As the highly anticipated Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 nears its conclusion, fans are already buzzing about the upcoming Part 4. The creators have confirmed that the final installment of the anime will not only wrap up the beloved series but also feature exciting new content that fans haven’t seen before.
A Special Finale for Part 3
Part 3 of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc will conclude with a one-hour finale, combining Episodes 39 and 40. Unlike the previous parts, which had 13 episodes each, this season extends its count to 14 episodes. The finale is scheduled to air on December 28, 2024, making for an action-packed end to the year.
With Part 3 officially closing this chapter, the focus now shifts to Part 4—the final arc of the Bleach anime—set to air in 2025. This conclusion marks a major milestone as Bleach celebrates the 20th anniversary of its anime debut.
Tite Kubo’s Surprise Announcement
In a special TikTok live broadcast on December 16, series creator Tite Kubo addressed the much-awaited Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4. While Kubo remained cryptic about specific details, his comments sparked excitement across the fandom.
“There’s nothing I can say about the fourth cour yet,” Kubo said during the live stream. “But the fact that there’s nothing I can say should tell you something about what to expect. When watching, people might feel like, ‘Oh, I’ve never seen this before,’ or ‘This wasn’t in the original story.’ And yes, in the fourth cour, there will be entire episodes where people might be like, ‘I’ve never seen this.’”
What This Means for Fans
Kubo’s statement strongly hints at significant anime-original content in Part 4. This is not entirely new for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, which has already featured additional scenes, original scripts, and material adapted from the Bleach light novels. However, Kubo’s latest comments suggest that Part 4 will include entire episodes of fresh, unseen content that expands on the original manga storyline.
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc—which began its anime adaptation in 2022—has been split into four parts. The production has remained consistent, with one part releasing each year. Studio Pierrot, the animation studio behind Bleach, has worked closely with Kubo, who serves as the general supervisor for the series. In this role, Kubo oversees various aspects of production, including scripts, storyboards, and voice acting.
More Episodes for the Grand Finale?
While Parts 1 and 2 each consisted of 13 episodes, Part 3’s extended count raises speculation about Part 4’s length. Given that the final installment promises entirely new content, it’s likely that fans can expect a longer season to give the series the sendoff it deserves.
Kubo’s active involvement in the anime’s production has been a key factor in its success. In addition to his work as a supervisor, he previously contributed to character designs and even voiced the character Kon in the Bleach OVA Memories in the Rain.
The Legacy of Bleach Lives On
As Bleach reaches its epic conclusion after two decades, Part 4 promises to deliver both nostalgia and new surprises. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable finale that not only honors Kubo’s original work but also expands the story in ways no one saw coming.
Stay tuned for more updates as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 concludes and the countdown to Part 4 begins.
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