MAPPA Addresses Anime Cancellation After Years of Fan Anticipation

Established in 2011, MAPPA has become a leading Japanese animation studio, known for producing popular series such as Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan. However, one series that significantly boosted the studio’s early fame was the 2016 sports anime, Yuri!!! on Ice.

Yuri!!! on Ice's Initial Success and Prequel Promise

Yuri!!! on Ice debuted in October 2016 and quickly garnered a large fan base as an original sports anime. Following its conclusion in December 2016, a prequel film was announced, promising to explore the backstory of Victor Nikiforov, one of the series’ central characters. The film even released a teaser, further fueling fan excitement.

Reasons for Cancellation Revealed by MAPPA CEO

In a recent interview with Bungeishunju Plus, MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka discussed the studio’s past challenges and successes, including the cancellation of the Yuri!!! on Ice prequel film. Previously, Avex Pictures producer Hideo Katsumata attributed the cancellation to creative disagreements. Otsuka confirmed that despite the controversy, the studio ultimately decided against continuing the story after an eight-year wait for fans.

Financial Structure Led to Difficult Decision

Otsuka explained that the anime’s Blu-ray and DVD sales exceeded 430,000 copies, generating approximately $20 million in revenue. However, he stated, “We painfully realized the reality that, within the structure of the production committee, the studio could not be at the center of the business. We bore many responsibilities, such as guaranteeing quality, fulfilling delivery obligations, and taking investment risks, yet we were in the position of receiving the least profit.”

MAPPA's Shift Towards Greater Control

MAPPA aimed to gain more control over its productions and profits, leading to the creation of a rights department and a focus on producing more high-quality anime consistently. This restructuring was a direct response to the financial imbalances experienced with projects like Yuri!!! on Ice.

Unresolved Storylines and Lost Opportunities

During the production of Yuri!!! on Ice, MAPPA intended to create further seasons or films. This intention is reflected in the anime’s open-ended finale. The series concludes with Yuri Katsuki winning a silver medal, and Victor Nikiforov agreeing to continue coaching him for another five years, hinting at future victories. Fans were also anticipating learning more about Victor’s past through the planned prequel film, a story that will now remain untold.