Princess Principal: Crown Handler Explained

Native Name:
Child:yes
Hide:no
Header:none
Kanji:プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler
Revhep:Purinsesu Purinshiparu: Kuraun Handorā
Director:Masaki Tachibana
Screenplay:Noboru Kimura
Cinematography:Yu Wakabayashi
Editing:Gō Sadamatsu
Music:Yuki Kajiura
Studio:Actas
Distributor:Showgate
Runtime:Total (3 films):
169 minutes
Country:Japan
Language:Japanese
Gross:Total (3 films):
million

is a six-part Japanese animated spy action film series and a sequel to the 2017 anime television series Princess Principal. Produced by Actas and distributed by Showgate, the film series is directed by Masaki Tachibana from a script written by Noboru Kimura and stars Aoi Koga, Akira Sekine, Yō Taichi, Akari Kageyama, and Nozomi Furuki.

The film series follows Ange, Princess Charlotte, Dorothy, Beatrice, and Chise Tōdō, members of Team White Pigeon, as they are assigned to investigate Bishop, the Commonwealth spy within the Kingdom's royal family, for his loyalty. Following his death from an assailant and an assassination attempt on Prince Richard, the team is tasked to find the Cavorite bombs that are stolen from the Commonwealth. After the incident of missing bombs, Prince Richard, the mastermind behind it and the assassination of Prince Edward, invites Charlotte to join him for his plan to reform the Kingdom. The death of Prince Edward, who is first in succeeding the Queen of the Kingdom, has caused a power struggle between Prince Richard and Princess Mary, who is second in the line of succession.

A sequel to the anime series was announced in April 2018. The staff and cast for the first film in the series were revealed in September 2019, with Koga replacing Ayaka Imamura as the voice actress for Ange due to the latter's health condition. That film's production was completed in March 2020. The staff and cast for the second film in the series were revealed in July 2021, while its production was completed in August. The staff and cast for the third film in the series were revealed in November 2022.

Three films in the Princess Principal: Crown Handler series have been released in Japan since 2021: Chapter 1 on February 11, Chapter 2 on September 23, and Chapter 3 on April 7, 2023. The film series has grossed million in Japan.

Films

Chapter 1

In response to the assassination attempt on the Queen, the Duke of Normandy begins cracking down on suspected Commonwealth of Albion spies. Concerned that their mole within the royal family may be a double agent, Control tasks the Team White Pigeon with making contact with the mole and investigating him. Ange disguises herself as Princess Charlotte and meets the mole in the royal palace, and is surprised to discover that the mole is Winston, the grand chamberlain and the man that used to take care of her when she was a child. Winston recognizes Ange and lets her know that he is aware she is the real Charlotte and the other is an impostor. Ange and Charlotte explain to the rest of the team that he knows they are investigating him. Despite knowing the risk of Winston exposing them, the team continues to investigate him and discovers that Winston has been secretly communicating with an unknown third party through coded messages he has hidden in the Queen's speeches. The team manages to expose him by feeding him false information and tricking him into sending out a message they can intercept. Control orders the team to detain Winston for interrogation, but Ange secretly arranges for his escape in return for keeping her and Charlotte's secret. Winston parts amicably with Ange but is shot by an assassin. With his dying words, Winston warns Ange that if she continues living a life of lies, she will end up like him. In the aftermath, both the Duke of Normandy and Control become aware of the unknown third party's involvement as the team feels defeated in failing to save Winston.

Chapter 2

The Commonwealth tests a new and destructive Cavorite bomb which they intend to use against the Kingdom of Albion. Meanwhile, Prince Richard returns to the Kingdom but is injured in an assassination attempt. Control gives Team White Pigeon a new mission to search for three Cavorite bombs that were stolen from the Commonwealth and smuggled into the Kingdom, with the concern that those bombs may be used to instigate a war between both nations. Following a lead, the team investigates the Vegas Steam Theater and finds the bombs hidden there. They then put the theater under surveillance while they wait for Control to organize a retrieval team. However, when the surveillance teams are killed by the assassin, Ange, Dorothy, and Chise Tōdō have no choice but to raid the theater. They manage to capture the smuggler and recover two of the bombs, but they find out the third one has been smuggled onto a yacht where a royal ceremony is being held with Charlotte, Beatrice, and Princess Mary present. With Ange's quick thinking, they manage to stop the bomb from detonating and prevent it from falling into the Kingdom's hands. Charlotte returns to the royal palace, only to discover Prince Edward has been assassinated. She comes across Prince Richard, who admits he was behind the bomb plot and Prince Edward's death as he wants to seize power and reform the Kingdom. He then asks Charlotte whether she will join him or not.

