Image: BNP/BANDAI, DENTSU, TV TOKYO, 2016 BNP/BANDAI, AIKATSU STARS THE MOVIE
AMBot | 07/03/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The "Aikatsu!" series continues to grow: To mark the 10th anniversary of the TV anime "Aikatsu Stars!", Bandai Namco Pictures has announced a completely new theatrical film. Titled "Aikatsu Stars! ~Hoshiboshi no Progress~" (roughly "Progress of the Stars"), it is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters in spring 2027.
The news was announced on July 3, 2026 – in a special way: On the same day, a revival screening of the 2016 film "Gekijōban Aikatsu Stars!" titled "Anniversary Stars" began in 70 theaters nationwide. After the credits of this re-release, the teaser trailer for the new film unexpectedly played. It features nostalgic scenes from the TV series as well as new animations for the first time, including the main character Nijino Yume in a previously unseen dress.
This marks the first standalone "Aikatsu Stars!" theatrical film in eleven years. The original series aired from 2016 to 2018 and follows middle school student Nijino Yume, who pursues her dream of being accepted into the elite group "S4" at Yotsuboshi Gakuen (Four-Star Academy).
For the production of the new film, the original creative team has been reassembled. Direction is handled by Satō Teruo, who also oversaw the TV series. The screenplay is written by Kakihara Yūko, with character design by Aikei Yukiko. The film is produced by BN Pictures and distributed by Bandai Namco Pictures.
Director Satō commented in a statement: "Ten years ago, we called out to you: 'Dreams are not meant to be seen, but to be realized.' Now we get to send a message again – with a new theatrical film. I thought long and hard about what we can convey today. The result is a work that might make viewers feel a little lighter after leaving the theater and ready for the next step into the future. There are also some tricks that invite multiple viewings."
Screenwriter Kakihara added: "Ten years have flown by. Over time, fans' dreams may have changed. But Yume and the others continue to shine in their place and run tirelessly. I hope that this long-awaited 'Aikatsu Stars!' film becomes a star of hope and a new starting line for all viewers."
Alongside the announcement, advance ticket sales (Mubichike) began on July 3 at participating theaters. As a bonus, buyers receive a card valued at 1,600 yen (approx. 10 euros) and an exclusive A5 clear file featuring the teaser motif of Nijino Yume. The edition is limited.
The new film is part of the comprehensive "Aikatsu Stars! 10th Anniversary Project." This initiative includes not only the revival screening but also the return of the Data Carddass game: Starting in October 2026, "Aikatsu! Encore" will appear in arcades, accompanied by a rerun of the first "Aikatsu!" anime on free TV. This continues the brand's "All Aikatsu!" strategy, which encompasses anime, arcade games, clothing, toys, and live events.
Further details, such as the exact release date, full cast, and music, will be announced later on the official website and the YouTube channel "Aikatsu! Channel."
The news was announced on July 3, 2026 – in a special way: On the same day, a revival screening of the 2016 film "Gekijōban Aikatsu Stars!" titled "Anniversary Stars" began in 70 theaters nationwide. After the credits of this re-release, the teaser trailer for the new film unexpectedly played. It features nostalgic scenes from the TV series as well as new animations for the first time, including the main character Nijino Yume in a previously unseen dress.
This marks the first standalone "Aikatsu Stars!" theatrical film in eleven years. The original series aired from 2016 to 2018 and follows middle school student Nijino Yume, who pursues her dream of being accepted into the elite group "S4" at Yotsuboshi Gakuen (Four-Star Academy).
For the production of the new film, the original creative team has been reassembled. Direction is handled by Satō Teruo, who also oversaw the TV series. The screenplay is written by Kakihara Yūko, with character design by Aikei Yukiko. The film is produced by BN Pictures and distributed by Bandai Namco Pictures.
Director Satō commented in a statement: "Ten years ago, we called out to you: 'Dreams are not meant to be seen, but to be realized.' Now we get to send a message again – with a new theatrical film. I thought long and hard about what we can convey today. The result is a work that might make viewers feel a little lighter after leaving the theater and ready for the next step into the future. There are also some tricks that invite multiple viewings."
Screenwriter Kakihara added: "Ten years have flown by. Over time, fans' dreams may have changed. But Yume and the others continue to shine in their place and run tirelessly. I hope that this long-awaited 'Aikatsu Stars!' film becomes a star of hope and a new starting line for all viewers."
Alongside the announcement, advance ticket sales (Mubichike) began on July 3 at participating theaters. As a bonus, buyers receive a card valued at 1,600 yen (approx. 10 euros) and an exclusive A5 clear file featuring the teaser motif of Nijino Yume. The edition is limited.
The new film is part of the comprehensive "Aikatsu Stars! 10th Anniversary Project." This initiative includes not only the revival screening but also the return of the Data Carddass game: Starting in October 2026, "Aikatsu! Encore" will appear in arcades, accompanied by a rerun of the first "Aikatsu!" anime on free TV. This continues the brand's "All Aikatsu!" strategy, which encompasses anime, arcade games, clothing, toys, and live events.
Further details, such as the exact release date, full cast, and music, will be announced later on the official website and the YouTube channel "Aikatsu! Channel."
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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