The popular Pretty Cure franchise is set to expand with a film adaptation of its newest series, You and Idol Precure♪. Toei Animation made the announcement during its 2025-2026 lineup press conference, revealing that the movie, tentatively titled Eiga Kimi to Idol Precure♪ (You and Idol Precure♪ the Movie), is slated for release this fall. This news comes as the television anime series is preparing to premiere in Japan on February 2nd, marking an exciting time for fans of the magical girl franchise.
Television Anime Series Launch
The You and Idol Precure♪ television anime will debut on ABC TV, TV Asahi, and 22 other affiliated channels across Japan on February 2nd at 8:30 a.m. JST (February 1st at 6:30 p.m. EST). The series will also be available on the Broadcasting System of San-in, as well as on the TVer service and various streaming platforms. This wide release ensures that fans throughout Japan will be able to enjoy the latest installment of the beloved franchise.
Storyline
The anime’s story is set in Hanamichi Town and centers around Uta Sakura, a second-year middle school student with a passion for singing. Her life takes a turn when she encounters a mysterious, giant peach-like object floating down the river while walking her dog, Kyū-chan. From the object emerges Purirun, a charming fairy seeking the legendary savior, Idol Precure. Purirun’s home, Kira-Kira Land, is under threat from Darkiine, the boss of the villainous Chokkiri Gang. When the Chokkiri Gang begins stealing the “sparkle” of Hanamichi Town’s residents, Uta, filled with determination, proclaims, “I want to sparkle! With my song!” This declaration triggers her transformation into Cure Idol.
Main Characters and Cast
The series features a vibrant cast of characters, each with unique abilities and personalities. The main cast includes:
- Misato Matsuoka as Cure Idol / Uta Sakura: Uta is a passionate singer who transforms into the legendary Cure Idol. Her introduction line is, “Singing with you, a glittering heart! Smiling brightly, I’m Cure Idol!”
- Minami Takahashi as Cure Wink / Nana Aokaze: Nana is a second-year middle school student who is skilled at playing the piano. Her introduction line is, “Sparkling with you, a courageous heart! Blinking bright, I’m Cure Wink!”
- Natsumi Takamori as Cure Kyun-Kyun / Kororo Shigure: She is another of the Pretty Cure team, completing the trio.
The mascot characters include the Kirakira Land fairies Purirun and Meroron. Purirun’s goal is to find the “Idol Precures.”
Production Staff
The anime is being brought to life by a talented team of creators. The series is directed by Chiaki Kon, who is known for directing Eiga HappinessCharge PreCure! Ningyō no Kuni no Ballerina and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal. Yoichi Kato is overseeing the series scripts, and he previously worked on Wonderful Precure! The Movie! and Aikatsu! Miho Sugimoto is responsible for the character designs, while Rie Iida is designing the art, and Tong Nian Chen is directing the art. The color key artist is Kumiko Yanagisawa. The music for the series is being composed by Erika Fukasawa, who worked on Wonderful Precure! and Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure, and Misaki Umase, who previously contributed to Kaina of the Great Snow Sea.
The Movie Adaptation
The announcement of a film adaptation of You and Idol Precure♪ so soon after the television anime launch demonstrates the franchise’s continued popularity and ambition. While specific plot details for the movie are still under wraps, the film is expected to further explore the themes and characters introduced in the series. The movie’s tentative title, Eiga Kimi to Idol Precure♪ (You and Idol Precure♪ the Movie), suggests a direct connection to the television series, promising fans a seamless extension of the story they have come to enjoy.
Release Window
The film is scheduled for release in fall 2025 in Japan. An exact date has not been announced yet, but fans can anticipate more information as the release window approaches.
Thematic Elements
The new series centers around the theme of idols, with the message, “Because of ‘You,’ we shine brighter and grow stronger!” It follows the story of PreCure idols singing, dancing, and interacting with fans while saving people whose sparkle has been stolen. This marks the second time that the franchise has used music as a main theme, the first being Suite PreCure♪. The inclusion of the “♪” symbol in the title is the first time since Suite PreCure♪ (aired in 2011) that it has been used again after 14 years. This idol theme adds a fresh and contemporary element to the magical girl genre, blending action and adventure with song and dance. The incorporation of idol culture into the series offers a unique angle for both new and long-time viewers of the Pretty Cure franchise.
A Series of Firsts
The Precure series has become known for introducing many “firsts” over the years. Wonderful Precure!, the preceding series, featured the franchise’s first canine Pretty Cure. The 20th installment, Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure, had the first protagonist with blue as their signature color, as well as the first male Pretty Cure and an adult female Pretty Cure. Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure introduced the first mermaid Pretty Cure, and Star☆Twinkle Pretty Cure had the first extraterrestrial Pretty Cure. This history of innovation ensures that You and Idol Precure♪ will continue to bring fresh concepts and characters to the screen.
Conclusion
With a television series set to premiere in early February and a movie adaptation slated for release in the fall, You and Idol Precure♪ is poised to make a significant impact on the anime landscape. The series’ focus on music, idols, and magical girl transformations, combined with a talented production team, promises an exciting experience for audiences worldwide. Fans of the franchise can look forward to a year full of captivating storylines, memorable characters, and dazzling transformations. As the release dates approach, more details will be revealed, but for now, fans can eagerly anticipate the debut of this new chapter in the Pretty Cure saga.