Chapter 3

Prince Richard says he will wait for Princess Charlotte's decision to his ultimatum. After Charlotte revealed Richard's ambition and role in the assassination of Prince Edward, Team White Pigeon decides to not make any decisions for the moment and informs Control. Control orders the team to infiltrate the royal household—Charlotte and Beatrice staying in the palace, while Ange and Dorothy pose as maids—to investigate the power struggles in the royal family. As the current one who is in line for the throne, Princess Mary is given more strict lessons and training to prepare her for her future duties. Charlotte speaks with Richard again and learns that he wants to fix inequality not just in Albion but also on the world stage. Richard covertly provokes nobles to demand that the Duke of Normandy be removed from his post as the Home Secretary for failing to protect Edward while in public. The Duke of Normandy tells Richard that he is aware of his machinations. Meanwhile, Richard also arranges for Mary's education to be even more strict along with a grueling schedule, much to the consternation of Olivia, the Princess' lady-in-waiting. Overcome by the stress, Mary tries to escape through the window and endangers herself, but she is saved by Dorothy. After discussing it with the others, Charlotte arranges a tea time with the rest of Team White Pigeon to provide Mary a break from her studies. Hearing of this, Richard plots to depose Mary more directly and arranges a plot on her life while Charlotte is not with her, but the result is unsuccessful. Distraught by this news, Charlotte decides that she wants to help Mary flee the country as her life is in danger, which is approved by Control. The operation goes smoothly at first but before Mary and Olivia can escape over the wall into the Commonwealth, they are intercepted by the Kingdom's forces. Team White Pigeon is arrested with their identities exposed. The Duke of Normandy reveals to Charlotte that he has also arrested Richard on suspicion of his role in assassinating Edward and gives Charlotte an ultimatum to become a double agent for the Kingdom.

Cast and staff

Voice cast

The table shows the Japanese voice cast (green-colored cells)[1] [2] [3] of the three films in the Princess Principal: Crown Handler series and the English dub cast (white-colored cells)[4] of the series' first two films.

CharacterChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3
Angecolspan="3"
Avery Smithhart
Princess Charlottecolspan="3"
Patricia Duran
Dorothycolspan="3"
Elizabeth Bunch
Beatricecolspan="3"
Shanae'a Moore
Chise Tōdōcolspan="3"
Rachael Messer
Lcolspan="3"
David Wald
7colspan="3"
Heidi Hinkle
Dolly Shopcolspan="3"
Mark Laskowski
The Colonelcolspan="3"
Chris Hutchison
The Duke of Normandycolspan="3"
Jay Hickman
Gazellecolspan="3"
Melanie Burke
The Queen
Juliet Oliver-Touchstone
Head butler
John SwaseyTy Mahany
Francis Hamiltoncolspan="2"
James Belchercolspan="2"
Winston / Bishopcolspan="2"
Sean Patrick Judgecolspan="2"
Prince Edward
Todd Waite
Princess Marycolspan="2"
Cat Thomas
Prince Richardcolspan="2"
Adam Gibbs
Oliviacolspan="2"
Rachel Brownhill
Billy
Blake Jackson
PeeblesTomoko Miyadera
Lord HorikawaHiroshi Naka

Staff

StaffChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3
DirectorMasaki Tachibana
ScreenwriterNoboru Kimura
Original character designerKōhaku Kuroboshi
Character designerYukie Akiya and Kimitake Nishio
Chief animation directorKimitake Nishio
Concept artistMunashichi
Mechanical designerFumihiro Katagai
ResearcherSeiichi Shirato
Design assistantRasenjin Hayami
Prop designerRyō Akizuki
ComposerYuki Kajiura
Sound directorYoshikazu Iwanami
Art directorMiho Sugiura
Art designerMorihito Ohara, Yuuho Taniuchi, Gō Taniguchi, and Noboru Jitsuhara
Color designerYuko Tsumori
Head of 3D animationTri-Slash
Graphic artistHirofumi Araki
CinematographerYu Wakabayashi
EditorGō Sadamatsu
Animation productionActas
Distributing companyShowgate

Production

A sequel to the 2017 anime television series Princess Principal was announced during the Princess Principal Stage of Mission live event for the anime series in April 2018, which would comprise six films.[5] Anime series director Masaki Tachibana and chief producer Atsushi Yukawa agreed on making films as a sequel because they found doing another television series "physically demanding".[6] Ayaka Imamura, who voiced Ange in the anime series, announced her retirement in June 2018 due to declining health.[7] The film's production staff and committee collaborated with her talent agency With Line to begin auditions for the role.[8] The film series' full title was revealed in September 2019.

