Netflix is reviving another classic manga by Osamu Tezuka, the Godfather of Manga, with a film reboot of Princess Knight titled The Ribbon Hero. This summer, the streaming giant will release a new adaptation of the foundational magical girl and femiinst work, which has not been fully adapted since 1999.

The original Princess Knight,a shojo manga that follows Princess Sapphire of Silverland as she disguises herself as a boy to prevent the evil Duke Duralumin from inherting the throne, was groundbreaking for its exploration of feminism and gender roles. It is considered the first magical girl anime, influencing series like The Rose of Versailles and Revolutionary Girl Utena.

The $30 million toe in the water

The reboot, produced with Outline and Twin Engine, shifts focus to a mystical threat called Nergal, drawing both anticipation and concern from fans about thematic changes. While visually promising, some fans worry this departs from the original's feminist themes, which other Tezuka adaptations typically preserve.

According to the report, The Ribbon Hero aims to introduce Tezuka's pioneering story to a new generation, though it remains to be seen how it balances homage with modernization.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The source article does not reveal the identity of the buyer behind the Netflix reboot, leaving fans to wonder about the motivations behind this project.

As the report notes, Tezuka's influence extended globally, inspiring countless creators, and he remains revered as the Godfather of Manga. Decades after his passing, the anime industry continues to honor his legacy through art exhibitions, awards, and modern adaptations such as Phoenix: Eden17, Dororo, and Pluto.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The report does not provide specific details about what auditors flagged in the May filing, but it is clear that the reboot has sparked concerns about thematic changes.

Netflix is releasing a film reboot of Osamu Tezuka's classic manga Princess Knight, titled The Ribbon Hero, this summer. The original, a foundational magical girl and feminist work, has not been fully adapted since 1999. The reboot shifts focus to a mystical threat, drawing both anticpation and concern from fans about thematic changes.