What is Knights of the Zodiac about? Manga movie explained

Knights of the Zodiac, a new movie based on a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada, is nearly here. Here’s what you need to know about the live-action movie adaptation.

Knights of the Zodiac, also known as Saint Seiya or Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac, was serialized in Shueisha’s Shonen manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump from 1986 to 1990.

A still from the trailer of Knights of the Zodiac

The manga has inspired several television anime, original video animation projects, anime films, and spinoff manga. The movie’s Japanese title is Saint Seiya: The Beginning, with the tagline: “Pegasus will rise.”

Josh Campbell and Matt Stuecken adapted the original screenplay with additional modifications by Kiel Murray.

An image featuring all the main characters of Saint Seiya

Knights of the Zodiac cast: Who’s in it?

The Knights of the Zodiac live-action movie cast includes:

In an interview withGamesRadar, Bean – best known for starring in Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and the James Bond franchise – admitted he wasn’t overly familiar with the manga before joining the project.

“But I think what makes this film unique is the fact it’s combined two kinds of elements, which are very interesting to me: Greek mythology – which I was always interested in growing up as a kid – and the Japanese culture, the anime, the manga. Combining those together complements each other very well in the end product. It’s quite fascinating and it’s very exciting,” he said.

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Knights of the Zodiac global release dates

The movie premiered on June 08, 2025, in Latin America and in Japan on August 13, 2025. Here’s a list of the global release dates.

What is the live-action movie Knights of the Zodiac about?

Knights of the Zodiac, produced by Toei Animation and based on the international anime sensation, take the Saint Seiya saga to the big screen in live-action for the first time. The movie covers the initial parts of the manga.

The story follows five mystical warriors called Saints, distinguished by their sacred armour sets called “Cloths.” The Saints pledged to protect the reincarnation of the Olympian goddess Athena in her fight against other gods seeking dominance over Earth.

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Seiya, a headstrong teen, fights for money while looking for his kidnapped sister. However, he is forced into a world of warring saints, ancient magical training, and a reincarnated goddess.

Athena needs protection after one of his fights unintentionally taps into mysterious talents he never realised he possessed. He must accept his fate to survive and give up all his desires to take his due place among the Knights of the Zodiac.

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