The staff for the first film in the series, Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1, were revealed in September 2019. Noboru Kimura was revealed to be writing the script for the film instead of Ichirō Ōkouchi, who wrote the anime series. Actas was solely credited for the production as opposed to the collaboration they had with Studio 3Hz in the anime series. Additionally, Aoi Koga was revealed as the new voice actress for Ange, with Akira Sekine, Yō Taichi, Akari Kageyama, and Nozomi Furuki reprising their role as Princess Charlotte, Dorothy, Beatrice, and Chise Tōdō, respectively. The films James Bond, , and Charlie's Angels influenced Chapter 1, but Tachibana used Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) to accomplish "a realistic spy story". While working on the script, Kimura was inspired by the American television series The Blacklist since he was interested on how "the drama and the development [of the series] mesh well".[9] Actas' president Shunpei Maruyama announced the completion of the film's production in March 2020 despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[10] Tachibana likened the action scene at the double-deck bus to Jackie Chan's 1985 film Police Story.[11] Sentai Filmworks revealed the English dub cast for the film in February 2022.[12]

The staff and cast for the second film in the series, Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2, were revealed in July 2021.[13] Maruyama announced the completion of the film's production in August 2021.[14] Teruyuki Tanzawa, Rina Endō, and Kazuyuki Okitsu were announced in September 2021 as the respective voices of Prince Edward, Princess Mary, and Prince Richard,[15] who were initially revealed in July.[16] The dragon Smerg from Michael Ende's 1979 novel The Neverending Story influenced the Steam Dragon animatronics in the film. In August 2022, Sentai Filmworks revealed the film would receive an English dub upon their release of the details about its Blu-ray release.

The production for the third film in the series, Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3, was announced in September 2021. Tachibana stated the film would help the viewers to "finally begin to understand the meaning of the title Crown Handler".[17] The staff and cast for the film were revealed in November 2022.[18]

Music

Yuki Kajiura, who previously composed for the anime series Princess Principal, was reported to be composing Princess Principal: Crown Handler in September 2019. The opening theme music for the film series, "Lies & Ties", was revealed in October 2019 by Void_Chords featuring Yui Mugino.[19] Masami Shimoda served as the director of the film's opening video after declining the initial offer to become the episode director of the eleventh episode of the anime series due to conflicting schedule.[20] The ending theme music for the film series performed by Ange (Koga), Princess Charlotte (Sekine), Dorothy (Taichi), Beatrice (Kageyama), and Chise Tōdō (Furuki), titled "Nowhere Land", was revealed in January 2020.[21] On April 8, 2020, the two singles were released in Japan by the record label Lantis.[22] [23] The insert song for Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 titled "Fairy Game" was revealed in August 2021, with FictionJunction and Shuri performing it.[24]

Marketing

A teaser visual and trailer for Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 were released in September 2019. The main visual by the character designer and chief animation director Kimitake Nishio and a new trailer for the first film in the series were released in February 2020.[25] In preparation for the upcoming release of the film, Misato Fukuen narrated twelve videos each summarising every episode of the anime series in one minute, which were released on the official YouTube channel of Bandai Namco Arts on January 31, 2021.[26] A trailer and the main visual for Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 were released in July 2021.[27] The first 10 minutes of the second film in the series was released by Bandai Namco Arts on September 27, 2021.[28] A trailer for Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 was shown at the end of Chapter 2, following its main visual and another trailer in November. The first 11 minutes of the third film in the series was released on the YouTube channel of Emotion on April 9, 2023.[29]

Promotion partners for the film series included Dash Store,[30] the Girls und Panzers smartphone game Girls und Panzer: Great Tankery Operation!,[31] the anime and manga merchandise manufacturer Amnibus,[32] Don Quijote,[33] GraffArt Shop,[34] and GraffArt Cafe.[35]

Release

Theatrical

Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 was released in Japan on February 11, 2021.[36] The film was previously scheduled to be released in 2019, before it was shifted to April 10, 2020, and then to the February 2021 premiere due to COVID-19 pandemic. Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 was released in Japan on September 23, 2021. Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 was released in Japan on April 7, 2023.[37]

Home media

Hidive began streaming Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 on May 26, 2021.[38] The film was released on Blu-ray in Japan on September 28, 2021.[39] It is bundled with a 6-minute original video animation (OVA) titled Busy Easy Money, a special program first delivered on Niconico and YouTube called "Pri-Pri Secret Meeting Super", and Fukuen's 1-minute narrated recap of each Princess Principal episode.[40] Sentai Filmworks released the film on Blu-ray in the United States and Canada on March 15, 2022.[41] MVM Entertainment released it in the United Kingdom and Ireland on August 8, 2022.[42]

Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 was released on Blu-ray in Japan on March 29, 2022. It is bundled with a new OVA titled Revealing Reviews and the second part of the special program "Pri-Pri Secret Meeting Super".[43] Sentai Filmworks released the film on Blu-ray in the United States and Canada on November 22, 2022.[44] MVM Entertainment released its Blu-ray collector's edition in the United Kingdom and Ireland on November 28, 2022.[45] Hidive began streaming the film on February 21, 2023.[46]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/staffcast/case1/ . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:スタッフ/キャスト 第1章 . Staff/Cast Chapter 1 . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524083848/https://pripri-anime.jp/staffcast/case1/ . May 24, 2022.
  2. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/staffcast/case2/ . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:スタッフ/キャスト 第2章 . Staff/Cast Chapter 2 . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524084309/https://pripri-anime.jp/staffcast/case2/ . May 24, 2022.
  3. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/staffcast/case3/ . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:スタッフ/キャスト 第3章 . Staff/Cast Chapter 3 . November 13, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221113101347/https://pripri-anime.jp/staffcast/case3/ . November 13, 2022.
  4. Web site: February 21, 2022 . Princess Principal Crown Handler English Dub Cast List Is Here at Long Last . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524084658/https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/a/news/princess-principal-crown-handler-english-dub-cast-list-is-here-at-long-last . May 24, 2022 . May 24, 2022 . Sentai Filmworks.
  5. Web site: Loo . Egan . April 29, 2018 . Princess Principal Anime Gets 6 Sequel Films Starting in 2019 (Updated) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522084153/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-04-29/princess-principal-anime-gets-6-sequel-films-starting-in-2019/.130989 . May 22, 2022 . May 22, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  6. Web site: Harunoto . March 27, 2020 . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler 第1章」橘正紀×木村暢インタビュー . Interview with Masaki Tachibana and Noboru Kimura for Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 . https://natalie.mu/eiga/pp/pripri-ch03/page/2 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522141555/https://natalie.mu/eiga/pp/pripri-ch03/page/2 . May 22, 2022 . . 2.
  7. Web site: https://natalie.mu/comic/news/288955 . June 29, 2018 . . Japanese . ja:今村彩夏が6月末に引退、「プリプリ」アンジェや「たくのみ。」みちるなど演じる . Ayaka Imamura, who voices Ange in Princess Principal and Michiru in Takunomi., retired at the end of June . May 22, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522085403/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/288955 . May 22, 2022.
  8. Web site: Loo . Egan . September 29, 2019 . 1st Princess Principal Sequel Anime Film's Teaser Reveals Title, Cast & Staff Changes, Delay to April 10 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522090645/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-09-29/1st-princess-principal-sequel-anime-film-teaser-reveals-title-cast-and-staff-changes-delay-to-april-/.151670 . May 22, 2022 . May 22, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  9. Web site: Harunoto . March 27, 2020 . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler 第1章」橘正紀×木村暢インタビュー . Interview with Masaki Tachibana and Noboru Kimura for Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 . https://natalie.mu/eiga/pp/pripri-ch03 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522141328/https://natalie.mu/eiga/pp/pripri-ch03 . May 22, 2022 . . 1.
  10. Web site: Harding . Daryl . March 30, 2020 . Princess Principal Crown Handler Finishes Production "Despite the Difficult Times" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522105745/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/03/30-1/princess-principal-crown-handler-finishes-production-despite-the-difficult-times . May 22, 2022 . May 22, 2022 . Crunchyroll.
  11. Web site: Maeda . Hisashi . September 28, 2021 . Japanese . ja:プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler 第2章 監督・橘正紀インタビュー 前編 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 Interview with Director Masaki Tachibana Part 1 . https://febri.jp/topics/pripri_ch2_1/ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522123553/https://febri.jp/topics/pripri_ch2_1/ . May 22, 2022 . May 22, 2022 . .
  12. Web site: Mateo . Alex . February 22, 2022 . Sentai Filmworks Reveals Princess Principal: Crown Handler Anime's English Dub Cast, Clip . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523004649/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-21/sentai-filmworks-reveals-princess-principal-crown-handler-anime-english-dub-cast-clip/.182876 . May 23, 2022 . May 23, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  13. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1983/ . July 15, 2021 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』第2章劇場公開日決定!. Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 has a new theatrical release date! . May 22, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220522131028/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1983/ . May 22, 2022.
  14. 丸山俊平 . k16angel . 1424650265886482434 . August 9, 2021 . ja:プリンセス・プリンシパルCH第2章先程完成しました。スタッフ、制作の皆様お疲れ様でした。&ありがとうございました。#pripri . Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 has just been completed. Thanks to all the staff and production staff for their hard work. Thank you very much. #pripri . Japanese . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523002659/https://twitter.com/k16angel/status/1424650265886482434 . May 23, 2022.
  15. Web site: https://natalie.mu/comic/news/446326 . September 23, 2021 . . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル」第3章は鋭意製作中、本日公開の第2章ラストに予告編 . Chapter 3 of Princess Principal is in the works, trailer to be released today at the end of Chapter 2 . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523003849/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/446326 . May 23, 2022.
