For decades, Berserk has remained one of the most influential and celebrated dark fantasy manga series. However, its anime adaptations have struggled to do justice to Kentaro Miura’s iconic work. Now, a new reboot is rumored to be in development, promising a fresh take that fans have long been waiting for. If the speculation proves true, this could finally be the adaptation that captures the brutal and emotional depth of Miura’s masterpiece.
A leak has surfaced, hinting that a new anime project titled Berserk: The Black Swordsman is in development. Slated for a 2025 release, the anime will reportedly be handled by Studio Eclipse, a new name in the industry. Unlike previous adaptations, this version is said to focus exclusively on the “Black Swordsman” arc, the intense and gritty opening of the Berserk saga.
A Long-Awaited Redemption for Berserk
Griffin (Credits: Kentaro Miura)
The past anime adaptations of Berserk have received mixed reactions, with the 1997 version praised for its storytelling but criticized for its limited scope. The 2016-2017 CGI-heavy series, on the other hand, was widely panned for its awkward animation and lack of fluidity. The rumored reboot aims to correct these past mistakes, offering a more faithful, hand-drawn approach that better reflects Miura’s dark, detailed art style.
The animation studio rumored to be behind this project, Studio Eclipse, is a relatively unknown name in the industry. While its track record remains unclear, the studio’s name itself is a direct reference to one of the most harrowing events in Berserk, sparking curiosity about its dedication to the source material. If this reboot is in the right hands, it could be a game-changer for fans who have long hoped for a proper adaptation.
Unlike previous anime versions, which skipped or condensed parts of the Berserk story, this reboot reportedly focuses solely on the “Black Swordsman” arc. This opening section of the manga introduces Guts in his most vengeful form, battling demonic apostles while uncovering the horrors of his past. A darker, more intense approach could set this adaptation apart and finally deliver the brutal tone that Berserk deserves.
Guts (Credits: Kentaro Miura)
If the rumors are true, Berserk: The Black Swordsman could be the faithful adaptation that fans have been longing for. With a 2025 release window, more details are expected to surface soon. Until then, the Berserk fandom remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that this reboot finally honors the legacy of Kentaro Miura’s masterpiece
Sword Art Online continues to reach audiences worldwide, and now, fans have another reason to celebrate. A brand-new theatrical film is officially in production, adding another chapter to the beloved franchise. The announcement, made via SAO’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, has sparked excitement, as it promises fresh content for long-time followers of the series.
Following the success of previous films, including Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night, this new project is expected to deliver more of the high-stakes action and immersive storytelling that the franchise is known for. Though details remain scarce, the involvement of the original creator hints at an exciting new direction for the series.
A New SAO Film is Officially in Production
Sword Art Online (Credits: A1 Pictures)
The news broke on SAO’s official X account, where it was confirmed that an all-new theatrical film is in development. The announcement came alongside a message thanking fans for watching Scherzo of Deep Night and promising more updates soon. Given the franchise’s enduring popularity, this reveal has generated significant anticipation.
SAO has a strong history in theaters, with films like Ordinal Scale, Aria of a Starless Night, and Scherzo of Deep Night proving to be box-office hits. Recently, these movies aired on Japanese television for the first time, further fueling interest in the upcoming release. Many speculate that this project is linked to the 10-year anniversary announcement made during the Sword Art Online -Full- event in 2022.
The upcoming film will be produced by A-1 Pictures, a Sony-owned studio known for animating major hits, including the currently airing Solo Leveling. This ensures that the high-quality animation and dynamic action sequences SAO is known for will be maintained. With Sony making several anime-related announcements at CES 2024, this project stands out as a major highlight for fans of the franchise.
While the previous SAO movies fit within the series’ timeline, it is unclear whether this new installment will be canon to the main story. Regardless, the film’s release will give fans another opportunity to back into the thrilling world of virtual reality and survival gaming. Those eager to catch up on the anime can stream the entire series, along with the first two movies, on Crunchyroll.
Sword Art Online (Credits: A1 Pictures)
With an all-new story in the works, SAO continues to expand its universe. Whether this film introduces a fresh arc or builds upon existing narratives, one thing is certain—fans are in for another thrilling ride. As more details emerge, excitement for SAO’s next big adventure will only continue to grow.
