Fans of the globally acclaimed volleyball-centric anime, Haikyuu!!, are abuzz with anticipation and skepticism. With the announcement that the series’ final chapters are to be condensed into two feature-length films, there’s a whirlwind of opinions circulating.
A Three-Year Wait Comes to An End
For many, it’s been an agonizing three-year wait peppered with hopes for a Season 5 announcement. The official Haikyuu!! Twitter handle finally broke the suspense, heralding not a new season but a two-part film series that would endeavor to adapt the saga’s remaining chapters. While some fans rejoiced at the prospect of a cinematic adaptation of their favorite sports series, others couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Could two films genuinely cover the expansive terrain of over 100 chapters left untouched?
“Haikyuu!! is a crown jewel of the 21st-century anime, especially within the Shonen sports subgenre,” mentions Ajay Aravind, echoing the sentiment of many. The respect it garners isn’t just from anime enthusiasts, but also from professional volleyball players who’ve praised its authentic portrayal of the sport.
Karasuno’s Journey So Far
Shoyo Hinata’s obsession with volleyball was sparked by the TV appearance of the Little Giant. This obsession led him to his first-ever rivalry against Tobio Kageyama in middle school, but fate twisted when they ended up as teammates in Karasuno High School. Together, their unique technique made them a formidable duo. Their journey saw them evolve from a crushing defeat in Season 1 to a triumphant win against Shiratorizawa, earning a coveted spot at the Nationals.
What’s Left of the Haikyuu!! Manga?
Post their victory against Inarizaki, the narrative catapults Karasuno into a legendary clash with Nekoma, followed by a match against Kamomedai. What ensues is a roller-coaster ride of triumphs and setbacks, culminating in an epic showdown at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship, pitching Hinata against Kageyama.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is now live in Japan❗️ #呪術2期
The episode will be available on Crunchyroll in 2 hours pic.twitter.com/tG0JUl5USI
— Jujutsu Kaisen (@JujutsuKaisen) July 6, 2023
Why Movies Over A New Season?
The move to translate the remainder of Haikyuu!! into movies might have been steered by budgetary concerns. Recent successes of anime films like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer could also hint at a new trend in anime adaptations. However, fitting nearly 110 chapters into two films remains a daunting task. For perspective, one film, clocking around two hours, would barely encapsulate 12 episodes of a regular anime season.
Yet, every cloud has a silver lining. The silver screen adaptation promises movie-grade animation quality. The first of the duo, titled Gekijoban Haikyu!! Gomi Suteba no Kessen, will take fans through the intense Battle at the Garbage Dump. The second remains shrouded in mystery, with no title or release date announced.
Speculations and Possibilities
Given the scope of the material, it’s plausible that the second movie would follow Hinata’s transformative journey in Brazil and offer a glimpse into the lives of other beloved characters. But is two movies the end? Drawing parallels with Attack on Titan, which took fans by surprise with an unexpected Part 3, Haikyuu!! could adopt a similar route, be it through more films, OVAs, or perhaps, a new season.
What’s Next?
The curtain is set to rise on the first Haikyuu!! movie on February 16, 2024. As the fandom waits with bated breath for details on the second, the universal hope remains that this epic tale receives the cinematic grandeur it truly deserves. Whether the movies can capture the essence of the story in its entirety remains to be seen, but the global community is undoubtedly eager to dive back into the exhilarating world of Haikyuu!! once more.
