The highly anticipated return of the Naruto anime, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, generated immense excitement, thanks to the remarkable animation by Studio Pierrot. With the release of the Minato one-shot, various anniversary celebrations, and Boruto's recent comeback, it seemed like the four-episode anime, showcasing the series' finest moments, would be the ultimate highlight of Masashi Kishimoto's manga this year. However, disappointingly, the release of the new Naruto anime, originally scheduled for September 3, has been postponed. Studio Pierrot claims that this delay is necessary in order to enhance the quality of the product.
The release date and reasons for the delay of the new Naruto anime remain uncertain amid the production process, given the peculiar nature of animation studios in Japan. Please note that this article may include possible spoilers.
The new Naruto anime and the possible reasons for delays
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The release of the new Naruto anime, originally scheduled for September 3, has been postponed by Studio Pierrot. The studio cites the intention to enhance the series' quality as the reason behind the delay. This anime is particularly significant as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of the original, and the studio aims to deliver a high-quality product. However, the reasons behind the postponement may be more complex. Given the well-known issue of overworked and strained animation studios in Japan, speculation arises as to whether Studio Pierrot faces similar challenges. Previous discussions have highlighted the studio's struggle to sustain ongoing series, a reality reflected in the recent handling of Black Clover and Bleach's Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
What can be expected of the anime
The final arc of Bleach garnered praise for its exceptional animation, benefiting from its release in cours format, which allows for a stronger focus on product quality. In contrast, Black Clover, which many consider to be Pierrot's last significant ongoing series, has been on hiatus since March 2021, leaving fans with uncertainty regarding its return.
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Promo videos have confirmed that the upcoming Naruto anime won't feature any original content. Instead, these four episodes will focus on the most iconic moments from Masashi Kishimoto's manga, elevating them with exceptional animation that showcases the series as an undisputed titan of the industry.
Another aspect to consider is that the majority of promotional material appears to prioritize the initial portion of Naruto. Nevertheless, there is a lack of definitive information regarding the extent to which these four episodes will delve into the series as a whole. However, it would be expected that they cover the entirety of the anime, as this would be the most logical approach given the celebration of the original show's twenty-year anniversary.
Final thoughts
The release date of the upcoming Naruto anime remains uncertain, yet the anticipation among fans remains high and for valid reasons. Optimistically, Studio Pierrot's adaptations have the potential to elevate this anime, making it even more exceptional and unforgettable for its dedicated audience.