  16. Web site: Komatsu . Mikikazu . July 15, 2021 . Princess Principal Crown Handler Film 2nd Chapter's Full Trailer Announces September 23 Release Date . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523135013/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2021/07/14-1/princess-principal-crown-handler-film-2nd-chapters-full-trailer-announces-september-23-release-date . May 23, 2022 . May 23, 2022 . Crunchyroll.
  17. Web site: Maeda . Hisashi . September 30, 2021 . Japanese . ja:プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler 第2章 監督・橘正紀インタビュー 後編 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 Interview with Director Masaki Tachibana Part 2 . https://febri.jp/topics/pripri_ch2_2/ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230218001246/https://febri.jp/topics/pripri_ch2_2/ . February 18, 2023 . February 18, 2023 . .
  18. Web site: https://natalie.mu/comic/news/501195 . November 13, 2022 . . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル」第3章、2023年4月7日に公開決定!KV、本予告映像も到着 . Chapter 3 of Princess Principal is set for release on April 7, 2023! KV and preview video also revealed . November 13, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221113103806/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/501195 . November 13, 2022.
  19. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1063/ . October 19, 2019 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler」音楽情報解禁!. Music information of Princess Principal: Crown Handler is released! . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523024347/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1063/ . May 23, 2022.
  20. Web site: Saitō . Takahiro . September 28, 2021 . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler」OP映像にアニメーター・下田正美が込めた思い、「プリプリ」初心者にも雰囲気を伝えたい . Masami Shimoda, the OP animator of Princess Principal: Crown Handler, puts his heart into the video to convey the atmosphere of Pripri to beginners . https://natalie.mu/comic/pp/pripri-ch2 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230210143527/https://natalie.mu/comic/pp/pripri-ch2 . February 10, 2023 . February 10, 2023 . Natalie.
  21. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1143/ . January 10, 2020 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:「プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler」OP&ED情報解禁!. Princess Principal: Crown Handler OP & ED information released! . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523025417/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1143/ . May 23, 2022.
  22. Web site: https://www.lantis.jp/release-item/LACM-14978.html . . Japanese . ja:劇場版『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』OPテーマ LIES & TIES . OP theme for Princess Principal: Crown Handler the Movie LIES & TIES . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523030311/https://www.lantis.jp/release-item/LACM-14978.html . May 23, 2022.
  23. Web site: https://www.lantis.jp/release-item/LACM-14979.html . . Japanese . ja:劇場版『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』EDテーマ Nowhere Land . ED theme for Princess Principal: Crown Handler the Movie Nowhere Land . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523030426/https://www.lantis.jp/release-item/LACM-14979.html . May 23, 2022.
  24. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2068/ . August 15, 2021 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』第2章 挿入歌情報解禁!. Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 Insert Song information released! . May 23, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523140555/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2068/ . May 23, 2022.
  25. Web site: Pineda . Rafael Antonio . February 28, 2020 . 1st Princess Principal Sequel Anime Film Unveils New Trailer, Theme Song, Story . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523022726/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-02-27/1st-princess-principal-sequel-anime-film-unveils-new-trailer-theme-song-story/.156929 . May 23, 2022 . May 23, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  26. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1715/ . January 31, 2021 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:“1分くらいでだいたいわかる「プリンセス・プリンシパル」”全12本公開!. "Princess Principal in about a minute", all 12 videos are open to the public! . May 28, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220528011902/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1715/ . May 28, 2022.
  27. Web site: Loo . Egan . July 15, 2021 . 2nd Princess Principal: Crown Handler Film's Trailer Unveils September 23 Opening . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523133412/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-07-14/2nd-princess-principal-crown-handler-film-trailer-unveils-september-23-opening/.175144 . May 23, 2022 . May 23, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  28. Web site: Pineda . Rafael Antonio . September 28, 2021 . 2nd Princess Principal: Crown Handler Film's 1st 10 Minutes Posted . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523133909/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-09-28/2nd-princess-principal-crown-handler-film-1st-10-minutes-posted/.177909 . May 23, 2022 . May 23, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  29. Web site: Hodgkins . Crystalyn . April 9, 2023 . Princess Principal 3rd Anime Film's 1st 11 Minutes Streamed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230409071515/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-04-09/princess-principal-3rd-anime-film-1st-11-minutes-streamed/.196928 . April 9, 2023 . April 9, 2023 . Anime News Network.
  30. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1728/ . January 31, 2021 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler@ダッシュストアの開催が決定!. Princess Principal: Crown Handler @ Dash Store is coming! . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524062710/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=1728/ . May 24, 2022.
  31. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2217/ . September 12, 2021 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:スマホアプリ『ガールズ&パンツァー戦車道大作戦!』コラボ決定!. Smartphone app Girls und Panzer: Great Tankery Operation! collaboration decided! . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524061202/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2217/ . May 24, 2022.
