The highly anticipated Chainsaw Man movie, adapting the Reze Arc, is officially slated for a 2025 release in Japanese cinemas. This thrilling news follows months of speculation and anticipation from fans eager to see Denji’s story continue after the acclaimed first season of the anime. Instead of a second season, viewers will delve into the explosive events of the Reze Arc in a feature film.
What to Expect from the Reze Arc Movie
Story and Premise
The Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc directly follows the events of the first season, continuing Denji’s journey as a Devil Hunter in Special Division 4. The film’s premise centers around Denji’s encounter with Reze, a mysterious and alluring girl who works at a café. Their meeting occurs after a date between Denji and Makima when they seek shelter from the rain. Unbeknownst to Denji, Reze harbors a dangerous secret and ulterior motives.
Key Plot Points and Potential Story Arcs
- The Bomb Girl Arc: The movie will primarily adapt the “Bomb Girl” arc (chapters 40-52 of the manga), focusing on Reze’s manipulation of Denji and her eventual reveal as the Bomb Devil.
- International Assassins Arc Setup: The film may also lay the groundwork for the “International Assassins” arc (chapters 53-70), which will likely be explored in a potential second season of the anime series.
Significance of the Reze Arc
- Denji’s Character Development: The Reze Arc is crucial for Denji’s character development, as it forces him to confront his desires and question his relationships with both Makima and Reze.
- Themes of Identity and Belonging: The arc explores themes of identity and belonging through the “country mouse vs. city mouse” dilemma, highlighting the contrasting lives and struggles of individuals in different environments.
- Emotional Turmoil: The Reze Arc is known for its intense and emotionally charged moments, promising to be a significant and impactful installment in the Chainsaw Man series. Manga readers consider the Reze Arc as one of the strongest moments in the series.
Production Details
Animation Studio
The movie is being produced by MAPPA, the same animation studio that created the first season of the Chainsaw Man anime. MAPPA is known for its high-quality animation and faithful adaptations of manga series. Studio MAPPA’s animation looks much smoother this time round — with the 2D and CG aspects blending more seamlessly
Key Staff
- Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara, who directed episodes 4 and 10 of the first season, will helm the movie. Yoshihara also served as a director and then Chief Director for the Black Clover anime.
- Screenplay: Hiroshi Seko is writing the screenplay.
- Music: Kensuke Ushio is composing the music.
- Character Design: Kazutaka Sugiyama is responsible for character design.
Voice Cast
The film will feature a returning cast from the first season, along with a new addition:
- Kikunosuke Toya as Denji
- Reina Ueda as Reze
- Tomori Kusunoki as Makima
- Shogo Sakata as Aki Hayakawa
- Fairouz Ai as Power
- Karin Takahashi as Kobeni Higashiyama
- Shiori Izawa as Pochita
- Natsuki Hanae as Beam (Shark Fiend)
- Yuuya Uchida as The Violence Fiend
- Maaya Uchida as Angel Devil
Release Information
Premiere Date
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is scheduled to premiere in Japan in 2025. While a specific release date has not yet been announced, more information is expected to be revealed at AnimeJapan 2025 on March 23.
Distribution
The movie will be distributed by Toho in Japan.
International Release
The availability of the movie for Western audiences is still uncertain. If previous big-name features are any indication, those in the US, UK, and other regions should perhaps be patient – and wait another few months after Japanese audiences get it.
Trailers and Visuals
A new teaser trailer for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc was released in December 2024, offering a first look at Reze and her interactions with Denji. Two key visuals were also revealed: one featuring Chainsaw Man and the other showcasing Denji and Reze. The trailer teases Reze’s massive influence in the story.
What is the Reze Arc About?
The Reze Arc, also known as the Bomb Girl Arc, introduces Reze, a devil-human hybrid from the Soviet Union tasked with capturing Chainsaw Man. Reze’s mission is to steal Denji’s heart, manipulating him to gain his trust. She works at a café, where she befriends Denji, and their relationship quickly evolves. However, their interactions take a dark turn when Reze reveals her true identity as the Bomb Devil, leading to intense battles with Denji as the Devil Hunters pursue her.
Reze’s Objectives and Motivations
Reze was sent to capture CSM for the Soviet Union, with the primary reason for this being not that Russia wanted CSM for itself, but because they wanted to deny it to Makima.
Impact on Denji
Throughout the arc, Denji grapples with his feelings for both Reze and Makima, creating a complex love dynamic. He is romantically divided between Reze and Makima. The storyline explores the theme of manipulation, as Reze uses Denji’s emotions to further her agenda. Despite the betrayal, Reze’s character leaves a lasting impression on Denji, influencing his decisions and shaping his understanding of relationships.
The Chainsaw Man movie promises to deliver an action-packed and emotionally resonant experience for fans, further solidifying the series’ place in anime history.
