Get ready for an exhilarating cinematic journey that transcends the boundaries of the beloved manga and anime! The team behind ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ dropped exciting revelations during their appearance at New York Comic Con, where key figures like assistant director Masato Nakazono, MAPPA president and film supervising producer Manabu Otsuka, and CGI producer Yusuke Tannawa gathered to discuss their ambitious vision of one of Chainsaw Man's most fan-favorite arcs.
Nakazono emphasized the dedication of the creative team, led by director Tatsuya Yoshihara, to maintain the unique qualities that made the original series and manga so impactful. "It was crucial for us to preserve the strengths of the TV series, allowing us to showcase the essence of the original manga in a way that feels right for the big screen," Nakazono shared through a translator. For instance, he mentioned that the visual portrayal has undergone transformation, such as altering Makima’s hair to a more vivid color that would pop in a cinematic setting. "While we aimed to keep the connection to the anime, we faced the challenge that the scale significantly differs for films; hence, we meticulously worked on ensuring that all backgrounds aligned seamlessly within the movie's frame."
The adaptation process required addressing various challenges, especially when transferring the story from pages to screen. Nakazono explained how they needed to expand upon the manga's dialogue, noting, "The manga lacks verbal interactions between panels, compelling us to create engaging dialogue that resonates. The relationship between Reze and Denji is deeply personal and intimate; Denji finds Reze exceptionally charming, so we aimed to evoke the same feelings in the audience that Denji experiences."
Tannawa elaborated on the film’s innovative animation style, which strikes a balance between 2D and 3D elements, ensuring a harmonious visual experience. He highlighted the adjustments necessary for the different presentation formats, stating, “We made it a priority to integrate the backgrounds appropriately within the constraints of a theatrical release.”
Merging the narrative with its international promotion became a pivotal point of discussion, especially regarding their partnership with Sony. Otsuka explained the rationale behind this unusual distribution strategy for an anime film, stating, "After the success of the first season, there was considerable interest in continuing the story. We envisioned this next chapter as a feature film, rather than as a television series, wanting to create a standalone cinematic experience that connects with the large fanbase of Chainsaw Man. Collaborating with Sony felt like the right path to achieve that vision."
Following the panel discussion, which featured sneak peeks and dynamic animatics along with engaging giveaways for fans, members of the production team shared heartfelt messages. Kazutaka expressed team hopes by stating, "We strived to communicate the excitement and allure of Chainsaw Man to as many viewers as possible, pouring our passion into every facet of the film." He articulated the ambition to faithfully capture the charm of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s characters, likening the action sequences to a thrilling amusement park ride that audiences can dive into wholeheartedly.
Director Yoshihara added, "In Reze Arc, a fresh genre emerges—combining elements of love, violence, action, romance, and even sharks. The impact of the film will vary depending on the character lens through which you view it. Expect to feel the exhilaration of the action while also savoring the depth of each character’s story through romantic undertones." He poignantly noted, "In the world of Chainsaw Man, devils draw strength from blood. For Reze Arc, every team member contributed significant effort, allowing the film to radiate energy and vitality. Visiting the theater to experience Reze Arc invigorates us all!"
Mark your calendars! ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ is set to hit theaters on October 24, an event no fan of the series will want to miss. Are you excited about this adaptation? Will it live up to your expectations, or do you think the transition from manga and anime to film will face challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
