The death of Satoru Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen shocked fans around the world, and now, insights from creator Gege Akutami reveal that it wasn’t a simple narrative choice. Akutami recently revealed that his decision to kill off the beloved character came after significant disagreements with his editors. The clash of creative visions led to Gojo’s demise being shaped by his own overconfidence—a choice that didn’t sit well with many fans.
Akutami explained that Gojo’s death, while shocking, was meant to reflect the consequences of his overconfidence. However, this decision has caused a divide in the Jujutsu Kaisen fanbase, with some feeling that it was too soon or that the character’s death was not fully justified. Despite this backlash, Akutami has stood by his decision, signaling the importance of keeping the story unpredictable and impactful.
The Editor-Creator Disagreement
The tension between Akutami and his editors revolved around the handling of Gojo’s character arc. While editors pushed for a more traditional approach to the hero’s story, Akutami was determined to break away from the typical shonen tropes. He believed that Gojo’s overwhelming power had to come with a major downfall—his arrogance—and that this would add emotional weight to the narrative. This clash between creative freedom and editorial influence is not uncommon in the manga industry, where commercial pressures often conflict with artistic visions.
Gege allowed his personal feelings to ruin his writing by u/Omniverse10 in Jujutsufolk
Ultimately, Akutami’s decision to follow through with Gojo’s death was part of his desire to subvert expectations and push the series into new emotional territory. Despite the controversy, it’s clear that this move aligns with the overall darker themes of Jujutsu Kaisen , where no character is truly safe.
Fan Backlash and What It Means for the Future
Gojo (Credits: Gege Akutami)
The backlash from fans has been intense, with many questioning the future of Jujutsu Kaisen without its most powerful character. However, Akutami’s bold choice to kill off Gojo might be just the beginning of an even more unpredictable storyline. Some fans have speculated that this move opens the door for new, less predictable developments in the story, as Akutami attempts to evolve the series beyond its previous limits.
In Jujutsu Kaisen , where the boundaries of power and narrative are constantly shifting, Gojo’s death represents a turning point. How the series will progress without its strongest character remains to be seen, but Akutami has proven that he’s willing to take risks for the sake of storytelling.
In a surprising turn of events, leaked emails have surfaced, revealing that Demon Slayer ‘s ending was initially much darker than what fans saw on screen. Early concepts for the series suggested that the original storyline would have aligned more closely with the darker, more tragic elements that defined the early chapters. These leaked details have raised questions about what could have been if the series had maintained its original tone.
The emails suggest that the finale was initially planned to be far more somber, with greater sacrifices and a more bleak resolution for Tanjiro and his companions. While Demon Slayer eventually evolved into the action-packed, emotionally charged series it is today, the leaked information indicates that the creators considered an ending that would have left fans with a much heavier sense of loss.
The Shift from Darkness to Hope
Demon Slayer Season 4 (Credits: Ufotable)
One of the most significant changes from the early plans was the shift from a dark, almost nihilistic tone to a more hopeful conclusion. In the original concept, Tanjiro’s journey was going to end in a way that would have pushed the limits of tragedy and sacrifice, reflecting the harsh world he inhabited. However, as the series evolved, the creators opted to focus on themes of perseverance and hope, ultimately softening the impact of the conclusion. This pivot likely came from fan feedback and editorial influence, as Demon Slayer ‘s massive success required a more accessible ending for a broad audience.
The emails also hinted at a far darker fate for some major characters, with Tanjiro potentially succumbing to the demon curse, which would have marked an even more tragic end to his arc. This alternative storyline would have kept with the series’ early exploration of despair and survival, but the final changes moved away from this grim path to leave fans with a more uplifting outcome.
Why the Darker Ending Was Rejected
Demon Slayer Season 5 (Credits: Ufotable)
While fans are intrigued by the idea of a darker Demon Slayer , there were reasons for moving away from such an ending. Early on, the series carried a tone of profound loss and brutality, but as the narrative progressed, it started to emphasize Tanjiro’s determination to protect his friends and family. The decision to shift towards a more hopeful conclusion likely stemmed from a desire to balance the darkness with uplifting moments, ensuring that the anime’s broader message of hope was more apparent.
Ultimately, the shift in direction helped Demon Slayer become the phenomenon it is today, with its positive, heroic moments resonating with a global audience. Yet, the leaked emails offer a glimpse into what could have been—an ending that would have been much more heartbreaking but perhaps fitting for the darker elements that Demon Slayer initially explored.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
