The beloved Sgt. Frog (also known as Keroro Gunsō) franchise is gearing up for a significant return in 2026 with a brand-new anime film and a new anime series, both part of its 20th-anniversary celebration. While fans can anticipate fresh animated adventures, there has been no public announcement regarding a stage musical adaptation in September 2026.
The comedic sci-fi series, centered on a platoon of frog-like aliens attempting to conquer Earth, continues to captivate audiences two decades after its initial anime debut. These new projects promise to bring the Keroro Platoon’s antics to a new generation and delight long-time followers.
New Sgt. Frog Anime Movie Set for Summer 2026 Release
A major highlight of the anniversary celebration is an all-new Sgt. Frog anime movie, slated for release in Summer 2026. This marks the franchise’s first theatrical film in 16 years, with the last movie having premiered in 2010. Advance tickets for the film went on sale starting December 19, 2025.
The movie project sees Yuichi Fukuda, known for his work on the live-action Gintama films, serving as scriptwriter and chief director. Fumitoshi Oizaki, a character designer for the original Sgt. Frog anime, is taking on the role of director, with Satoshi Koike handling character designs. Animation production will be handled by Bandai Namco Pictures.
Returning voice cast members include Kumiko Watanabe as the titular Sergeant Keroro and Noriko Kuwashima as Fuyuki Hinata, ensuring a familiar auditory experience for fans. Singer and media personality Ano has been appointed as the official campaign ambassador for the movie and will perform a new theme song titled “Mata Kaette Kita Kero! to March” (“We’re Back Again, Kero! March”) in collaboration with comedian Soshina.
A New Sgt. Frog Anime Series Also in Production
Beyond the big screen, the Sgt. Frog universe will expand with a new anime series, which was initially announced on April 1, 2024, as part of the 20th-anniversary project. While specific release dates for the series are yet to be fully detailed, it has been confirmed that the main cast from the original anime will be returning. This includes Etsuko Kozakura as Private Second Class Tamama, Jouji Nakata as Corporal Giroro, Takehito Koyasu as Sergeant Major Kururu, and Takeshi Kusao as Lance Corporal Dororo.
The announcement came with a promotional trailer showcasing the popular characters in an updated art style, signaling a fresh take on the beloved comedy. Fans are eager to see whether the new series will serve as a reboot or a continuation of the established narrative.
No Stage Musical Details Available
Despite the excitement surrounding these new animated projects, searches for a Sgt. Frog stage musical scheduled for September 2026 did not yield any official announcements or confirmed information. While the franchise has a rich history across various media, public details about a stage play adaptation are currently unavailable. The focus of the 20th-anniversary celebrations remains on the new anime film and series.
The Enduring Legacy of Sgt. Frog
The Sgt. Frog franchise originated from Mine Yoshizaki’s manga, which began serialization in Kadokawa’s Monthly Shonen Ace magazine in 1999. The first anime series premiered in 2004, running for an impressive 358 episodes across multiple seasons until 2011. It was followed by the Keroro anime in 2014.
The story revolves around Sergeant Keroro, the incompetent leader of a platoon of alien invaders from the planet Keron, who takes refuge with the Hinata family after his mission to conquer Earth goes awry. His attempts at world domination are often thwarted by his own laziness, love for Gundam models, and the stronger personalities around him. The franchise is praised for its unique blend of military parody, slapstick comedy, and heartfelt moments, earning it a dedicated global fanbase.
