Hajime Isayama, the creator of the acclaimed anime Attack on Titan, recently opened up about the controversial ending of his series, explaining why despite numerous efforts, the conclusion remained unchanged. From the outset, Isayama had a clear vision of how the story would unfold, including its grim finale. Over the years, as the series developed, he explored various possibilities for altering the ending but ultimately found no alternative that aligned with the narrative’s complex themes.
A Preordained Conclusion
Isayama shared that even before he began writing Attack on Titan, he had envisioned the story’s conclusion. The central theme, which revolves around the cyclical nature of war and the transformation of victims into perpetrators, was something he meticulously worked toward. Although many elements of the story evolved over time, the ending remained steadfast. Isayama explained that despite the story’s numerous layers and symbolisms, the conclusion had to stay true to the original narrative arc, which inevitably led to a bleak end.
The Challenges of Execution
While fans generally understood the conceptual vision behind the ending, many were left disheartened by its execution. The final conversation between Armin and Eren, for instance, was criticized for its pacing and choice of words, leaving some viewers feeling unsettled. Isayama acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that the ending’s execution, although imperfect, was inextricably linked to the story’s foundation.
The Burden of Success
Isayama also reflected on the pressures that accompanied Attack on Titan’s success. As the series gained popularity, the expectations of millions of fans weighed heavily on him. He likened his experience to that of his protagonist, Eren Jaeger, who struggled with the overwhelming power and responsibilities thrust upon him. Isayama admitted that he felt restricted by the predetermined ending he had envisioned, compounded by the need to satisfy the audience’s expectations.
A Choice True to the Narrative
Despite contemplating the possibility of a happier ending, Isayama ultimately decided against it. He believed that a more optimistic conclusion would have been a disservice to the story’s exploration of real-world issues like war and human suffering. The ending, as it stands, is consistent with the overarching theme of being bound by fate and predestined outcomes.
In the end, Isayama chose to stay true to his original vision, even as it garnered mixed reactions. The anime adaptation, which is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, provided a more coherent interpretation of the conclusion than the manga, aligning with the narrative’s darker, inevitable trajectory.