Fans of Re:ZERO − Starting Life in Another World recently grew worried after a major announcement involving the anime’s production studio. On July 31, 2025, White Fox, the studio behind the Re:ZERO anime, was officially acquired by the publishing company AlphaPolis. The news created concern among fans, who feared this change might affect the future of their beloved series.
White Fox has animated the Re:ZERO series since the first season premiered in 2016. The studio became known for its strong storytelling and emotional visuals, capturing the heart of the original light novels. But with AlphaPolis now owning 100% of White Fox’s shares, fans started to wonder whether the new owners would shift focus away from Re:ZERO and toward their own content.
The situation grew even more tense when a fan criticized White Fox founder Gaku Iwasa online, accusing him of having “outdated views” and asking him to step down. The fan also claimed that Re:ZERO was not reaching the same level as other major series like One Piece. Instead of ignoring the criticism, Iwasa replied with an honest and humble message.
He explained that his goal had never been fame or money. He founded White Fox out of a desire to bring powerful stories to life. He said that although the industry has changed, he still wants to create works that move people. This heartfelt response gave fans a rare glimpse into the mindset of someone who deeply cares about the craft of anime production.
Re Zero Franchise (Credits: Tappei Nagatsuki and White Fox)
Re:ZERO Studio Founder Vows to Stay Until the End Amid Buyout Concerns
More importantly, Iwasa directly addressed concerns about Re:ZERO. He stated clearly that unless Kadokawa, the rights holder, or series creator Tappei Nagatsuki asks him to stop, he plans to stay with the Re:ZERO anime until the end. Even if he has to leave the project someday, he promised that he would make sure there is a proper transition so the series wouldn’t suffer. This reassurance helped calm fears and gave fans a reason to hope for a stable continuation of the story.
Meanwhile, AlphaPolis explained that the purpose of buying White Fox was to strengthen its ability to adapt more of its books into anime. The company believes White Fox has the skills and experience to produce high-quality animation and wants to use that to bring more of its own intellectual property to life. However, this doesn’t mean Re:ZERO will be forgotten. With strong fan support and continued involvement from its original creators, it remains one of White Fox’s most valuable projects.
The announcement also comes at a time when excitement for Re:ZERO is already building. The anime’s fourth season has been confirmed and is set to premiere in 2026. Longtime staff members, including director Masahiro Shinohara and series composer Masahiro Yokotani, are expected to return. This continuity suggests that the vision and style of the anime will remain consistent, despite the changes happening behind the scenes.
Over the years, Re:ZERO has gained a loyal fanbase thanks to its emotional depth, dark storytelling, and unique time-loop concept. However, there have often been long waits between seasons. This is partly due to the studio’s size and the complexity of adapting such a detailed story. Many of White Fox’s animators are freelancers, and the studio takes its time to ensure quality.
White Fox Founder Reassures Fans About Re:ZERO’s Future After Full Acquisition by AlphaPolis
Fans have sometimes speculated that a larger studio like MAPPA or Ufotable could take over if production delays continue. But now, with Iwasa’s public commitment and AlphaPolis’s clear business strategy, it appears Re:ZERO will continue with its original team in place.
Iwasa’s response also highlighted the emotional connection he has with the story and the fans. By stating that he plans to “stick with it until the end,” he showed that Re:ZERO is more than just another anime project, it’s something deeply meaningful to him. His promise of a proper handover, if ever needed, shows that he is thinking about the long-term health of the series, not just the immediate future.
Re Zero Franchise (Credits: Tappei Nagatsuki and White Fox)
The anime industry is always changing, with studios rising and falling, companies merging, and projects being shuffled around. But even in the middle of all that, some creators remain focused on what truly matters: telling a good story. That’s what fans want most, to see Subaru’s journey through this harsh, beautiful world continue without compromise.
For now, the future of Re:ZERO looks more secure than ever. The animation team remains passionate, the story is far from over, and the people who care most about it are still at the helm. With a new season on the way and strong leadership in place, fans can look forward to more emotional twists, intense drama, and unforgettable moments in the years to come.
