It has been revealed that actor Kuroki Hitomi will be the narrator for the new animated feature film "The Rose of Versailles" (directed by Yoshimura Ai, scheduled for release on January 31, 2025), based on the classic manga by Ikeda Riyoko. Former Takarazuka Revue top actress Kuroki said, "My first encounter with Takarazuka was The Rose of Versailles." She continued, "I was fascinated by the story, and visited the Palace of Versailles every time I went to Paris. The appeal of The Rose of Versailles is not just the historical facts, but also the way it focuses on each and every character who lived in that era, depicting their lives, love, and suffering. I am very honored to have had the opportunity to participate as the narrator. The story, which combines historical facts and fiction, is a loving work that will remain for future generations. I hope you will watch it again and again."
It was also announced that singer-songwriter Ayaka will be performing the theme song for this film, "Versailles." Ayaka said, "The Rose of Versailles is a masterpiece that continues to be loved by people all over the world for more than half a century. I am truly honored to have been in charge of writing the lyrics and composing the theme song for the animated film, "Versailles." I was deeply moved by the courage, pure love, and fragile fate hidden within the strength of the characters who survive turbulent times, and I put my heart into every note and word to express those feelings in music. As a new page is added to this timeless masterpiece, I hope that fans will enjoy the music as well as the film."
The official trailer, which features 15 insert songs by Sawano Hiroyuki and sung by the main cast, has been released on YouTube.
The Rose of Versailles is a masterpiece manga by Ikeda that was serialized in Weekly Margaret (Shueisha) from 1972 to 1973. Set during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, the film beautifully depicts the love and lives of Oscar, a beautiful woman who dresses as a man, and Marie Antoinette, the innocent queen who came to France from neighboring Austria as a bride.
The animated film will be directed by Yoshimura, who has worked on Ao Haru Ride and Cheer Boys!!, among others. Sawano, who has worked on Attack on Titan, will serve as music producer, and Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto will be in charge of the music. It will be produced by MAPPA, known for Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Oscar François de Jarjayes: Sawashiro Miyuki▽Marie Antoinette: Hirano Aya▽Andre Grandier: Toyonaga Toshiyuki▽Hans Axel von Fersen: Kato Kazuki▽Alain de Soissons: Takeuchi Shunsuke▽Florian de Gelodel: Eguchi Takuya▽Bernard Châtelet: Irino Miyu▽Louis XVI: Ochiai Fukutsugu▽General Jarjayes: Ginga Banjō▽Marron Glacée Mont Blanc: Tanaka Mayumi▽Narration: Kuroki Hitomi
