The studio that created the popular anime series Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen has reportedly struck a deal with Netflix to work on a series of new projects.
Following the immense success of Chainsaw Man-The Movie: Reza Arc, which grossed $160 million worldwide, the Tokyo-based studio Mappa will soon come under the streaming site’s wing to add more successful titles to its long list.
The deal was announced at a Tokyo content presentation.
“Building on the strong relationships we’ve cultivated with Japan’s leading creators and studios, we are evolving these partnerships into deeper, more collaborative creative ventures,” executive producer and head of content Kaata Sakamoto stated, as reported in The Hollywood Reporter. “Our recently announced partnership with Mappa reflects this direction.”
He added: “Multiple projects are already underway, spanning story development through merchandise, as we work together to create worlds that fans can engage with beyond the screen.”
Anime has found a solid and flourishing home on Netflix, with over 160 series being available for streaming. These titles include the widely popular Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece and Demon Slayer. Naruto is currently the number one anime series on the platform, thanks to its total streaming time of 330 million hours last year.
The Hollywood Reporter added to this surging popularity, stating: “More than half of Netflix members now watch anime, the company said, and overall anime viewership on the service has tripled over the past five years.”
Mappa president and CEO Manabu Otsuka has reportedly confirmed that the upcoming anime titles will maintain Japanese independence in creativity and work, with the partnership accepting and upholding “MAPPA’s core belief in being an independent studio — both creatively and in business.” This is a statement that The Hollywood Reporter framed as ‘reassurance’ to “fans that the company will retain its independent creative spirit under the Netflix alliance.”
“Japanese animation studios must proactively lead every stage, from understanding global audience needs and developing projects, to reaching viewers and expanding related businesses,” Otsuka affirmed. “MAPPA is committed to deepening our collaboration with Netflix, aiming for a long-term, win-win partnership.”
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