The highly anticipated anime film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved, has recently unveiled its non-credit opening sequence, expanded its cast list, and showcased new visuals as it premiered in Japan on June 27, 2025. Produced by Kyoto Animation, the movie continues the beloved story of dragons and humans coexisting, with a particular focus on Kanna’s narrative as she faces the arrival of her father.
Non-Credit Opening and Theme Songs
Kyoto Animation has released the creditless opening sequence for Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved, offering fans an early look at the film’s vibrant animation set to its opening theme. The opening song, “Namida no Parade” (Parade of Tears), is performed by the popular band fhána, who previously contributed to the anime series.
In addition to the opening, the film features “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Days of Us) as its ending theme, performed by the legendary enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi. Furthermore, an insert song titled “Negaigoto” (Wish) is performed by kotringo.
Expanded and Returning Voice Cast
The film introduces several new voices to its ensemble, enriching the world of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid. Among the new additions are Fumihiko Tachiki, cast as Kimun Kamui, and Nobunaga Shimazaki, who voices the character Azad. A significant change sees Shiori Sugiura taking over the role of Ilulu, replacing Tomomi Mineuchi, who retired from voice acting in 2022. Further expanding the cast, Shinya Takahashi and Azusa Tadokoro lend their voices to fairies within the film. Notably, veteran singer Sachiko Kobayashi not only performs the ending theme but also joins the cast as the dragon army leader Felicitas, marking her first time playing a dragon character.
The core cast members reprise their roles, ensuring continuity and familiarity for fans. Mutsumi Tamura returns as Kobayashi, Yūki Kuwahara as Tohru, and Maria Naganawa as Kanna. Also returning are Yūki Takada as Elma, Minami Takahashi as Lucoa, Daisuke Ono as Fafnir, Yūichi Nakamura as Makoto Takiya, Emiri Katō as Riko Saikawa, and Kaori Ishihara as Shōta Magatsuchi.
New Visuals and Theatrical Release
Alongside the casting and music announcements, new visuals for the film have been released, including a collaboration visual by the original manga author Coolkyoushinja and character designer Miku Kadowaki. A new key visual was also unveiled at AnimeJapan 2025.
The film, directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, who also helmed Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, premiered in 199 theaters across Japan on June 27, 2025. It is also available in immersive 4DX and MX4D formats. For international audiences, Crunchyroll has acquired the worldwide theatrical rights, excluding Asia, and plans to screen the film in North America with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
