Netflix's Bubble - What We Know So Far

On December 6, Netflix shared a trailer on its official YouTube channel for an upcoming original anime movie titled "Bubble." By way of introduction, white text on a black screen upon its opening reads, "That day, bubbles rained on Tokyo." Then, a quick montage delivers on that exact premise, in which large concentrations of bubbles float through various stylized Tokyo tableaus. Some wide shots that follow reveal that the city is sunken, its lower levels submerged in a large body of water. The balance of the trailer hints at a plot focused on the meeting of two central characters within this otherworldly setting. Title cards interspersed throughout also showcase a number of anime industry all-stars working on its production.

Based on its high quality animation, wholly original premise, and the pedigree of its staff, plenty of those who discovered the film through its trailer doubtlessly want to learn more. Here's what we know so far about the release date, characters, and plot of the upcoming Netflix anime movie "Bubble."

Putting the actual preview footage of "Bubble" aside, the list of names attached to it should alone be enough to elicit excitement from existing anime fans. First, the trailer reveals that the film is directed by Tetsuro Araki, whose past work includes directing a number of episodes of the hit anime series "Attack on Titan." Likewise, Wit Studio, who handled the first three seasons of "Attack on Titan" as well as many of its OVAs and films (via Anime News Network) will helm the animation production of "Bubble."

The project will also feature "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" writer Gen Urobuchi and character designs by Takeshi Obata of "Death Note" fame. Fans of these numerous acclaimed series, then, are surely excited for what's next from this murderer's row of anime creators. Fortunately, the wait won't be too long — as revealed at the end of its first trailer, "Bubble" will premiere on Netflix on April 28.

While the first footage of "Bubble" includes glimpses at a number of mysterious and otherworldly characters, Netflix's rundown of its story, which is listed in the description of the trailer on YouTube, only makes mention of its two principle players. Hibiki is main character number one, described in the plot synopsis as "a young ace known for his dangerous play style." When a building that appears to be Tokyo Tower explodes, Hibiki falls into the sea that surrounds the sunken city of Tokyo. His life is saved by protagonist number two, a girl named Uta. She possesses "mysterious powers," and together Hibiki and Uta are capable of hearing "a unique sound audible only to them."

Also in the trailer's video description, Netflix lists the film's cast as featuring the voices of Jun Shison, Mamoru Miyano, Yuki Kaji, and Tasuku Hatanaka. Of these, Shison seems confirmed to be the voice of Hibiki (via IMDB). Uta's voice actor has yet to be announced, as do the characters portrayed by Miyano, Kaji, and Hatanaka.

According to Netflix's synopsis, "The story is set in Tokyo, after bubbles that broke the laws of gravity rained down upon the world. Cut off from the outside world, Tokyo has become a playground for a group of young people who have lost their families, acting as a battlefield for parkour team battles as they leap from building to building." Its protagonist Hibiki, it seems, is a member of one of these parkour teams. Furthermore, a meeting between Hibiki and his mysterious savior Uta "leads to a revelation that will change the world."

While additional details about the plot of "Bubble" are not yet available, screenwriter Gen Urobuchi described it to Polygon as a twist on a classic mermaid story. Uta is seemingly a personification of one of the bubbles that inhabit the film's fantastical world, given that Urobuchi explained how, during her conception, he wondered, "Why not have a bubble fall in love and transform into a girl?"

More information about "Bubble" should be revealed as its April 28, 2022 release date draws nearer.