Could Bleach Be Getting a Remake?

During the pre-screening of the first two episodes of the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 anime, Studio Pierrot unveiled a new short teaser and a gorgeous key visual designed by Masashi Kudo for the 20th anniversary of the original anime. It had been previously announced that there’s something in the works for the occasion, which has fans speculating. The original Bleach anime is an example of a very lackluster adaptation of an iconic manga, just like it was for its two other Big 3 siblings, One Piece and Naruto.

With the current era of anime, the idea of a Bleach remake seems all the more possible. Could Studio Pierrot be working on a remake of the original series? Or is the project simply another merch and exhibition event like it has happened in the past?

The Current Era of Anime Looks Familiar

Tons of Remakes, Tons of Sequels

In recent years, the anime industry has taken an interesting turn. Several remakes of classic anime have been produced to varying degrees of success. Most of these are remakes of 80s or 90s-era classics. David Production, the studio behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, produced the Captain Tsubasa and the Urusei Yatsura remakes.

Two beloved 80s anime. These two works didn’t achieve mainstream success, but fans well received them. Liden Films produced the remake of Rurouni Kenshin, one of the most popular classic Shōnen series, and while the work itself was very well-made, its reception was very mixed, due to the controversy surrounding author Nobuhiro Watsuki, which has sadly tainted the perception of the series. There’s a remake of the Rumiko Takahashi classic, Ranma 1/2 on the way. As well as the anticipated One Piece remake produced by WIT Studio.

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The anime industry has begun to indulge in the remake trend seen in Hollywood and the gaming industry. Several remakes of classic anime from several decades ago. Although the One Piece remake is slightly controversial, as the series is still far from over, making a remake unnecessary. There are also legacy sequels to beloved shows like Black Butler, Spice and Wolf, Devil’s a Part-Timer, and most famously, Bleach.

Bleach 20th Anniversary Anime Project

Remake or Movie? Or Just A Special Event?

Studio Pierrot and author Tite Kubo have spoken about a special project for the 20th anniversary of the original anime for some time now. Which has made fans speculate on what it could be. Granted, there’s a ton of wishful thinking from fans. The original anime was beloved by many, but almost universally panned by hardcore manga readers for its lackluster adaptation. Questionable animation, copious amounts of filler, and most importantly severe mischaracterization of important characters like Orihime Inoue. Fans desperately want a remake that does justice to the classic manga.

However, the official accounts have publicly stated that this is an “anime” project, which has raised a few eyebrows. This has made fans believe that the project won’t be another merch launch or art exhibition as it has been for many other anniversary projects of beloved series. Fans believe this will surely be either a brand-new movie or a full-on remake of the series. A few years ago, a Bleach remake would be unthinkable, considering it is barely 20 years old. But seeing how many remakes have surfaced recently, most importantly a One Piece remake, a series that hasn’t even ended yet, it makes this idea all the more likely.

Studio Pierrot has undergone several changes in the last few years. They created a sub-studio named Pierrot Films to produce Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War, and have ceased the weekly format for Boruto and Black Clover. They’re now clearly taking their work more seriously, inspired by the massive success of Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen.

A Bleach movie is also likely, and perhaps the most likely of the two scenarios. Anime movies have become increasingly more important since the Demon Slayer: Infinity Train film. The Evangelion series ended as movies. Jujutsu Kaisen had its prequel adapted into a movie. And now Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters is getting a movie edit of the two final specials. A Bleach movie makes a lot of sense considering the current landscape.

There’s a lot of evidence for a remake or a movie. It’s only a matter of time for Studio Pierrot and Tite Kubo to fully announce what this new project is about.