Subaru Natsuki, a young man, is transported to a fantasy world where he discovers he has the ability to return from death. Using this power, he navigates various challenges to protect his friends and uncover the mysteries of the world.
Exciting news has been spreading across the animation world as reports suggest that one of the co-directors of Kung-Fu Panda 4 is joining forces with Japan’s legendary animation studio, Toei Animation, to create a brand-new animated feature film. Although the project has not been officially confirmed yet, the rumor alone has sparked widespread attention from fans and industry experts alike. Many believe this partnership could lead to one of the most unique animated films of the decade, blending Western and Eastern storytelling styles.
Toei Animation is a household name in Japan and across the globe. Known for producing hit anime like One Piece, Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Digimon, the studio has shaped the way audiences experience animated storytelling. Its legacy stretches back to the 1950s, and it continues to influence generations of animators.
Meanwhile, Kung-Fu Panda 4, released earlier in 2024, was a major success and brought back the franchise’s charm with stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and martial arts action. The co-director of that film earned praise for balancing humor, heart, and cultural themes, all of which could work perfectly with Toei’s creative direction.
Sources close to the production claim that this upcoming project will not be a sequel, remake, or reboot, but rather an original story. That fact alone has gotten fans excited. The chance to see a fresh, global narrative crafted by a top Hollywood filmmaker and one of Japan’s most iconic studios holds enormous potential.
There is speculation that the new film could involve themes like martial arts, mythology, or fantasy adventure, though nothing has been confirmed. Given the co-director’s background and Toei’s artistic strengths, it’s easy to imagine a story that’s both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Kung Fu Panda Franchise (Credits: DreamWorks Animation)
Kung-Fu Panda 4 Co-Director Teams Up With Toei Animation for Original Feature Film
This collaboration is especially important because it represents a growing trend in the animation world. In the past few years, anime has exploded in global popularity, with titles like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen becoming household names outside of Japan. At the same time, Western studios are looking for new ways to innovate and connect with international audiences. This project could symbolize a major step forward, where storytelling styles from two different cultures come together to create something new and exciting.
Cross-cultural animation collaborations are still relatively rare, though they’ve become more common in recent years. Studios on both sides of the world are beginning to see the value in blending their talents.
For example, American studios are often praised for their high-quality CGI animation, comedic timing, and family-oriented themes, while Japanese studios excel in character depth, emotional arcs, and dynamic action. If this project brings together the best of both worlds, it could appeal to a wide audience and even set new trends in global animation.
Online fan communities have already begun discussing what they hope to see in the film. Some want a fast-paced martial arts adventure similar to Kung-Fu Panda, while others are hoping for a deeper, more philosophical story in the style of Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke.
Because Toei Animation has such a wide range and are able to produce lighthearted comedy as well as serious, emotional stories, the project could go in many directions, with the Hollywood co-director on board, there’s also a strong chance the film will be made in English first, or even feature a dual-language cast to reach both Eastern and Western audiences.
East Meets West: Toei Animation Collaborates With Hollywood Director on New Animated Project
Industry insiders believe that official news could come later this year at a major animation or film convention. Events like Anime Expo, Tokyo Anime Fair, San Diego Comic-Con, or even the Annecy International Animation Festival are possible venues for an announcement or teaser. If confirmed, this collaboration would likely draw a great deal of attention from the press, fans, and the global film industry.
One Piece Franchise (Credits: Eichiro Oda and Toei Animation)
What makes this project truly exciting is not just the names involved, but the possibility of creating a story that reflects the strengths of both traditions. Hollywood brings large-scale production and accessibility, while Toei brings depth, legacy, and emotional storytelling.
The co-director’s recent success with Kung-Fu Panda 4 proves he knows how to handle action, comedy, and emotional beats in a way that resonates across cultures.
Ultimately, this upcoming film could mark a turning point for animated storytelling. It shows a willingness to cross borders, mix ideas, and create something that speaks to people around the world. Whether the film becomes a martial arts fantasy, a heartfelt drama, or a completely original genre, one thing is clear, animation fans will be watching closely. The excitement has only just begun.
