The new Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc movie has arrived in theaters with a different creative leader, a change that has divided fans. The film’s first season director, Ryu Nakayama, has been replaced by Tatsuya Yoshihara, a move that has sparked online discussion while also winning praise for its energetic new style.
A Directorial Shift Between Seasons
The change happened after the first season of the Chainsaw Man anime aired in 2022. The original season, directed by Ryu Nakayama, was noted for its cinematic and somber tone. While some viewers appreciated this unique approach, it received significant criticism, particularly in Japan, for not matching the manga’s lively and chaotic spirit. Following the season’s conclusion, Nakayama left MAPPA and later became the Chief Creative Officer at a different animation studio, Studio Mayflower.
For the new movie, Tatsuya Yoshihara has taken over as director. Yoshihara is not a newcomer to the series; he previously worked as the action director on the first season and is known for his work on action-heavy anime like Black Clover. His involvement has been seen as a direct response to fan feedback about the first season’s pacing and visual style.
A New Visual Energy for the Film
The most immediate difference in The Movie: Reze Arc is its visual presentation. The film features a brighter color palette and animation that is widely described as more dynamic and explosive. Early reviews note that the action sequences are a significant highlight, with one critic describing a fight where “Denji uses his chainsaw blades to ride on a shark-like fiend” as a “masterpiece of a duel.”
This new style is a deliberate shift toward the look and feel of the original manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The movie even opens with a black-and-white sequence styled like a manga panel, signaling a commitment to the source material’s energy. The contrast is clear: where the first season was often slow and methodical, the movie is fast-paced and prioritizes high-octane action.
MAPPA’s CEO, Manabu Otsuka, explained the need for some adjustments, stating, “Reze has a lot of violence in it, and there’s a lot of sexual expression in it. But of course, the movie industry has a lot of strict ratings… There are rules that we have to follow in order for a lot of people to see it.” Despite these changes, the film still earned an R rating.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Change
The director change and the updated style have received mixed reactions from the international fanbase. Some viewers who loved Nakayama’s artistic and film-like approach to the first season were disappointed by his departure. This feeling was intensified when it was discovered that Nakayama’s name was completely removed from the credits of a recent compilation film of the first season, a move that prompted backlash from some fans.
However, many other fans and critics argue the change was necessary. They feel that Yoshihara’s direction better captures the core of Chainsaw Man, which is a mix of “very dumb jokes and brutal fights.” The response to the film’s trailers and its subsequent release has been largely positive, with many calling it the Chainsaw Man adaptation they had been waiting for. The movie is seen as successfully balancing the series’ signature violence and its more heartfelt, character-driven moments.
What the Change Means for the Movie’s Story
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc adapts a popular story arc from the manga where Denji meets and falls for a mysterious girl named Reze. The film explores their relationship, which starts as a sweet teenage romance but takes a dramatic turn when Reze is revealed to be the violent Bomb Devil.
The film is noted for being extremely faithful to the manga, even recreating specific quirks from the original panels. However, to comply with film rating boards, some of the manga’s more mature content, including certain levels of violence and sexual expression, was toned down. Despite these adjustments, the film still managed to secure an R rating, confirming its status as a mature story.
The movie was released in the United States on October 29, 2025. For fans of the franchise, the new director’s style in the Reze Arc offers a strong hint of what a potential second season of the anime could look like.
Also Read: Chainsaw Man Reze Arc Movie Tops Global Box Office With Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
