Does Attack on Titan have a sequel series? Explained

Mikasa visits Eren
Mikasa visits Eren's grave and remembers him (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

Attack on Titan's roaring finale may have shushed the Rumbling, but gossip is still echoing through the anime community. The colossal franchise that redefined modern anime storytelling got its devastating conclusion in November 2023, yet the machinery after this titan of amusement refuses to quit operations entirely.

Attack on Titan will not receive a traditional sequel series, but the franchise will go through alternative projects. Producer Tetsuya Kinoshita has officially confirmed that expansion will happen through films, multimedia experiences, and spinoff content rather than a direct story continuation. Rather than pursuing a conventional sequel anime similar to series like Boruto or Dragon Ball Super, the creative team has chosen a different approach.

Several factors present why Attack on Titan won't receive an established sequel series. The original story reached a conclusive conclusion. The ending pointed out that despite the main characters' sacrifices, the cycle of conflict might persist with future generations.

Eren, Mikasa, and Armin as seen during the post-credit scene (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)
Eren, Mikasa, and Armin as seen during the post-credit scene (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

The visionary team feels that expanding existing lore via spinoffs and side stories will suit the franchise better than designing entirely new storylines. This method allows for deeper character development and exploration of untold stories within the established timeline.

The compilation movie "Attack on Titan: The Last Attack" fits as an example of this new path. This film connects the saga's epic ending with new material and premiered in theaters. This proposes a cinematic experience of the series' conclusion with additional scenes.

Although a direct sequel seems unlikely, Attack on Titan still holds strong potential for future spinoffs. The franchise already has experience with successful spinoff manga like "No Regrets," focusing on Captain Levi, "Lost Girls," examining Annie and Mikasa's stories, and "Before the Fall," set decades before the main events.

Levi as seen mopping inside the theater (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)
Levi as seen mopping inside the theater (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

Future projects could analyze the backstories of cherished characters like Hange Zoë, Erwin Smith, or Sasha Braus. There's also potential for historical investigation of previous eras, including the original Marley nation, the Eldian Empire's reign, and the histories of nations like Hizuru.


The controversial ending with alternative timeline possibilities of Attack on Titan

The giant tree shown in the anime (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)
The giant tree shown in the anime (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)

The Attack on Titan ending split the fanbase significantly. Some fans commended its complex themes and naturalistic portrayal of cyclical violence, while others felt dissatisfied by certain character developments and plot resolutions. This division has affected the production team's direction for future content.

The post-credits scene in the final episodes, showing a boy and his dog discovering a tree similar to where Ymir first encountered the Titan powers, sparked speculation about potential future storylines. However, this scene appears more thematic than a setup for direct continuation.

The post-credits gag scene featuring the characters in a modern school environment symbolizes one such alternate existence in which the main trio lives peacefully without the threat of Titans.

These alternative timeline notions could deliver material for future projects without literally continuing the main storyline. Such a range would fulfill fans' desire to see their favorite characters on different occasions while appreciating the original story's conclusion.

As such, Attack on Titan may not acquire a formal sequel series, but the franchise's fate remains optimistic with various projects that fete the original story while examining new imaginative domains. The production team's judgment to focus on sideways expansion rather than forward advancement shows their dedication to preserving the story's artistic integrity. The AOT’s universe stays functional without compromising the main story's conclusion.

Edited by Debanjana