The highly anticipated anime film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved, has unveiled its non-credit opening sequence, additional cast members, and a new visual ahead of its theatrical release. The movie premiered nationwide in Japan on June 27, 2025.
Non-Credit Opening and Theme Song
Kyoto Animation has released the creditless opening sequence for the film. The opening theme song, “Namida no Parade” (Parade of Tears), is performed by fhána, a returning musical group for the series. Kotringo performs the insert song “Negaigoto” (Wish), and Sachiko Kobayashi sings the ending theme, “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Our Days).
Expanding the Voice Cast
The film introduces new characters and their respective voice actors. Fumihiko Tachiki joins the cast as Kimun Kamui, Kanna’s father and leader of the Chaos Forces. Nobunaga Shimazaki voices Azad. Additionally, Shiori Sugiura has taken over the role of Ilulu, replacing Tomomi Mineuchi, who retired from voice acting in 2022.
The beloved main cast members are reprising their roles for the film, including:
- Mutsumi Tamura as Kobayashi
- Yūki Kuwahara as Tohru
- Maria Naganawa as Kanna
- Yūki Takada as Elma
- Minami Takahashi as Lucoa
- Daisuke Ono as Fafnir
- Yūichi Nakamura as Makoto Takiya
- Emiri Katō as Riko Saikawa
- Kaori Ishihara as Shōta Magatsuchi
Shinya Takahashi and Azusa Tadokoro are also voicing fairies in the film.
New Visual and Plot Details
A new key visual for the film was unveiled at AnimeJapan 2025, featuring a pensive Kanna alongside the new characters. The movie’s story picks up after the events of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, the second season of the TV anime. Kanna Kamui faces a significant challenge when her father, Kamun Kamui, arrives and demands she return to the Dragon World to rectify a past mistake. This sets the stage for a conflict between Chaos and Harmony, with Kanna torn between her loyalties. Miss Kobayashi endeavors to bridge the gap between Kanna and Kamui, while Iruru uncovers a hidden force manipulating the brewing war. The film explores themes of family and relationships, expanding on the fights and lore of the series.
Production and International Release
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved is directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, who also directed Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S. The script is penned by Yuka Yamada, and Miku Kadowaki is responsible for character designs and serves as chief animation director. Kyoto Animation, the studio behind the TV series, produced the film. The late Yasuhiro Takemoto, the original director of the TV anime, is credited posthumously as series director.
Crunchyroll has acquired the worldwide theatrical rights to the film, excluding Asia, and plans to screen it in North America with Japanese audio and English subtitles. Further information on release dates for other territories will be announced later. In Korea, the film is scheduled for release at Lotte Cinema on July 10, 2025. The movie is also set to receive 4D screenings (4DX and MX4D).
