Studio Pierrot, in collaboration with Bandai Namco Filmworks, has revealed its new magical girl television anime project, Mahō no Shimai Lulutto Lily (unofficial translation: Magical Sisters Lulutto Lily). The anime is slated to premiere in 2026, marking a significant return to the magical girl genre for the studio after a 28-year hiatus since Magical Stage Fancy Lala in 1998. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans of classic magical girl anime and followers of Studio Pierrot’s work.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Magical Girl Genre
Mahō no Shimai Lulutto Lily represents Studio Pierrot’s revival of its iconic ‘Pierrot Magical Girl Series’. The studio is known for several influential magical girl anime from the 1980s and 90s. This upcoming series aims to capture the hearts of both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. Pierrot announced the new magical girl anime project in June 2024.
Pierrot’s Legacy in Magical Girl Anime
Studio Pierrot has a rich history in the magical girl genre, with several successful titles that have left a lasting impact:
- Magical Angel Creamy Mami (1983-1984): The first in the series, Creamy Mami set the stage for Pierrot’s magical girl legacy.
- Magical Fairy Persia (1984-1985): Another beloved series that further solidified Pierrot’s reputation.
- Magical Star Magical Emi (1985-1986): Continued the trend of successful magical girl anime from the studio.
- Magical Idol Pastel Yumi (1986): Added a unique twist to the genre with its idol theme.
- Magical Stage Fancy Lala (1998): The last magical girl TV anime series before Mahō no Shimai Lulutto Lily.
Introduction of New Characters from the Land of Magic
The initial announcement included the reveal of two cat-like characters from a “land of magic”: Uguisu and Azuki. These characters are expected to play significant roles in the anime’s story.
- Uguisu: A free spirit who is known for speaking their mind, often complaining and grumbling.
- Azuki: Usually calm and possesses a natural charm that helps them navigate through tricky situations.
The character designs offer a glimpse into the visual style of the anime and hint at the fantastical elements that will be present in the series.
Production and Collaboration
Mahō no Shimai Lulutto Lily is a collaborative effort between Bandai Namco Filmworks and Studio Pierrot. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to ensure a stable production of high-quality anime. In October 2024, Asahi Production and Pierrot signed a business partnership to strengthen the system for stable production of high-quality anime works. Both companies will aim for further growth through joint projects and sharing of resources, including human resources. Pierrot and South Korean animation studio Red Dog Culture signed a business partnership.
Anticipation and Commemoration
To commemorate the announcement of the new anime, a “memorial photo visual” featuring toys from all the previous series in the Pierrot Magical Girl Series was released. Additionally, greetings and stickers will be distributed at “AnimeJapan 2025,” held at Tokyo Big Sight on March 22 and 23.
