Key Facts
- ✓ The film was originally released in Japanese theaters on May 24, 2024, more than a year before its planned North American debut.
- ✓ Crunchyroll will distribute the film, having previously launched the Umamusume: Pretty Derby mobile game in the U.S. in July of last year.
- ✓ The story centers on the character Jungle Pocket, who is based on the real-world racehorse of the same name from the 1990s.
- ✓ Jungle Pocket trains with veteran trainer Tanabe to compete in the Triple Crown, a prestigious series of three races.
- ✓ The Umamusume franchise is a multimedia project from Cygames that began with a mobile game in 2021.
- ✓ The franchise has become so popular in the U.S. that fans actively follow the real-life horses that inspired the fictional characters.
A Special Screening
The world of Umamusume: Pretty Derby is galloping into North American cinemas for a highly anticipated event. The anime film spinoff, Beginning of a New Era, has been confirmed for a one-day-only theatrical release in the United States on February 27, 2026.
After its initial debut in Japanese theaters on May 24, 2024, international fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a wider distribution. This limited screening offers a unique opportunity to experience the story on the big screen, accompanied by a newly released English-language trailer and poster to build excitement for the occasion.
The Story of a Champion
Beginning of a New Era centers on the journey of a fan-favorite character, Jungle Pocket. The narrative follows her ambitious quest to achieve the coveted Triple Crown, a series of three prestigious races that a horse can only compete in once during its lifetime.
In her pursuit of victory, Jungle Pocket trains under the guidance of veteran trainer Tanabe. Along the way, she faces fierce competition from her rivals, including:
The film is part of the larger Umamusume universe, a franchise that creatively blends elements of horse racing with character-driven storytelling.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise, created by Cygames, has seen explosive growth since its inception. Originating as a mobile game in 2021, it has since expanded into a multi-season anime series, manga, and various other spinoffs. The concept is unique: it features Umamusume, female characters with horse-like features such as ears and tails, who compete in races modeled after real-world historical events.
The franchise's popularity in the U.S., which began with its July 2024 launch, has had an interesting side effect. Fans have become so invested in the stories that they are now following the real-life racehorses from the '90s, '00s, and '10s that inspired their favorite characters, even mourning the passing of one last year.
Logistics & Availability
The upcoming screening is being handled by Crunchyroll, the prominent anime distribution platform. While the February 27 date is set, the release details are still being finalized. The film will be shown in select theaters across the U.S., though the specific locations have not yet been announced.
For those interested in attending, patience will be required. Tickets are not available for purchase yet and will be released at a later date. Fans should keep an eye on the official English website for future updates regarding ticket sales and theater listings.
Looking Ahead
This one-night-only event marks a significant milestone for the franchise, bringing a key piece of its narrative to a dedicated international audience. It demonstrates the growing demand for niche anime content in the North American theatrical market.
As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to more details regarding ticket availability and theater locations. For now, the announcement serves as a promising sign of the franchise's continued expansion and its commitment to its global fanbase.
