Attack on Titan is one of the most successful anime franchises in history. From humble beginnings in Bessastsu Shōnen Magazine, Hajime Isayama's manga series exploded onto the screen with its anime adaptation by Wit Studio in 2013. Over the following decade, through controversy, studios changing hands, extended waits between seasons, and an ever-growing and devoted fan base, Attack on Titan proved itself to be one of modern anime's quintessential titles.

Not only was the series immensely popular, but it played a major role in delivering anime to mainstream status in the west, transforming the medium from a niche hobby to a form of entertainment openly enjoyed by millions worldwide. By the time Attack on Titan reached the end of its questionably drawn-out conclusion in 2023, anime was officially cool.

Despite an initial rocky reception to the series' finale, many fans looked back on their viewing experiences fondly, and eventually came to with the fact that Attack on Titan was over. However, according to series producer Tetsuya Kinoshita, fans haven't seen the last of Eren Yeager just yet, as those overseeing the franchise plan to continue moving forward with new anime, gaming, and other multimedia projects.

"We Plan to Continue": Attack on Titan's Producer Reveals the Series Isn't Going Anywhere

Despite Reaching Its Finale in 2023, Attack on Titan's Anime Will Continue

Attack on Titan's anime adaptation, after changing hands from Wit Studio to the ever-busy MAPPA, began airing its "final season" in 2021, a story which would eventually take nearly three years to see to its conclusion. Over that time, discourse surrounding the series took over social media, and each new episode's release was treated like a celebration by the anime's incredibly large fan base. It seems those in charge of the franchise aren't quite ready to let that fanfare die down, and will look to capitalize on the power of the brand just a bit longer.

At the Los Angeles debut of Attack on Titan - Beyond the Walls World Tour: Official Concert, series producer Tetsuya Kinoshita told fans, "While Attack on Titan's story has officially concluded, just like with THE LAST ATTACK, we're thinking about all kinds of future projects—films, concerts like this one, game collaborations, and more."

While fans may be excited to hear that the series isn't quite finished just yet, the first part of Kinoshita's statement is important. Attack on Titan's story is over, and has been since Hajime Isayama penned his final chapter in 2021. Since the release of Volume #34, the creator has yet to revisit the franchise for purposes of extending its narrative. With no more source material left to adapt, it's unlikely that the main narrative is tinkered with in any way, but there are possibilities for continuations.

Attack on Titan's Story Is Over, But That Doesn't Mean the Anime Is Finished

There Are Ways That the Fan Base's Favorite Characters Can Return

Though Attack on Titan's mainline story is complete, it isn't the only story told in the franchise. There have been spin-offs, parodies, and prequel series published in both manga and novel formats, and while creator Hajime Isayama may not have been fully involved in their production, they still belong to the Attack on Titan brand. The spin-offs and parodies, including titles like Attack on Titan: Junior High and Spoof on Titan, may not be very intriguing to fans who are hoping to enjoy more of the series' universe, but the prequels might be.

Attack on Titan: Before the Fall is a light novel series that, like the title suggests, is a look into the world of Attack on Titan before the events of the main story. Before the Fall takes place 70 years before the start of the main series and is split into two parts, following separate characters. It was later adapted into a surprisingly lengthy 17-volume manga, and though the series wasn't the biggest hit among the community, there might be something there for fans who would enjoy a broader look at the world in which their favorite characters reside.

Attack on Titan: No Regrets is likely the story that would put fans into seats with an anime film adaptation. The short two-volume manga series is based on a visual novel of the same name, and follows fan-favorite character Levi Ackerman through a spin-off prequel to the mainline series. Character-focused stories such as this one may be the route MAPPA would benefit most from taking, as cast like Levi and Mikasa have long been adored by fans who would like nothing more than to see them on-screen once more.

It's always a possibility that MAPPA goes back and remakes Attack on Titan's first three seasons, which were produced by Wit Studio and have a distinctly different look than the final season. Reworking existing content is far likelier than the anime taking liberties with the series and expanding it in some way of its own, a practice typically looked down upon by fans.

Should Attack on Titan Be Finished?

Attack on Titan's Story Is Over, But Should the Franchise Rest?

The news of Attack on Titan's continuation has left its fan base divided. Many are ecstatic at the opportunity to see their favorite characters again, while others feel that those overseeing the series should let it rest. Both sides have valid arguments to make, and whether Attack on Titan should continue very likely boils down to how producers and MAPPA decide to go about it. Adapting something like the Junior High spin-off in the wake of a harrowing tale of the dangers of revenge, cycles of violence, and the everlasting presence of war might not go over well.

However, there are ways Attack on Titan can continue, and exploring prequels or character-driven stories would help to expand the series' universe without stepping on the toes of its main narrative. It may be true that the franchise is too large of a money-maker for those in charge to let it die, but as long as the fan base gets something worthwhile out of it continuing, that wouldn't be such a bad thing.