A Chainsaw Man movie, titled Reze Arc, is on the way instead of an expected second season. While Chainsaw Man season 2 is almost certainly still happening down the line, the big-screen release is the next thing to look forward to in terms of Denji and Pochita's canon story.
Below, we'll dive into what to expect from the Chainsaw Man movie. That includes release date speculation on Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, which chapters of the source material will likely be adapted next, the first teaser, the cast members that could return, and more.
For more from some of anime’s biggest names, be sure to check out our guides to the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie trilogy, 2024's new anime, and One-Punch Man season 3.
Chainsaw Man movie release date speculation
Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc was announced in December 2023, but we've not had any indication about a release date just yet.
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But, given Studio MAPPA’s prolific output in recent years, we wouldn’t put it past them to pinpoint a late 2024 release, especially as they've finished up on Vinland Saga season 2 and its jewel in the crown, Attack on Titan The Final Chapters, last year.
The fact an early teaser is already out (and that the first season came out two years ago) would indicate that things are moving along nicely. 2025 is still a possibility, however as we head into the second half of 2024 without a formal announcement.
The only question mark, then, would be if western audiences get the Chainsaw Man movie close to its Japanese release. If previous big-name features are any indication, those in the US, UK, and other regions should perhaps be patient - and wait another few months after Japanese audiences get it.
Chainsaw Man movie story: what's happened and what is being adapted next?
The first season of Chainsaw Man adapted the first 38 chapters of the manga. So, if you want to read ahead to see what the movie will cover, then you’ll need to start from chapter 39.
As of right now, it’s unclear how far the feature film will reach in terms of adapting the source material. We’re about 40% of the way through the manga’s first part (the Public Safety Saga), though there’s likely a little too much material to cover for just one movie
Unless it runs longer (or into a second season), it appears the Chainsaw Man movie will hurtle through the explosive Bomb Girl arc (chapters 40-52) and will set up the International Assassins arc (chapters 53-70) for a second season.
No spoilers here, but the woman seen at the end of the season 1 finale – Reze – will factor heavily into the movie, and she'll certainly get close to Denji. The overarching threat of Gun Devil will also be keenly felt as the now-merged Division 4 of Public Safety and its team of Devil Hunters encounter new friends and foes.
On the topic of Chainsaw Man season 2: yes, we're just as surprised as you are that the anime is going into a canon movie directly after its first season. A second season will surely arrive down the line and will likely cover the aforementioned International Assassins arc, which (to keep it vague) features Denji's notoriety increasing, something which puts him on the radar of various hitman.
Still catching up? The first season of Chainsaw Man revolved around a boy called Denji and his Chainsaw Devil/dog companion Pochita. After inheriting his father’s debt from the yakuza, Denji becomes a Devil Hunter – but is killed by a Zombie Devil, one of many creatures that manifest from humanity’s fears.
Denji, however, is revived and fuses with Pochita to become the titular Chainsaw Man. By pulling the ripcord on his head, he can turn into what is, essentially, a sentient chainsaw.
Much of the first season saw him grow into his role as Public Safety Devil Hunter alongside partner Power, Aki, Himeno, and Kobeni. They face off against the likes of the Bat Devil, Ghost Devil, and Katana Man – who they eventually capture. The season ends with the Snake Devil killing Akane, the team being on the hunt for the Gun Devil, and the introduction of a mysterious new woman, who asks whether someone would rather be a "country mouse" or a "city mouse."
Chainsaw Man movie cast: who could return in the Reze Arc?
We expect Denji (Kikunosuke Toya), Makima (Tomori Kusunoki), Kobeni (Karin Takahashi) Power (Fairouz Ai), and Aki (Shogo Sakata) all to return in the Chainsaw Man movie. One major newcomer will be Reze (Reina Ueda), while we also anticipate much of the English dub cast to reprise their roles. More news as and when we get it.
Chainsaw Man movie trailer: the first Reze Arc teaser
The first Chainsaw Man movie trailer is here! The Reze Arc teaser showcases key art of, who else, Reze with the brief trailer interspersing images of Denji, too. As the trailer progresses, the pair get increasingly closer... but Reze is hiding a secret that will have to come out sooner or later.
Where is Chainsaw Man season 2? And is the Reze Arc movie canon?
For all intents and purposes, yes. Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc continues where the first season left off and will be canon to the events of the anime. In short, it's a must-watch if you want to continue Denji's saga - in much the same way Mugen Train was effectively presented (and later adapted) as Demon Slayer's second season.
However, we still expect an actual Chainsaw Man season 2 to be released at some point after the movie. That means, in effect, the watch order will go: Chainsaw Man season 1, Reze Arc movie, Chainsaw Man season 2.
Where can I watch Chainsaw Man?
The first season of Chainsaw Man is available to watch subbed and dubbed on Crunchyroll for Premium members. It's safe to assume the Chainsaw Man movie will be released theatrically and will likely stream on Crunchyroll down the line.
Not sure what to watch next? Here are some of the best anime you should be watching right now, plus our guide on how to watch Attack on Titan in order.
