'BNA: Brand New Animal': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Netflix anime series
There's a new anime series coming to Netflix and it's an exciting story of men and beasts. Specifically, men and beastkin — people who are part human and part animal who live in a precarious balance with humanity. Studio Trigger's 'BNA: Brand New Animal' explores the story of a young human girl who is suddenly transformed into a beastkin as she finds a place of refuge and tries to discover the reasons behind her abrupt transformation. Here’s all you need to know about the project:
Release Date
The 12-episode series released its first six episodes on Netflix in Japan on March 12, 2020, with the remaining six arriving on May 6. 'BNA' will be released globally on June 30, 2020.
Plot
Set in the modern day where humans and beastkin coexist, the series follows Michiru Kagemori (Sumire Morohoshi) as she attempts to discover how she went from being a normal human girl to a tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) beastkin. Here's the full synopsis for the series, courtesy of IMDB: "The series is set in the 21st century, where the existence of humanoid animals that have been living in the darkness for centuries have been revealed to the world. One day, Michiru, who was a normal high school student, suddenly turns into a tanuki person; running away, she seeks refuge in Anima City, a place set up for humanoid animals to be able to live as themselves. While there, Michiru encounters a wolf person, Shirou Ogami, who goes on to investigate why she became a humanoid animal, and in the process gets mixed up in even stranger events."
Cast
Sumire Morohoshi
The series lead character Michiru Kagemori is played by Japanese actress, voice actress, and singer Sumire Morohoshi. Her other credits include 'Ultraman' and 'Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon – Ultra Adventures', among others. She also sings the opening theme song for the series. Other cast members include Yoshimasa Hosoya as Shirou Ogami, Maria Naganawa as Nazuna Hiwatashi, and Kaito Ishikawa as Alan Sylvasta. The cast also includes Gara Takashima, Kenji Nomura, Hiroshi Naka, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kimiko Saito, Youhei Tadano, and Hōchū Ōtsuka.
Director
Yoh Yoshinari
Yoh Yoshinari is a Japanese director, key animator, and storyboard artist who serves as the series director for 'BNA'. His other credits include 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', 'Tengen toppa gurren lagann' and 'Kill la Kill'. The series was written by Kazuki Nakashima and produced by Studio Trigger.
Music
The opening theme music for the song is 'Ready to' by lead voice actress Sumire Morohoshi (credited under her character's name Michiru Kagemori) and the ending theme song is 'Night Running' by Shin Sakiura feat AAAMYYY. The music for the series was composed by Mabanua.
Trailer
Netflix is yet to release an official trailer for the series but you can check out this cool clip from Toho Animation that showcases the series' beautiful animation style, a Studio Trigger signature.
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