A new anime adaptation of the classic novel Anne of Green Gables is set to premiere in April 2025, with a total of 24 episodes. The series, titled Anne Shirley, will feature a fresh take on the beloved story of the imaginative red-haired orphan. The anime will be produced by Answer Studio and is scheduled to air on NHK Educational TV in Japan.
A Beloved Story Returns to the Screen
Anne of Green Gables, written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, has captivated audiences worldwide since its publication in 1908. The story follows Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with middle-aged siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The novel tells of Anne’s adventures in school and within the town, showcasing her growth from a girl to a woman, and highlighting her bond with the Cuthberts, her friendship with Diana Barry, and her romance with Gilbert Blythe.
This new adaptation is not the first time Anne of Green Gables has been brought to the screen. The novel previously inspired a TV anime series in 1979 directed by Isao Takahata, who later co-founded Studio Ghibli. Hayao Miyazaki also contributed to the production of the first 15 episodes of that series. A compilation film of the first series premiered in Japan in 2010. In 2009, a second TV anime adaptation was directed by Katsuyoshi Watabe. This upcoming Anne Shirley series will mark the third anime adaptation of the novel.
The Creative Team
The upcoming anime is being directed by Hiroshi Kawamata, who has previously worked on Hal’s Flute, Shimajirō to Ehon no Kuni, and Shimajirō to Kujira no Uta. The character designs are being handled by Kenichi Tsuchiya, known for his work on The Garden of Words and Flavors of Youth. The animation is being produced by Answer Studio, known for their work on Modern Love Tokyo: He’s Playing Our Song, Golgo 13, and the recently produced Tower of God season 2.
Meet the Voice Cast
The voice cast for Anne Shirley was recently announced, bringing together a talented group of actors to bring the beloved characters to life:
- Honoka Inoue as Anne Shirley: Inoue is a voice actress and singer, who has expressed her excitement about playing Anne, stating that she has loved the world of Anne of Green Gables since childhood. She is known for her roles as Xiaomei in EDENS ZERO and Kotone Kazairo in RPG Real Estate. Born on February 9, 1998, in Kanagawa Prefecture, she is the daughter of veteran voice actress Kikuko Inoue. She debuted as a singer in 2015 and began her voice acting career in 2016.
- Aya Nakamura as Marilla Cuthbert: Nakamura is a French-Malian singer-songwriter, who will be lending her voice to the stern but kind Marilla. She began publishing her music online, gaining popularity with songs like “Karma” and “J’ai mal”. Born on May 10, 1995, in Bamako, Mali, Nakamura is the most streamed French artist in the world and performed at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. She is known for her songs “Pookie” and “Djadja”.
- Yasunori Matsumoto as Matthew Cuthbert: Matsumoto is a seasoned voice actor, known for his role as Kojiro Nanjo in SK8 the Infinity.
- Naoya Miyase as Gilbert Blythe: Miyase will voice Anne’s intellectual rival and eventual love interest. He is known for his role as Wataru Sajo in The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist.
- Yume Miyamoto as Diana Barry: Miyamoto will portray Anne’s kindred spirit and best friend, Diana. She is known for her role as Rikka Takarada in SSSS.GRIDMAN.
What to Expect from the New Adaptation
The new anime will follow the main plot of the first Anne of Green Gables novel, depicting Anne’s journey from a young orphan to a young woman. It will focus on her relationships with the Cuthberts, her friendship with Diana, and her rivalry and romance with Gilbert. While the series is expected to primarily cover the events of the first novel, there’s a possibility that elements from the subsequent novels, Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island, will also be incorporated. The series aims to capture the essence of the novel, depicting Anne’s growth and the impact she has on the people around her.
The anime’s storyline is set in the late 19th century in the town of Avonlea in Prince Edward Island. The story revolves around Anne, who is mistakenly sent to the Cuthberts, who initially intended to adopt a boy to help on their farm. The novel tells the story of Anne’s adventures at school and within the town.
Additional Information
The Anne Shirley anime will also have a manga adaptation by Akane Hoshikubo, which launched in Kadokawa’s B’s-LOG COMIC magazine on January 5, 2025. This adaptation is a testament to the enduring appeal of Anne of Green Gables and its continuing relevance to new audiences.
The series is highly anticipated by fans of the original novel and anime alike, offering a fresh take on a timeless classic. The combination of a talented voice cast, experienced animation studio, and dedicated creative team suggests a faithful and engaging adaptation that will capture the hearts of a new generation of viewers.
