the story into a theatrical format suggests:
- Higher animation quality for skating scenes
- Deeper focus on character growth and emotional climaxes
- A major turning point in Inori’s competitive career
More details about the movie’s staff, cast, and exact release timing are expected to be announced in the future.
Special Commemorative Event at Animate Ikebukuro
To celebrate the start of Season 2, a special hand warmer distribution event will be held on January 24 at Animate Ikebukuro Main Store in Tokyo. Fans who visit the store will receive limited hand warmers featuring the newly released Season 2 key visual, making this a must-visit event for collectors and longtime supporters of the series.
Why “Medalist” Continues to Stand Out
What sets Medalist apart from other sports anime is its grounded realism and emotional honesty. Rather than focusing solely on victories, the story highlights:
- Late starters chasing big dreams
- The cost of failure and fear of falling behind
- The importance of mentorship and trust
- The quiet courage required to keep moving forward
With Season 2 now airing and a movie scheduled for 2027, Medalist is steadily establishing itself as one of the most memorable sports anime of its generation.
SEO Keywords
Medalist anime movie 2027, Medalist season 2 anime, Medalist movie announcement, Medalist key visual, figure skating anime Medalist, Yuzuki Inori anime, NUMAnimation Medalist, Tsurumai Ikada Medalist
