WWE star AJ Lee has officially announced she is co-writing a new anime film for Toei Animation, the celebrated Japanese studio behind global hits like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and One Piece. Lee shared the news during her November 25 appearance on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon, confirming her partnership with fellow writer Aimee Garcia.
This collaboration marks a notable crossover between the world of professional wrestling and Japanese animation. Toei Animation’s decision to enlist Lee (a figure known for her dynamic storytelling both in and out of the wrestling ring) signals the studio’s interest in reaching broader audiences and exploring new creative territory.
Lee and Garcia are currently in the scriptwriting phase, with details about the film’s story and genre still under wraps. The project is in early development, and no plot or character specifics have been revealed. However, Toei’s involvement hints at a production scale and ambition consistent with their major franchises.
AJ Lee’s Background
AJ Lee, who made her mark in WWE with strong character work and compelling narratives, has been building her reputation as a writer in recent years. Her partnership with Aimee Garcia, known for her roles in *Lucifer* and *Dexter* as well as her own writing projects, brings together a unique blend of pop culture expertise and narrative skill. This pairing is set to offer a fresh voice within Toei’s storied animation slate.
While the film’s visual direction and animation style remain undisclosed, Toei’s legacy for vibrant animation and memorable character design sets high expectations. Fans are eager to see how Lee’s wrestling background and passion for anime will influence the film’s tone and action.
What This Means for Animation Collaborations
This announcement reflects a growing trend of cross-media collaboration in the animation industry, where Western talent is increasingly joining forces with Japanese studios to create globally appealing content. With anime’s international popularity at an all-time high, Toei’s move to collaborate with high-profile Western writers positions the studio to further expand its reach.
No release window or distribution details have been announced yet. Given Toei’s track record, the film is likely to see a global rollout across theatrical and streaming platforms when completed.
AJ Lee’s entry into the anime world with Toei Animation is a development to watch as the project evolves. Her unique perspective and established fanbase could bring new energy to the studio’s offerings and continue blurring the lines between wrestling entertainment and animation storytelling.
