It is undeniable that Yuri on Ice is one of the most influential and path-breaking sports anime of all time. The banner has a love story, it has a sportsman’s journey, and it has the stamp of MAPPA Studio attached to it. The only thing that this series could not give to its fans was a sequel. After a final farewell in December 2017, the banner never looked back. This left the fans hanging with many questions. So, why was Yuri On Ice Season 2 never renewed? Is the series canceled? What happened in MAPPA? Here is all you need to know about the renewal.
Almost after six years of its conclusion, Yuri on Ice remains to be the most influential sports anime of all time. It was a MAPPA original venture that came out in 2016. The team of writer-director Sayo Yamamoto alongside Jun Shishido and Mitsuro Kubo brought this project to life. In just twelve episodes, the series managed to make a name for itself. Inspired by the popularity of the story, the Avex group also released a side story manga in the same banner. Studio MAPPA also produced a prequel movie which is yet to be released.
Yuri on Ice was also named one of the most praised attempts by MAPPA. All numbers of the series have retained a high score. The first season was rated a high of 8 stars by the users of MyAnimeList. Along with this, IMDb also displays a score of 8.3 stars. Thus, it is safe to say that the demand is quiet high even after six year.
Yuri On Ice Season 2: Renewal Status
The last announcement that came from the side of the makers was in November 2020 when the teaser trailer of Yuri on Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence was released. As for the anime, there has not been any announcement about a season renewal since 2016. While the reason for this silence is not clear, it is believed that the hindered release of the movie has also logged the animation of a second season.
In June 2017, Director Saya Yamamoto gave an exclusive interview to the Otaquest page. In the interview, when the creator was asked about the future of the franchise, she gave away quiet some interesting insights. Dodging the question of the renewal, the show maker only commented that story of Yuri on Ice was not ‘over yet.’ However, it has been five years since this interview and no light was shed on the question of the return.
Production Details!
As mentioned earlier, the Yuri on Ice movie is the biggest hurdle that is hindering the production of the second season. On top of this MAPPA has a history of dodging renewals after the first season. Since 2012, the studio has brought back only a numbered series for a second season. Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan are the only parts that have seen a recent renewal in this time. Much like the infamous Netflix Jail, the MAPPA trap is also turning into a series issue over the years.
Thus, if it is in fact true that MAPPA Studio is not coming up with a new season. Then the makers are left with no choice but to switch the animation company and bring back Yuri On Ice Season 2. At the moment, fans can only hope to wait for a year or two more.
Is There Enough Source Material?
Yuri on Ice an independent work of Director Saya Yamamoto Thus, the hurdles of a source material do not apply to this case. Also, as mentioned earlier, the creator of the series has all the plans of continuing the storyline. On top of this, Saya also managed to release a new Side Story manga by the name of Yuri on Ice Side Story: Welcome to the Madness. This manga was came out back in May 2017. Thus, if the series is resumed once again on high demand, it is likely that this text can also seek an adaptation very soon.
Yuri On Ice Season 2: Previous Season Recap!
The first season of Yuri on Ice launched with Yuri facing the most embarrassing defeat of his life at the Grand Prix Final competition. Being a renowned player of the sport of ice-skating, Yuri could not process his defeat. And so, he took an abrupt break from the sport. But things escalate quickly when Yuri meets with Russian Ice Skating Idol Victor Nikiforov. The man becomes his trainer and asks him to resume participating in the competitions once again.
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As the circle completes, Yuri finds himself competing in the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona once again. In the final episode of the first season, it turns out that Yuri P won the Final. And Yuki K ended up getting the silver medal. Towards the end of the series, K also realized that he wanted to stay with Victor. Thus, he also moved to St. Petersburg and continues his relationship with Victor and Yuri.
What Will Happen Next?
While there is no source material to he rely on at the moment, it can be assumed that Yuri On Ice Season 2 will trace the same storyline that was left up in the last season. Yuri and Victor are no longer a trainer and student. Now that they share a much deeper relationship, it is likely that they will follow to find a new line of competitions to participate in. Moreover, it is also likely that they will be dealing with a personal conflicts in the face of growing pressure of winning.
Fans are already hyped to see how Victor and Yuri will manage the lines of their personal and professional relationship at the same time. Also, the season is expected to take up a new journey in for the two partners.
Yuri On Ice Season 2: Release Date
As of the last update, there is no official release date out from the side of the makers. Moreover, fans can expect this status quo for two years until 2024, at the least. This is because the chances of MAPPA bringing back the project are quite low. On top of this, a studio shift takes a year and half at the least. Adding the animation time to this, fans can hope to see quite a delayed release in case of Yuri On Ice Season 2. Thus, the series is not coming back anytime soon.
If only there is enough demand from the fans. Then this wait period can be cut short. We will be sure to update this section with more news as it comes. Thus, keep an eye on this space to get more updates on the same.
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