Chainsaw Man Producers And Mappa CEO Interview At Crunchyroll Expo 2022
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s critically acclaimed manga series “Chainsaw Man” will be adapted into an anime television series this year. Before the anime premieres in October 2022, the studio behind the production held a Chainsaw Man anime panel at the Crunchyroll Expo 2022 where the executive director and CEO of MAPPA discussed about the production of the anime.
On the final day of the Crunchyroll Expo, several of Studio MAPPA’s top executives attended the Chainsaw Man panel in-person. Manabu Otsuka, the CEO of MAPPA was joined by Makoto Kimura who is the executive director and managing director at MAPPA. They were led by host Kyle Cardine at Crunchyroll.
The panel began with a little bit of introduction of both the representatives and later on, the panel host started a QnA session with the team and the producers tried to answer as many questions as possible. Below you can find the complete interview of Chainsaw Man staff with the Crunchyroll team:
Q: What was so appealing about the Chainsaw Man manga?
A: I began reading in volume one and I knew that the series needed to be at MAPPA if an anime were to be made. As soon as I saw the characters and setting, I wanted to give it a cinematic outing. In terms of production, the team is moving along well to the October premiere despite some hurdles. There were a lot of difficulties including COVID, but we are putting in everything we’ve got.
Q: How do you view Chainsaw Man now that the manga has gone on for so long?
A: It is a little different for me to read the manga. I’m reading it now for work rather than just as a fan. The appreciation is different. I don’t know how far I can talk, but part two? It is a very different world, so I am feeling like an excited fan.
Q: How Chainsaw Man is being handled from a business perspective without a production committee?
A: It was important for the studio to produce the anime independently. I think the newest challenge is that we have to think about how we are delivering what we are producing – where do we release the teaser, key visual, and merchandise. They have to do that on their own, and that is a difficulty we are challenging ourselves to do.
Q: What fans can expect from the young director, Ryu Nakayama?
A: It was important to find someone who was young and in turn with Tatsuki Fujimoto’s worldview in order to do his vision justice. They want to inject younger blood into the project as they are enthusiastic creators.
Q: How Shihei Lin and Tatsuki Fujimoto are involved with the anime?
A: It really feels like they are there for the whole thing. They are working closely with every step from scenario to dubbing and animation. We are working very closely with both of them. Not only in the anime production side are they involved but also merchandise.
They are giving us lots of advice because it is important for us to deliver the best of Chainsaw Man to fans who love the series. As for that advice, the two have lots of trust. So they don’t make major changes most of the time because the anime staff is filled with fans. However, they do advise on detailed nuances here and there.
Q: What are your views on Chainsaw Man Part 2 and will it be animated?
A: Fans have the same reaction as the anime staff. We were just shocked and in awe. When we first started reading, I mean – Bucky. That was totally shocking and just wondering when Denji is coming. We are feeling the same thing fans are, for sure.
Nothing has been confirmed but we would love to do an adaptation at the studio. And of course, Fujimoto’s other works if given the chance.
Q: How the team feels about production now that it is so close to airing?
A: I love hearing everyone’s excitement, and I’m looking forward to the premiere in October. However, on the other hand, the team does feel a bit nervous until they see how fans like it with their own eyes. We’ve full faith in the director and their team on this series though.
Q: What else are you excited to see in Chainsaw Man other than its much-anticipated action sequences?
A: In the trailer, you can see the rawness and almost live-action realism of Fujimoto’s world. And as for action, you can tell Fujimoto put in a lot of excellent action and choreography. We really put in a lot of work to bring that picture to life on screen. The teaser is like a test film for the production team. Once we get feedback after its release, we can make adjustments as needed.
Q: How the main cast was chosen for the anime?
A: When the series was auditioning, tons of people came in from younger talent to veterans. In the end, Nakayama and his senses were what picked the team. The director wanted to emphasize the sound of the cast. If it matched the characteristics of the leads, that was very important.
Everyone is very fresh and young voice actors. They are close in age, so they vibe pretty well with each other. That is shown in the recording sessions, but when they do perform, the director helps them out with advice. The stars are very diligent in their sessions.
Q: Who are your favorite characters outside of the main cast?
A: For me, it is Yoshida. He is very popular in Japan, especially with ladies, and he really wants to see how the character shows up in the anime. (~Otsuki)
I’m excited to see Reze. And of course, Bucky is up on there if part two is adapted. (~ Kimura)
Q: Tell us more about the Japanese world premiere of Chainsaw Man in September 2022.
A: The crew is preparing really well, and the studio is always thinking about promotion. The premiere will be the biggest event for the anime yet, and more cast announcements will be made for Reze and others along with the show’s theme songs.
Shihei Lin, the editor of Chainsaw Man joined via a video call to speak with fans. He mentioned that the show is focusing on the rawness of the series Fujimoto first made. “Fujimoto looks to realism, and the characters are very real so the voice actors are keeping that in mind while working”, he added.
He also read the note given by Fujimoto on the new trailer which said, “There was a lot of blood and I loved it”. Updating on Fujimoto’s schedule, Lin said “While he works on the manga weekly, he is also checking animation for the show. So of course, he is busy.” The editor says MAPPA is thinking more about the anime than the creators are at times.
What’s your reaction to the Chainsaw Man anime panel at Crunchyroll Expo 2022? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and let us know what is your opinion about the new trailer and voice cast of the series, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.
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