Tokyo Revengers may be known for its gang conflicts on screen, but recent interviews reveal the production team dealt with intense clashes off camera. Director Koichi Hatsumi admitted that after replacing Draken’s voice actor due to legal troubles, the studio was bombarded with angry messages, including threats.
The controversy erupted when Tatsuhisa Suzuki, who originally voiced Draken, was dropped following a public scandal. Fans were divided, and some took their frustration too far. Hatsumi’s remarks indicate the backlash went beyond criticism—it became a serious issue for the staff’s safety and morale.
Harassment Following the VA Change
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Tokyo Revengers (Credits: Liden Films)
Tatsuhisa Suzuki had been central to Draken’s identity, giving the character his gruff tone and emotional depth. But after his legal situation came to light, production had little choice but to recast. Masaya Fukunishi stepped in, but the reaction wasn’t smooth.
According to the director, messages quickly flooded the studio—ranging from harsh complaints to aggressive threats. He acknowledged that while viewer opinions matter, the line was crossed when personal attacks and harassment began affecting the team.
The Emotional Toll on Staff and Cast
Tokyo Revengers (Credits: Liden Films)
Hatsumi reflected on the impact of the incident, saying some team members were deeply shaken by the volume and tone of the backlash. “It wasn’t just criticism—it felt like we were being punished for doing what we had to,” he said during an interview with a local outlet.
The situation led to added stress behind the scenes, even as production moved forward with later arcs of the anime. Despite strong viewership, internal morale dipped, with some voice actors expressing hesitation about public appearances during the storm.
Fukunishi’s Performance Under Pressure
Tokyo Revengers
Masaya Fukunishi’s casting brought immediate comparisons. He had the daunting task of voicing a beloved character while knowing many fans were already upset. Still, his portrayal gradually won over part of the audience, especially as the narrative progressed into more emotional scenes.
Studio sources noted that Fukunishi took the role seriously and maintained professionalism, even as online discussions questioned the decision. Hatsumi emphasized that it wasn’t a matter of choice—it was a situation they were forced into.
Masashi Kishimoto is officially back in the creative chair for the upcoming Naruto remake. Following intense fan backlash over early character designs and animation previews, Studio Pierrot has confirmed that the original creator will now supervise the long-awaited 20th anniversary episodes, which were previously delayed without a new airdate.
Initially announced as a celebratory return to Naruto’s roots, the project faced immediate criticism after early materials showcased exaggerated designs and uneven animation. Longtime fans were quick to voice concern over quality control and tonal inconsistencies, prompting internal re-evaluation at Pierrot.
Kishimoto’s Involvement Reframes Expectations
Masashi Kishimoto and Naruto (Credits: Masashi Kishimoto)
Insiders at the studio revealed that Kishimoto’s involvement was a direct response to the criticism. While he had not planned to take an active role initially, mounting pressure from fans changed that course. He is now supervising scripts, visual direction, and even design revisions to better align with the original manga’s vision.
This renewed involvement is expected to shift the tone and style closer to Naruto Shippuden rather than modernized interpretations. Production teams have reportedly returned to the drawing board under Kishimoto’s eye to rework sequences and fix the pacing fans took issue with.
Why the Remake Was Delayed
Masashi Kishimoto and Naruto (Credits: Viz)
Studio Pierrot had initially set the anniversary episodes to launch in Fall 2023, but the project was abruptly delayed. At the time, no official reason was provided beyond vague references to “quality improvement.”
With Kishimoto now overseeing production, sources say the delay was caused by a full reassessment of direction and staffing. Several lead animators were rotated out, and a new pipeline was built to accommodate the creator’s feedback and restore confidence among longtime fans.
Future of the Naruto Franchise
Masashi Kishimoto
This remake isn’t just a nostalgic gesture—it’s a testbed for the franchise’s future. If received well, it could pave the way for similar Kishimoto-led projects, especially as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex gains momentum.
The new episodes will reportedly revisit key arcs from the original series with higher-quality animation, possibly covering iconic fights with fresh visuals and pacing improvements. No new release date has been confirmed, but speculation points to a late 2025 debut.
