Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Inuyasha and Ranma 1/2, is bringing fans a new look at her roots. A new anime based on her first manga, Urusei Yatsura, is in production for a 2022 debut. The announcement was made on January 1st, 2022, via the show’s newly-opened website and social media accounts.
The official accounts also revealed the first teaser trailer for Urusei Yatsura.
✬TVアニメ『#うる星やつら』✬
諸星あたる（CV #神谷浩史）とラム（CV #上坂すみれ）が、再び動き出す！
TVアニメ化解禁ティザーPV公開！ https://t.co/LJfGo1pkLY#ノイタミナ #ダーリン pic.twitter.com/UXUAIMsDUY
— 「うる星やつら」TVアニメ公式｜第2期2024年放送開始 (@uy_allstars) January 1, 2022
The short clip features voice clips resembling the original 1981 Urusei Yatsura anime series. The clips feature the voice of Ataru, the protagonist, calling to Lum, an alien princess. The clip then zooms in to show off Lum, the series’ heroine, dressed in her signature tiger-print bikini.
First published in 1978, Urusei Yatsura is a romantic comedy. In it a young boy named Ataru Moroboshi must compet for future of Earth when the “Oni” alien race invade. After accidentally winning the contest, Ataru’s opponent Princess Lum, falls in love with him and moves into his house. Hijinks ensue as various factors like Lum’s suitors, alien forces, and Ataru’s perverted and lackadaisical nature conspire to drive the pair apart.
The first Urusei Yatsura anime premiered in 1981 and ran until 1986. Its first director was the now-famous Mamoru Oshii, director of the first Ghost in the Shell film and Mobile Police Patlabor. The anime series, OVAs, and feature films were licensed in multiple countries under the titles Lum, Lum the Invader Girl, and Those Obnoxious Aliens.
David Production will animate the 2022 series. It is the studio responsible for the recent JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime series, and Cells at Work!. The show is planned to run for four cours, or seasons, over the course of a year. However, the seasons might have gaps between broadcast dates. Additionally, new voice actors will take on the roles of Ataru and Lum. Hiroshi Kamiya (Levi in Attack on Titan, Koyomi in the Monogatari series) will voice Atrau. Lum will be voiced by Sumire Uesaka (Nagatoro in Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro, and Anastasia in Idolmaster Cinderella Girls).
Urusei Yatsura will air in Japan in 2022. Viz Media published the original manga in English, while Discotek Media licensed the movies for release. AnimEigo and Central Park Media released the original anime series to home video in North America, though the license has since expired.