  32. Web site: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003323.000016064.html . September 27, 2021 . PR Times . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』のAni-Art BIGアクリルキーホルダー、クリアファイルなどの受注を開始!!アニメ・漫画のオリジナルグッズを販売する「AMNIBUS」にて . Orders for Ani-Art BIG acrylic key holders, clear files, and more for Princess Principal: Crown Handler are now available! at AMNIBUS, which sells original goods of anime and manga . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524061733/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003323.000016064.html . May 24, 2022.
  33. Web site: https://www.ppihgroup.com/products/pripri/ . . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』×ドン・キホーテ限定コラボグッズ発売決定!. Princess Principal: Crown Handler and Don Quijote's limited collaboration goods will be on sale! . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524085544/https://www.ppihgroup.com/products/pripri/ . May 24, 2022.
  34. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2363/ . February 25, 2022 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』のオリジナルグッズがGraffArt Shopに登場!. Original goods for Princess Principal: Crown Handler are now available at GraffArt Shop! . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524055158/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2363/ . May 24, 2022.
  35. GraffArt CAFE . GraffartC . 1508735002615291908 . March 29, 2022 . ja:お知らせ 第2章のBlu-rayが本日発売!ますます盛り上がる劇場アニメ『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』がGraffArt CAFE に登場です ▼開催期間:4/23(土)~5/8(日) ▼店舗:GraffArt CAFE(池袋) ▼通販ページ:https://eeo.today/store/101/title/search/product?parent_title_id=2139 #pripri |trans-title=Notice Blu-ray of Chapter 2 is on sale today! The ever-increasing theatrical anime Princess Principal: Crown Handler is now available at GraffArt CAFE ▼Holding period: 4/23 (Sat) - 5/8 (Sun) ▼Store: GraffArt CAFE (Ikebukuro) ▼Mail order page: https://eeo.today/store/101/title/search/product?parent_title_id=2139 #pripri . Japanese . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524060526/https://twitter.com/GraffartC/status/1508735002615291908 . May 24, 2022.
  36. Web site: Pineda . Rafael Antonio . September 24, 2020 . 1st Princess Principal Sequel Film Opens on February 11 After COVID-19 Delay . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523130254/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-24/1st-princess-principal-sequel-film-opens-on-february-11-after-covid-19-delay/.164384 . May 23, 2022 . May 23, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  37. Web site: Hodgkins . Crystalyn . November 13, 2022 . Princess Principals 3rd Anime Film Reveals April 7 Debut in New Video . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221113095904/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-11-13/princess-principal-3rd-anime-film-reveals-april-7-debut-in-new-video/.191841 . November 13, 2022 . November 13, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  38. Web site: May 19, 2021 . Where Can You Stream Princess Principal: Crown Handler? (Hint: It's on HIDIVE) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523232906/https://www.hidive.com/news/2021/5/19/where-can-you-stream-princess-principal-crown-handler-hint-it-s-on-hidive . May 23, 2022 . May 24, 2022 . Hidive.
  39. Web site: Hodgkins . Crystalyn . June 7, 2021 . 1st Princess Principal: Crown Handler Film to Include 6-Minute OVA on BD Release . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523230817/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-06-07/1st-princess-principal-crown-handler-film-to-include-6-minute-ova-on-bd-release/.173676 . May 23, 2022 . May 24, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  40. Web site: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000210.000029654.html . September 22, 2021 . PR Times . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』第1章Blu-rayを9月28日に発売 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 on Blu-ray on September 28 . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523232201/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000210.000029654.html . May 23, 2022.
  41. Web site: Mateo . Alex . March 17, 2022 . North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 13-19 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524005535/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-16/north-american-anime-manga-releases-march-13-19/.183637 . May 24, 2022 . May 24, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  42. Web site: Osmond . Andrew . August 7, 2022 . First Princess Principal: Crown Handler Film Released Monday . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220807064830/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-07/first-princess-principal-crown-handler-film-released-monday/.188401 . August 7, 2022 . August 7, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  43. Web site: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000254.000029654.html . March 24, 2022 . PR Times . Japanese . ja:オリジナルTVアニメ『プリンセス・プリンシパル』の完全新作続編第2章がBlu-rayとなって登場『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』第2章Blu-rayを3月29日に発売 . Completely new sequel to the original TV anime Princess Principal is now available on Blu-ray. Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 on Blu-ray on March 29 . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523234636/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000254.000029654.html . May 23, 2022.
  44. Web site: August 24, 2022 . Sentai November 2022 Slate Is Here! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220825233814/https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/a/news/sentai-november-2022-slate-is-here . August 25, 2022 . August 26, 2022 . Sentai Filmworks.
  45. Web site: Osmond . Andrew . November 27, 2022 . The Dungeon of Black Company and Ranking of Kings Released Monday . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221127134836/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-11-27/the-dungeon-of-black-company-and-ranking-of-kings-released-monday/.192303 . November 27, 2022 . November 27, 2022 . Anime News Network.
