Madhouse Confirms Release Window For ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ Anime Adaptation
After what has seemed like an eternity for us mere mortals (but a mere nap for an immortal elf), Madhouse’s animated adaptation of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will soon answer the long-asked question of ‘What happens after a group of fantasy heroes defeats the big bad?’
RELATED: The Top 10 Most Anticipated Anime Of 2023
Adapted from the Kanehito Yamada written, Tsukasa Abe illustrated manga of the same name, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End the series follows the journey of Frieren (CV: Atsumi Tanezaki – Anya Forger in Spy x Family), the last surviving member of the legendary team who, under the leadership of the hero known as Himmel, defeated the Demon King and ushered in a new era of peace across the land.
But thanks to her existence as an elf, whose lifespans are far greater than that of other species, Frieren has spent her recent days watching her companions pass away one by one.
Unsurprisingly, this has caused her to slowly make the turn to becoming more and more reclusive – that is, until her party’s priest, Heiter, asks Freiren on his deathbed to watch over his adopted daughter, Fern.
With a new young charge in tow, Freiren once again sets out to explore the land, all the while hoping to use the lessons of her past to help her and Fern grow their burgeoning friendship.
Premiering on the series’s official website on March 8th, the latest trailer for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is set right after Freiren’s original hero party defeated the Demon King and opens with the full team – the heroic Himmel, the alcohol-loving Priest Heiter, the dwarf warrior Eisen, and of course Freiren herself – making their anime debut.
As the trailer is less than a minute in length, the subsequent images are not much to write home about – though it does close with a brief shot of Frieren voluntarily cutting herself off from her team after the mission’s end.
This same moment is also highlighted on the series’ newest key visual – itself released alongside the trailer – which shows Freiren taking one last longing look at her friends before going on her way.
However, after this forlorn shot, the trailer’s most exciting piece of news is then revealed: the series is currently on track for a Fall 2023 release date.
In a statement released to the series’ official website, director Keiichiro Saito (Bocchi the Rock!) exclaimed (via DeepL), “Every day I think about the work and what kind of image would be the best animation for the audience. It may be a short time for Frieren, but for me, it will be invaluable days.”
“The staff and cast are all wonderful people, and I am sure that I will be able to deliver the beloved characters and story in a better way.” He added. “Thank you very much for your support.”
Likewise, series compositor and scriptwriter Tomohiro Suzuki (One-Punch Man) asserted in his own statement, “When I read the original story for the first time, my impression was how delicate and gentle it was. I hope I can help deliver the same atmosphere and comfort that I felt in the original story.”
“Director Saito and the rest of the wonderful staff are also pouring their love into this work,” he ultimately assured fans. “And I am sure that they will create the best possible images.”
NEXT: ‘One-Punch Man’ Artist Yusuke Murata Unveils First Teaser For His Debut Original Anime ‘Zaiyuki’