The upcoming anime film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved, has released a new trailer, revealing the ending theme song and offering more insights into the movie’s plot and characters. Here’s a breakdown of what the trailer revealed and what you can expect from this heartwarming addition to the Dragon Maid universe.
What We Know So Far
Release Date
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025. As of now, there’s no confirmed international release date, but fans overseas can hope for a release on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or a potential limited theatrical run, depending on the film’s popularity.
Production
The film is produced by Kyoto Animation, known for other beloved anime films such as A Silent Voice and Violet Evergarden: The Movie.
- Director: Tatsuya Ishihara (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!)
- Series Director: The late Yasuhiro Takemoto (credited as series director)
- Scriptwriter: Yuka Yamada (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Miku Kadowaki (Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S)
- Art Director: Shingo Kasai
- Color Designer: Naomi Takahashi
- Accessory Designer: Hiroshi Karata
- Director of Photography: Hiroki Ueda
- 3D Director: Rin Yamamoto
- Music: Masumi Itō (Kotringo will be in charge of the insert song “Negaigoto”)
- Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
Cast
The film features returning cast members, including:
- Kobayashi: Mutsumi Tamura
- Tohru: Yūki Kuwahara
- Kanna: Maria Naganawa
- Elma: Yūki Takada
- Lucoa: Minami Takahashi
- Fafnir: Daisuke Ono
- Makoto Takiya: Yūichi Nakamura
- Riko Saikawa: Emiri Katō
- Shōta Magatsuchi: Kaori Ishihara
New cast members include:
- Kimun Kamui (Kanna’s Father): Fumihiko Tachiki
- Azad: Nobunaga Shimazaki
- Ilulu: Shiori Sugiura (replacing Tomomi Mineuchi)
Theme Songs
- Opening Theme: “Namida no Parade” (Tearful Parade) by fhána
- Ending Theme: “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Our Days) by Sachiko Kobayashi
Sachiko Kobayashi’s participation is particularly notable, as she had previously been involved in Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid April Fool’s Day projects.
Storyline
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid follows the life of Kobayashi, an ordinary office worker who ends up living with a dragon named Tohru, who transforms into a human maid. The series is a blend of comedy, slice-of-life, and fantasy elements, exploring themes of family, friendship, and cultural differences.
A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved introduces new emotional and personal stakes. The story revolves around Kanna’s father, Kimun Kamui, who arrives to take her back to the dragon world. This event forces the characters to confront their feelings of isolation and what it truly means to be a family.
Plot Details from the Trailer
- Kanna’s Father: The trailer showcases the arrival of Kimun Kamui, Kanna’s father, who seeks to bring her back to the dragon world.
- Mysterious Man: A mysterious man named Azad also appears, seemingly connected to the Dragon Jewel.
- Emotional Conflict: Kanna expresses feelings of loneliness and a desire for praise from her father, hinting at a central emotional conflict.
- Journey to the Dragon World: Kobayashi and Tohru decide to follow Kanna and her father to the dragon world, suggesting a significant portion of the film will take place there.
Analyzing the Trailer
Visuals and Animation
Given that Kyoto Animation is producing the film, viewers can expect high-quality animation and detailed visuals. The trailer offers glimpses of the character designs, backgrounds, and action sequences.
Themes
The title, A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved, suggests a focus on themes of loneliness, belonging, and the meaning of family. The trailer hints at Kanna’s internal struggles and her relationship with her father, as well as the bonds between Kobayashi, Tohru, and Kanna.
Music
The opening theme by fhána and the ending theme by Sachiko Kobayashi are expected to complement the film’s emotional tone. The trailer offers a preview of Sachiko Kobayashi’s “Bokutachi no Hibi,” which appears to be a ballad emphasizing the importance of cherishing everyday moments.
What to Expect
- Emotional Depth: Expect a more introspective story that delves into the characters’ emotions and personal growth.
- Family Dynamics: The film will likely explore the complexities of family relationships, both biological and chosen.
- Stunning Visuals: Given Kyoto Animation’s reputation, expect visually stunning animation and detailed backgrounds.
- Heartwarming Moments: Despite the emotional themes, the film will likely retain the heartwarming and comedic elements that made the series popular.
- Cultural Themes: The film will likely continue to explore the cultural differences between humans and dragons, adding depth to the narrative.
The Impact of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
Manga Origins and Anime Adaptation
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid began as a manga series by Coolkyoushinja, first serialized in Monthly Action magazine in May 2013. The manga moved to Manga Action in February 2024 when Monthly Action ended publication. The series quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of slice-of-life, comedy, and fantasy elements.
The anime adaptation, produced by Kyoto Animation, premiered in Japan in January 2017. The first season was well-received, praised for its animation quality, humor, and heartwarming characters. A second season, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, aired in 2021, continuing the story and introducing new characters.
Spin-offs
The series has also inspired several spin-off manga, including:
- Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Elma’s Office Lady Diary
- Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Fafnir the Recluse
- Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Kanna’s Daily Life
- Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Iruru Has No Clue About Love!
These spin-offs explore different aspects of the Dragon Maid universe and provide more insight into the supporting characters.
Themes and Reception
The series has resonated with audiences for its portrayal of unconventional families, acceptance, and the challenges of cross-cultural understanding. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are both humorous and heartwarming.
Final Thoughts
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved promises to be a significant addition to the franchise. With its focus on emotional depth, family dynamics, and stunning visuals, the film is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this heartwarming tale of dragons and humans finding love and belonging.
