VIZ Media has acquired the digital streaming, broadcast, electronic sell-through, home video, and merchandise rights to the revival of the beloved 1969 animation Genie Family 2020, coming to Crunchyroll this October.
Five decades since its debut, and with a new twist on the classic, the funny and loveable King Genie is back in Genie Family 2020, only this time he has a daughter Akubi, who must undergo training in the human world in order to become a worthy queen and his successor.
Set in modern-day Tokyo and packing in all the imagination, adventure, and humor for which the original is known, Akubi’s royal training begins with Kantaro, the grandson of King Genie’s former master — but this new master Kantaro is in grade school, and Akubi’s wish-granting is anything but predictable. Along for the ride is Akubi’s kid brother, who loves to be mischievous.
Since debuting in 1969, Genie Family has carefully distilled the essence of friendship and dreaming big – between laughs – capturing the wonder and joy of life’s ups and downs while delivering precious nuggets of poignant wisdom along the way. The latest remake comes after two previously successful spin-offs — 2001 Yobarete Tobedete! Akubi-chan and 2006 Akubi Girl.
“Genie Family is one of the most endearing animations of its time, and we are thrilled for a whole new audience to meet the latest generation alongside fan favorite King Genie in brand-new adventures,” said Brad Woods, CMO of VIZ Media. “What was true in 1969 when the original show premiered is still true today: wishes and dreams have endless potential. We can’t wait for today’s kids to meet Kantaro, Akubi, and her rascally kid brother.”
Directing the series is Atsushi Nigorikawa, with Hiroko Kanasugi handling series composition; Shin Takemoto and Masatsune Noguchi are behind the character designs, while the music composition is by Takamitsu Shimazaki, Hiroshi Sasaki, and Teppei Shimizu. The animation production is by Tatsunoko Production (Speed Racer, Gotchaman, Casshan, Hurricane Polymar and Tekkaman, and Infini-T Force).
Genie Family 2020 stars:
Koichi Yamashita (Hakushon): “Ranma 1/2” Ryoga Hibiki
Sumire Morohoshi (Akubi): “The Promised Neverland” (2019) Emma
Daiki Yamashita (Puuta): “My Hero Academia” (2016 – 2019) Izuku Midoriya
Miyuri Shimabukuro (Kantaro): “Carole & Tuesday” (2019) Carole
