The upcoming anime film, Butt Detective the Movie: Star and Moon, has announced the voice cast for its colorful rogues’ gallery of Phantom Thieves. This third feature film in the Butt Detective franchise promises a thrilling mystery set against the backdrop of an idol contest and a nefarious criminal organization.
Phantom Thieves Assemble: Cast Announcement
The staff behind Butt Detective the Movie: Star and Moon revealed the voice actors behind the Phantom Thieves, adding to the excitement surrounding the film’s release. The cast includes:
- Hōchū Ōtsuka as Phantom Thief G: The leader of the Phantom Thief Academy.
- Yasuhiro Mamiya as Phantom Thief H: Phantom Thief G’s close associate.
- Kumiko Watanabe as Phantom Thief Q.
- Shinya Takahashi as Phantom Thief T.
- Tetsuya Kakihara as Phantom Thief Z: A past adversary of Butt Detective.
- Daiki Kobayashi as Phantom Thief N.
- Yuri Yoshida as Phantom Thief I: An inventor of gadgets.
- Tomoyuki Shimura as Phantom Thief K: A gem collector recently dismissed from the Academy.
- Rumi Okubo as Phantom Thief B.
This ensemble cast brings to life the intriguing and diverse group of criminals that Butt Detective will face in his latest adventure.
Storyline: Idols, Intrigue, and the Dark Age Plan
Butt Detective: Star and Moon centers around a new case that draws the titular detective into a world of idols and international crime. The story kicks off when Koala seeks Butt Detective’s help in finding a missing relative who vanished during an idol contest.
Stardust Island: A Den of Secrets
The investigation leads Butt Detective to Stardust Island, the location of the idol contest and the headquarters of the Phantom Thief Academy, led by Phantom Thief G. Here, he uncovers the organization’s secret scheme, known as the “Dark Age Plan”.
Undercover Idol and Unlikely Alliances
To get to the bottom of the mystery, Butt Detective goes undercover as an idol. Simultaneously, he teams up with Phantom Thief U, who is determined to recover the Moonlight Stone from Phantom Thief G. This unlikely alliance sets the stage for exciting twists and turns as Butt Detective navigates the treacherous world of Stardust Island.
Brown’s Past Revealed
Adding another layer of intrigue, the film delves into the past of Brown, Butt Detective’s loyal partner, promising to reveal more about his backstory.
Production Team: A Proven Track Record
The film is helmed by a talented team of creators, ensuring a high-quality adaptation of the beloved Butt Detective series.
- Director: Hiroki Shibata, the series director of Butt Detective.
- Script: Shoji Yonemura, a writer with extensive experience penning episodes for the series.
- Music: Hiroshi Takaki.
- Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Hideaki Maniwa.
- Production Supervisor: Yūnosuke Komamizu.
With a seasoned crew at the helm, Butt Detective: Star and Moon is poised to deliver a captivating cinematic experience for fans of all ages.
Theme Song: “Kawaiitte Magic” by FRUITS ZIPPER
Adding to the film’s vibrant atmosphere, the theme song, “Kawaiitte Magic” (Cuteness is Magic), is performed by the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. The song is described as encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams. A set of seven cards featuring collaborative illustrations of Butt Detective and the FRUITS ZIPPER members will also be available for advance ticket purchasers.
Release Date and More
Butt Detective the Movie: Star and Moon is scheduled to premiere in Japan on March 20, 2025. New prequel episodes of the television anime will debut in Japan on April 5, 2025.
Butt Detective: A Phenomenon
Butt Detective began as a popular children’s book series written by Troll. The series has since expanded into various media, including:
- Apps
- Picture books
- Novels
- An anime television series (since December 2018)
- Films
- Stage Musicals
- Nintendo Switch Game (November 2021)
With over 9 million copies of the books in print and adaptations across different platforms, Butt Detective has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond.
Expert Opinion
Troll, the author of the Butt Detective book series, has captured the hearts of children with his humorous and engaging stories. The adaptation of his work into anime and film has further broadened the reach of Butt Detective, introducing new audiences to the world of this unique and meticulous super sleuth. Hiroki Shibata, as the series director, has consistently delivered high-quality animation and storytelling, ensuring that the Butt Detective franchise remains a beloved and successful property. With Butt Detective the Movie: Star and Moon, Shibata and his team promise to deliver another exciting and entertaining adventure for fans of all ages.
