Crunchyroll has announced plans to release the prequel feature Fruits Baskets -prelude- in theaters in June and July. Debuting for the first time outside of Japan, the prequel film to the award-winning 2019 anime series Fruits Basket is a standalone story that will take fans back before Tohru became involved with the Soma family. The magical clan has the power to turn into animals of the Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex .
The special event film will arrive in select movie theaters in the U.S. and Canada on June 25, 28, and 29, subtitled and dubbed in English, with tickets on sale Friday, June 3. The film will also debut in the United Kingdom, dubbed only, on July 20 with tickets going on sale June 24.
Based on the award-winning shoujo manga Fruits Basket, written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya (Phantom Dream; Twinkle Stars; Fruits Basket Another) and published by Hakusensha from 1998 to 2006, Fruits Basket -prelude- is directed by Yoshihide Ibata (Fruits Basket; Attack on Titan: Junior High). Studio animation is provided by TMS Entertainment and 8PAN, who together are known for producing 2019’s Fruits Basket, Dr. STONE, Bakuon!!, and more.
Here is the official synopsis for the movie: “Before there was Tohru and Kyo – there was Katsuya and Kyoko. Discover the turbulent beginning of Tohru’s mom’s dark past, and the man who breathed new hope into her. Watch the evolution of their love story and the birth of the Honda family, as this chapter completes the full adaptation of the heartwarming Fruits Basket story.”
Voice Cast includes:
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Kyoko Honda – Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese voice) and Lydia Mackay (English voice)
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Katsuya Honda – Yoshimasa Hosoya (Japanese voice) and J. Michael Tatum (English voice)
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Tohru Honda – Manaka Iwami (Japanese voice) and Laura Bailey (English voice)
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Kyo Soma – Yūma Uchida (Japanese voice) and Jerry Jewell (English voice)
Fruits Basket -prelude– features a screenplay by Taku Kishimoto (Fruits Basket; Haikyu!!; 91 Days; Erased), character design by Masaru Shindō (Fruits Basket; My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU), art direction by Tamako Kamiyama, and music composed by Masaru Yokoyama (Fruits Basket; Horimiya; Your Lie in April). The movie’s theme song, “Niji to Kite” (“Rainbow and Kite”), was performed by Ohashi Trio.
The 2019 anime series, Fruits Basket, is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Watch the trailer with English subheads:
And here is the dubbed trailer:
