The ice rink is about to get even bigger. Kadokawa announced this past Saturday that the acclaimed figure skating anime will continue its story on the big screen, with a Medalist theatrical film set to hit Japanese theaters in 2027. The announcement came during a special screening event where fans got their first look at the upcoming second season.
The movie will pick up right where the second season leaves off, continuing the journey of aspiring skater Inori Yuitsuka and her coach Tsukasa Akeuraji as they push toward Olympic glory.
Season 2, produced by Studio ENGI, kicks off its TV run on January 25 and a fresh key visual for the new season was also revealed during the event. Disney+ will be streaming the series worldwide, just like they did with the first season that aired earlier this winter.
Award-winning source material
If you haven’t been paying attention to Medalist, now’s the time to catch up. Tsurumaikada’s manga has been racking up some serious hardware since it started serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon back in May 2020.
The series took home first place in the Next Manga Award’s comics category in 2022, then landed the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award for Best General Manga in 2023, and most recently snagged the 48th Kodansha Manga Award in the same category in 2024.
Volume 14 of the manga drops on January 22, so the franchise is firing on all cylinders right now.
Why Medalist connects
What makes this series stand out in the crowded sports anime landscape is its raw, honest approach to competition and dreams.
The story follows 11-year-old Inori, who’s told she’s already “too old” to become a competitive figure skater, and Tsukasa, a former skater whose own dreams were crushed by starting too late. Together, they’re fighting against every expectation, every doubt, and a sport that doesn’t forgive second chances.
It’s that underdog energy mixed with legitimate figure skating choreography by actual Olympic skaters that gives the anime its edge.
With a movie now confirmed for 2027, Medalist is proving it’s got the legs to go the distance. Whether you’re here for the skating, the drama, or just watching two people refuse to give up on each other, this franchise keeps delivering.
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