Fans Split over MAPPA's Studio Ghibli Reference in Attack on Titan Finale

Attack on Titan, a sprawling series filled with intricate storytelling, often contains hidden details that unveil crucial information. As a result, it is not unusual for devoted fans to reexplore pivotal episodes that have been released throughout the series' history.

Recently, a pair of fans decided to meticulously analyze the series finale. To their astonishment, they unraveled a fascinating homage paid by Attack on Titan to Studio Ghibli, one of the most esteemed and influential anime studios in existence.

Studio Ghibli is renowned for its enchanting characters and distinctive artistic approach. Despite addressing serious themes, their films maintain an overall tone and character design that can be appreciated by people of all ages. The atmosphere of any Studio Ghibli movie is strikingly different from that of Attack on Titan.

Initially, the notion of incorporating references to Studio Ghibli in Attack on Titan appeared peculiar. However, the outcome turned out to be hilariously amusing. Fans took to X platform to express their thoughts on the inclusion of the mentioned studio's references.

Attack on Titan finale makes reference to Studio Ghibli’s

Spirited Away

During the climactic battle between the Cart Titan and the War Hammer Titan in the Attack on Titan finale, the animated Pieck, who possesses the Cart Titan, can be spotted sprinting in a highly exaggerated fashion.

The animation of the flailing arms in this scene caused some surprise. Upon closer examination, fans noticed that it was actually a nod to a character from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. In this Hayao Miyazaki film, the protagonist Chihiro falls down a staircase.

The notable and fluid animation in Spirited Away served as inspiration for a similar animated sequence in Attack on Titan. There is a distinct resemblance between Pieck running on the hardened skin of the War Hammer Titan and Chihiro rushing down the stairs.

Delving deeper into the individual in charge of the primary animation, it comes as no shock that an allusion to Studio Ghibli is being drawn. Michelle Sugimoto, renowned for her contributions to the Attack on Titan finale, is an ardent admirer of Studio Ghibli's masterpieces.

Fans were amused by the comical running scene featuring Pieck (Screengrab via X).

Fans found this scene to be quite hilarious as Pieck appeared incredibly exaggerated and funny. The flailing arms only heightened the hilarity, and fans thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. In fact, some even went as far as declaring it the most entertaining moment in the entire franchise.

Fans could easily identify this reference while watching the finale. (Screengrab via X)

Although this statement may be an exaggeration, it is apparent that fans thoroughly enjoyed the mentioned content. Upon watching the series finale, a group of fans recognized a striking resemblance in this particular scene. While a considerable portion of the fanbase couldn't quite pinpoint the connection, some were able to make the connection right away. We can confidently conclude that Michelle Sugimoto effectively referenced Studio Ghibli, as evident by the positive response from fans. Be sure to keep an eye out for further updates on anime and manga news throughout 2023.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about MAPPA's Studio Ghibli reference in the Attack on Titan finale. On the one hand, I appreciate the nod to one of the most esteemed and influential anime studios in existence. On the other hand, I feel that the reference was a bit out of place in the context of Attack on Titan's dark and gritty world.

Overall, I think the reference was a fun and harmless addition to the finale. It was a nice way to pay tribute to Studio Ghibli and its iconic films. However, I do not think it was necessary or particularly relevant to the story of Attack on Titan.