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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Entertainment
Michael Toledo

Chainsaw Man Season 2 Delayed? New Characters May Be the Reason Fans Still Don't Have a Release Date or Time

Chainsaw Man Season 2 updates (Credit: Crunchyroll.com)

Chainsaw Man fans eager for Season 2 are still waiting for any official confirmation from MAPPA Studio as of August 2025. While the first season concluded in 2022, the studio has not announced a release date or time for the follow-up. Instead, MAPPA has confirmed a feature film adaptation, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, leading many to speculate that newly introduced characters and complex story arcs are contributing to the delay.

What Happened to Chainsaw Man Season 2?

Following the breakout success of Chainsaw Man Season 1, expectations for a swift return were high. However, despite strong ratings and international popularity, MAPPA Studio has not yet confirmed a second season. Instead of greenlighting a continuation via television, the studio shifted its focus to a cinematic release.

In December 2023, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc was announced as the next adaptation project. This came as a surprise to fans who anticipated a straightforward transition into Season 2.

What We Know About the Reze Arc Film

The upcoming film is set to adapt the 'Bomb Girl' arc, which follows the events of Season 1. The Reze Arc is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally charged and action-packed chapters in the manga. The film will premiere in Japan on 19 September 2025, with staggered international releases scheduled in late September up to late October.

The UK, US and Germany will receive the film on 29 October, while Spain and Mexico are set for 30 October. In Spain, a special release is slated for 31 October. This global rollout has intensified speculation that Season 2 may not air until well into 2026.

Why New Characters Could Be the Cause of the Delay

According to MAPPA President Manabu Otsuka, the studio is evaluating each story arc to determine whether it is best suited for a film or television format. This flexible approach has shifted expectations around a traditional season-by-season rollout.

Part 2 of the Chainsaw Man manga introduces a wave of new, thematically complex characters, including Asa Mitaka, who hosts the War Devil, as well as the Famine Devil, Quanxi and Santa Claus. These characters are central to deeply psychological storylines that explore themes of grief, identity and moral ambiguity.

Adapting such nuanced arcs may require a slower production cycle and could explain the studio's hesitancy to commit to a full second season at this stage.

No Release Date or Time Confirmed Yet

Despite growing anticipation, MAPPA has not released any schedule for Chainsaw Man Season 2. Entertainment platforms estimate that a second season is unlikely to air before mid or late 2026. Some industry insiders suggest the studio may use the Reze Arc film as a launching pad, possibly revealing Season 2 details in a post-credits teaser or at promotional events.

Social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have been flooded with fan discussions surrounding the delay. Many believe that the introduction of new characters and a more emotionally driven plot are pushing MAPPA to reconsider its adaptation strategy. Others point to the studio's workload and commitment to multiple high-profile projects as contributing factors.

As fans continue to wait, the absence of a release date or time has become a major talking point in anime circles.

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