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Studio Pierrot's highly anticipated Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 has replaced director Tomohisa Taguchi to further improve the animation quality, and the production team has also revealed what fans can expect from the sequel.
Through VIZ Media's official X account (formerly Twitter), Bleach series director Tomohisa Taguchi, who previously directed Akudama Drive and Twin Star Exorcists, will be taking over as series director from Hikaru Murata. Regarding the decision, series producer Yoshihiro Tominaga said, “We are currently working very hard to bring you Part 3, The Conflict. As you may have noticed, some of our job titles have changed. In order to further improve the quality of the animation, Taguchi will now take over as series director, while Murata-san will join as the new series director.”
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Murata has directed multiple episodes for both Bleach: TYBW versions, as well as several episodes throughout the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime seasons. He also worked under Taguchi's supervision on Akudama Drive. While Bleach's exact division of labor between director and chief director remains unclear, Taguchi also serves as the series' scriptwriter alongside Masaki Hiramatsu. This move could free Taguchi to focus on Bleach's increased original anime sequences, which were announced last month. Chief directors typically take on more of an advisory role for animation.
Some of the animation improvements the staff cited included increased CGI and more “spectacular” visuals. “So I hope fans can look forward to seeing improved animation quality,” Tominaga said, adding that fans should look forward to Bleach’s new opening music video, which was recently revealed. “We’re working hard to surpass the quality of the original manga in terms of animating their scenes,” he said on Stern Ritter Royal Guards.
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Studio Pierrot Aims to Improve Anime Production Quality and Speed
Improving the animation quality of Bleach has been a frequent topic of discussion at studio Pierrot. The company recently renamed its second studio Pierrot Films, with Tominaga admitting in a previous interview that Pierrot was unable to produce high-quality series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer in a short period of time. Pierrot president Michiyuki Honma also echoed this sentiment, stating that Demon Slayer was the final move to revamp the studio's production capabilities.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Season 3 – The Conflict will air in October 2024. Hulu and Disney+ are currently streaming the series, and the description reads: “When a new enemy appears, the replacement Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki jumps back into the battlefield with his Zanpakuto to help those in need.”
Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War
The peace is suddenly shattered when sirens sound throughout Soul Society. Residents disappear without a trace and no one knows who is behind it. Meanwhile, a darkness is approaching Ichigo and his friends in Karakura Town.
Release date October 11, 2022
Seasons 2
Creator Tite Kubo
Source: VIZ via X (formerly Twitter)