The beloved anime series Sgt. Frog is making its long-awaited return to the big screen with a brand-new theatrical film set to premiere in summer 2026. This marks the franchise’s first film in 16 years since the 2010 release. The original cast, including Kumiko Watanabe as Sgt. Keroro, will reprise their roles. The screenplay and chief direction will be handled by Yuichi Fukuda, widely known for his work on the Yuusha Yoshihiko TV series and the Gintama live-action films.

In the teaser video, the new theme song “Mata Kaettekita Kero! to March” is performed by ano and Soshina. The film is being produced as part of the anime’s 20th anniversary project, bringing together a veteran creative team: Fumitoshi Oizaki as director, Satoshi Koike as character designer, and BN Pictures handling animation.

Pop artist ano, a self-proclaimed longtime fan of the series, has been appointed the official promotion ambassador. The teaser video includes the new version of “Kero! to March,” and the anime’s official radio show “Keroro Gunsou no Kero! to Radio” featuring ano is scheduled to premiere tonight at 9 PM JST.

The teaser starts with a solemn tone before showing Fuyuki peeking in on Keroro, who is frantically sketching at his drawing desk. The scene then transitions with a shout of “3, 2, 1” from ano, launching the upbeat theme song and a surprise appearance from Keroro. He bursts from the 20th anniversary logo and declares, “The new movie is now in production! Stay tuned!”—raising excitement among fans.

Based on the manga by Mine Yoshizaki, Sgt. Frog centers on a group of frog-like alien invaders and their humorous attempts to conquer Earth. The TV anime aired from 2004 for seven years, spawning five theatrical films and multiple media tie-ins. The series marks its 25th anniversary in 2024, and 20 years since the anime began.

Creator & Staff Comments

■Mine Yoshizaki (Original Creator)
“The fearsome aliens are finally returning to theaters! I'm filled with both excitement and a little anxiety, but I’m thrilled to have such a reliable team reunited. And to have Mr. Fukuda pulling it all together? Seriously!? This movie is unpredictable in every way—and I couldn’t be more excited! Let’s all look forward to it together!”

■Yuichi Fukuda (Writer & Chief Director)
“I’m honored to be handling the script and chief direction of Sgt. Frog’s latest film. I’ve been a huge fan since the TV days, watching it while writing scripts for variety shows. I’ve always loved parody, and Sgt. Frog made me think, ‘Wait, they’re allowed to go this far!?’ I poured that admiration straight into the script. You might be surprised by the choice of theme song performer and guest voice actor, so look forward to some exciting surprises!”

■Fumitoshi Oizaki (Director)
“I’m thrilled to be working on Sgt. Frog again, especially alongside the legendary Yuichi Fukuda. It’s a miracle collaboration of Fukuda World and Yoshizaki World! Expect a loud, fun, and energetic movie.”

■Satoshi Koike (Character Designer)
“It’s been 14 years since I last worked with the Keroro team. Which means the invasion of Pekopon (Earth) still hasn’t been accomplished, right? This film is for both longtime fans and a new generation of kids.”

■Kumiko Watanabe (Sgt. Keroro)
“Whaaaat!? That hopelessly inefficient alien platoon is back?! With a leader who prioritizes Gunpla over actual missions?! I’m thrilled to be back! Let’s show the true power of the Keroro Platoon in theaters—see you there!”

■Etsuko Kozakura (Private Second Class Tamama)
“A brand-new Sgt. Frog film? I never imagined it! I’m so excited! The recording sessions are going to be a riot—I’ll be sure to bring tons of throat lozenges so I don’t lose my voice from laughing!”

■Houko Kuwashima (Fuyuki Hinata)
“Like many fans, I was surprised when I heard the film was actually happening. Recording the teaser made it real. I’m honored to reunite with the cast and can't wait to see everyone in theaters!”

■ano (Promo Ambassador & Performer)
“I’ve loved Sgt. Frog since childhood—TV, comics, movies, merch, everything. Now I get to serve as the new ‘Keroro Platoon Recruit & Promo Ambassador,’ and sing the new version of ‘Kero! to March’ with Sosshi. I even got to contribute lyrics! It was a joy to record. Please look forward to the film!”

■Soshina (Performer)
“As ‘Glaring Giroro’ Sosshi, I’m beyond honored to sing the legendary ‘Kero! to March’! I’m grateful to ano-chan for this opportunity. I even got to sing a solo part once performed by Noburo Tsukada—it’s a dream come true.”

Teaser trailer

Source : ORICON NEWS