Cosplay has always been a staple when it comes to anime, manga, and video games. In a recent Japanese commercial, however, two Russian Olympic medalists cosplayed as Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi from the popular Puella Magi Madoka Magica franchise. The said commercial was to promote a new smartphone game for the franchise.
In the commercial, the two ice skaters, 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics gold medallist Alina Zagitova and 2018 silver medalist Evgenia Medvedeva — respectively wearing Madoka and Homura cosplay-inspired outfits — are seen dancing to the background music composed by Yuki Kajiura. The beautiful skating routine represents the touching reunion of the two characters.
This isn’t Zagitova’s first time skating for the franchise, as she was invited to work on a previous Madoka promotion. However, she expressed that she’s thrilled to work with the popular anime series again.
“I’m so happy I can play the role of Madoka once more. It’s an extremely moving reunion story,” she said.
This is Medvedeva’s first time to do a skating routine for the franchise, and she was delighted to have the opportunity, saying:
“I love Japanese anime, so I’m very happy to be able to play Homura. I hope lots of people will watch the commercial.”
Medvedeva loves anime so much that she previously competed in a skating competition cosplaying as the popular anime heroine Sailor Moon.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica first aired in Japan from January to April 2011 for a total of 12 episodes. Produced by Shaft and Aniplex, the series also expanded to a couple of manga adaptations, video games, anime films, and a novel. It is still considered as one of the most popular franchises both Shaft and Aniplex ever produced, with a very loyal fanbase that’s still active today.