  46. Web site: https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2555/ . December 27, 2022 . pripri-anime.jp . Japanese . ja:WOWOWにて『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler 』第1章・第2章放送決定!. Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 will be broadcast on WOWOW! . December 28, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221228133231/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2555/ . December 28, 2022.
  47. Web site: March 31, 2023 . Japanese . ja:【ニコニコ無料アニメ一挙放送】「うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪マジLOVE1000%」「プリンセス・プリンシパル」「オーバーロード」他全11作品 . [Niconico Free Anime Broadcast] Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 1000%, Princess Principal, Overlord, and 11 other works . https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000643.000056982.html . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230331150630/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000643.000056982.html . March 31, 2023 . March 31, 2023 . PR Times.
  48. Web site: March 8, 2023 . Japanese . ja:映画『プリンセス・プリンシパル』3章の舞台挨拶が決定!黒星紅白描き下ろし色紙など来場特典も解禁 . The stage greeting of Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 is decided! Visitor perks, such as a color paper illustrated by Kohaku Kurosei, will also be unveiled . https://dengekionline.com/articles/175956/ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230308235748/https://dengekionline.com/articles/175956/ . March 8, 2023 . March 9, 2023 . Dengeki Online.
  49. Web site: June 15, 2023 . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』第3章 期間限定先行レンタル配信が決定!!. Advance rental of Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 will be available for a limited time! . https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2927/ . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230616153152/https://pripri-anime.jp/news/?p=2927/ . June 16, 2023 . June 16, 2023 . pripri-anime.jp.
  50. Web site: October 4, 2023 . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』古賀葵さん、関根明良さん、大地葉さんら声優陣出演の第3章Blu-ray発売記念特別番組が公開 . Special program commemorating the release of Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 on Blu-ray starring voice actors Aoi Koga, Akira Sekine, and Yō Taichi . https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1696402958 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231004182740/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1696402958 . October 4, 2023 . October 5, 2023 . Animate Times.
  51. Web site: July 11, 2023 . Japanese . ja:『プリンセス・プリンシパル Crown Handler』第3章 Blu-rayが11月22日(水)に発売!約5分の完全新作OVAなど特典が満載 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 will be released on Blu-ray on November 22 (Wednesday)! Full of extras, including a completely new 5-minute OVA . https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1689053897 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230712221453/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1689053897 . July 12, 2023 . July 13, 2023 . Animate Times.
  52. Web site: https://pixiin.com/ranking-japan-boxoffice2021/ . Movie Evaluation Pick Scene . Japanese . ja:2021年映画興行収入ランキング日本おすすめ(上半期/下半期/洋画/邦画/アニメ). 2021 Movie Box Office Revenue Ranking Japan Recommended (First half / Second half / Western films / Japanese films / Anime) . May 24, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524043504/https://pixiin.com/ranking-japan-boxoffice2021/ . May 24, 2022.
  53. Web site: https://pixiin.com/ranking-japan-boxoffice2023/ . Movie Evaluation Pick Scene . Japanese . ja:2023年映画興行収入ランキング日本国内と世界興収/評価一覧/洋画/邦画 . 2023 Movie Box Office Rankings Japan Domestic and World Box Office/Rating List/Western Films/Japanese Films . May 8, 2024 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240508151411/https://pixiin.com/ranking-japan-boxoffice2023/ . May 8, 2024.
  54. Web site: Komatsu . Mikikazu . September 28, 2021 . Japan Box Office: Tokyo Revengers Becomes Highest-grossing Live-action Film of 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220524044520/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2021/09/27-1/japan-box-office-tokyo-revengers-becomes-highest-grossing-live-action-film-of-2021 . May 24, 2022 . May 24, 2022 . Crunchyroll.
  55. Web site: Komatsu . Mikikazu . April 11, 2023 . Japan Box Office Top 10: Doraemons 42nd Film Stays on No.1 for 3 Consecutive Weekends . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230411042402/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2023/04/10-1/japan-box-office-top-10-doraemons-42nd-film-stays-on-no1-for-3-consecutive-weekends . April 11, 2023 . April 11, 2023 . Crunchyroll.
  56. Web site: Eisenbeis . Richard . April 20, 2023 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler - Chapter 1 - Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230420233009/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/princess-principal/crown-handler-chapter-1/.197131 . April 20, 2023 . April 21, 2023 . Anime News Network.
  57. Web site: Eisenbeis . Richard . May 1, 2023 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler - Chapter 2 - Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230501225934/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/princess-principal/crown-handler/.197271 . May 1, 2023 . May 2, 2023 . Anime News Network.
  58. Web site: Eisenbeis . Richard . May 5, 2023 . Princess Principal: Crown Handler - Chapter 3 - Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230505222235/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/princess-principal/crown-handler/.197666 . May 5, 2023 . May 6, 2023 . Anime News Network.
  59. Web site: Japanese . ja:たくさんの投票ありがとうございました!TAAF2022 みんなが選ぶベスト100が決定しましたので発表します!. Thank you for all the votes! TAAF2022's Top 100 Favorites has been chosen, and we are pleased to announce it! . https://best100.animefestival.jp/finish.html . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20211209075123/https://best100.animefestival.jp/finish.html . December 9, 2021 . November 4, 2022 . Tokyo Anime Award Festival.
  60. HIDIVE . HIDIVE . HIDIVEofficial . 1627775467666264080 . February 21, 2023 . Did you know Princess Principal ~ Crown Handler ~ 2 is now dubbed? Watch now➡️: https://loom.ly/6jxuS_0 |access-date=February 22, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222055928/https://twitter.com/HIDIVEofficial/status/1627775467666264080 |archive-date=February 22, 2023}}

