Fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s dark fantasy manga, Chainsaw Man, have cause for celebration as the highly anticipated “Assassins Arc” has officially been announced for an anime adaptation. The revelation came during the Jump Festa ’26 event on December 21, 2025, confirming that Studio MAPPA will once again be at the helm of animation production. This news follows the successful release of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc in September 2025, setting the stage for Denji’s next perilous challenge.
The International Assassins Arc: A Deep Dive into the Manga’s Sixth Arc
The “International Assassins Arc,” also known as the “Public Safety Saga’s” sixth arc in the manga, thrusts Denji into an even more dangerous global spotlight. After his public battle with Reze, the existence of Chainsaw Man is revealed to the world, making Denji a prime target for various international factions seeking his unique heart.
This arc is renowned among manga readers for its intense action, introduction of formidable new characters, and significant plot developments. It follows Denji as he navigates a complex web of assassins from different countries, each with their own motives and devil contracts, all converging on Japan to capture or kill him. The arc delves into themes of global politics within the Chainsaw Man universe and further explores the powers and motivations of numerous devils and devil hunters.
Key Players in the Assassins Arc
The “Assassins Arc” introduces a rogues’ gallery of international threats and complex alliances:
- Global Assassins: Countries like America, China, and Germany dispatch their own specialized devil hunters and contractors to acquire Denji’s heart. These include a trio of American brothers with the Skin Devil contract, China’s formidable Quanxi and her companions, and the mysterious German entity known as Santa Claus, who wields the power of the Doll Devil.
- The Darkness Devil: This arc famously introduces one of the most terrifying and powerful primordial devils, the Darkness Devil, adding a layer of cosmic horror to Denji’s already chaotic life.
- Makima’s Agenda: The arc also continues to unravel Makima’s enigmatic plans and her manipulation of Denji and the Public Safety Devil Hunters. The various international attempts on Denji’s life are often intertwined with efforts to thwart Makima’s own objectives.
MAPPA Returns: Expectations for the Animation
Studio MAPPA, celebrated for its visually stunning and action-packed adaptation of the first season of Chainsaw Man and the recent Reze Arc film, has been confirmed to handle the “Assassins Arc”. Their distinctive animation style, characterized by fluid action sequences and a faithful rendition of Fujimoto’s gritty aesthetic, has been a cornerstone of the anime’s success. Fans anticipate that MAPPA will once again bring the arc’s frantic fights and psychological tension to life with their high-quality production.
While a release date for Chainsaw Man: Assassins Arc has not yet been announced, some speculate it could premiere around October 2027, considering the production timelines of previous Chainsaw Man anime projects and the recent Reze Arc film.
Director and Staff Involvement
The initial Chainsaw Man anime series was directed by Ryū Nakayama, with scripts by Hiroshi Seko and character designs by Kazutaka Sugiyama. While Nakayama has since founded a new animation studio, Aurora Animation Studio, in April 2025, and previously Andraft in January 2024, MAPPA’s confirmation for the “Assassins Arc” suggests continuity in the production team, though specific directorial details for this new adaptation are yet to be fully revealed. The Reze Arc film saw Tatsuya Yoshihara serve as director, with the staff and cast reprising their roles. Fans will be eagerly awaiting announcements regarding the key creative personnel for the “Assassins Arc” to understand how it will build upon previous adaptations.
The Broader Impact on the Chainsaw Man Anime Universe
The announcement of the “Assassins Arc” anime adaptation reinforces the continued commitment to bringing Tatsuki Fujimoto’s complete Chainsaw Man saga to the screen. With the Reze Arc already released as a film, the “Assassins Arc” marks the next significant narrative segment from Part 1 of the manga to receive animated treatment. This progression ensures that anime-only viewers will continue to experience Denji’s tumultuous journey and the expanding world of devils and devil hunters.
The Chainsaw Man manga has garnered immense critical acclaim, selling over 32 million copies by November 2025 and winning prestigious awards such as the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Harvey Award. The anime adaptation has played a crucial role in expanding its global reach and solidifying its place as one of the most popular modern shonen series. The “Assassins Arc” is set to introduce even more iconic moments and characters, promising an exhilarating addition to the Chainsaw Man anime canon.