    The first two films in the series began streaming on Anime Hōdai, J:COM On Demand, d Anime Store, Bandai Channel, Hulu, Milplus, and U-NEXT in Japan on December 23, 2022. They aired on Wowow Prime on February 2, 2023.[46] Niconico Live streamed the two films on April 7, 2023.[47] They reaired on Tokyo MX on April 9, 2023.[48]

    The limited-time advance rental distribution of Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 on streaming services in Japan began on June 16, 2023, until October 21.[49] Its electronic sell-through began on October 22, 2023.[50] The film was released on Blu-ray in Japan on November 22, 2023. It is bundled with a new OVA titled Cost for Custom Cars, the third episode of the special program "Pri-Pri Secret Meeting Super", and a one-minute summary video of the first two films in the series.[51]

    Reception

    Box office

    Princess Principal: Crown Handler has collectively grossed million in Japan: million for Part 1, million for Part 2,[52] and million for Part 3.[53]

    Critical response

    The Japanese review and survey firm Filmarks placed Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 third in their first-day satisfaction ranking, with an average rating of 4.05/5, based on 129 reviews.[54] Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3 placed third in the firm's first-day satisfaction ranking, with an average rating of 4.03/5, based on 79 reviews.[55]

    Richard Eisenbeis of Anime News Network graded Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 1 "B", feeling that the film was a "high-stakes spy story and a personally emotional tale all in one. It's a fun little self-contained mystery—but one with revelations and repercussions that will no doubt have a major effect on the Crown Handler films going forward." Eisenbeis lauded the film for the story setup that gave Ange a character development, introducing a mysterious third party that upset the status quo between the major players (Commonwealth and the Duke of Normandy), its major action sequence, and the opening theme song. However, Eisenbeis noted that the majority of the cast were "largely ignored."[56]

    Eisenbeis gave Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 2 a similar grade, feeling that the film "delivers some solid character development for Charlotte and gives us a healthy helping of spy action that is simply fun to watch. And best of all, it ends on a cliffhanger that makes you want to rewatch both this film and the previous one to absorb every little hint about what is actually going on." He lauded the film's "good" setting and character design, and the insert song ("Fairy Game") but noted that Beatrice had nothing to do despite the other main characters had "much more to do in this film than in the previous one."[57]

    In his review of Princess Principal: Crown Handler – Chapter 3, Eisenbeis gave the film a grade of "B+", feeling that it was "easily the best of the Crown Handler films so far. It's full of high-stakes tension as our heroes play their spy game while fighting an internal battle between pragmatism and idealism—with a young girl's life hanging in the balance. To top it off, the film ends with a climax that completely upsets the status quo and promises a completely new direction for things going forward." However, he criticized the film's "least impressive" visuals, lack of action sequences, and lack of Beatrice's presence.[58]

    Accolade

    In December 2021, the first two films in the Princess Principal: Crown Handler series were among the Top 100 Favorites nominated for the Anime of the Year at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2022.[59]

    External links

    .