In March 2023, the excitement among Naruto enthusiasts surged following the announcement of a special four-episode series commemorating the 20th anniversary of the beloved anime. However, disappointment soon followed as the series was postponed, leaving fans eager for updates that have yet to materialize.
As the 25th anniversary of the Naruto manga approaches in September 2024, fans remain hopeful for news regarding a new release date. So, what has been confirmed about this much-anticipated anniversary project?
What Are the Four New Episodes About?
Watch the official video here
Watch the official video here
While a summary of the four new episodes remains undisclosed, the promotional artwork for this “20th anniversary series”implies that the episodes will focus on Naruto during his childhood, specifically within the Naruto timeline rather than Naruto Shippuden.
It’s important to note that these episodes may not follow a chronological order. Speculatively, they could offer distinct narratives set at various points in time. For instance, one episode could delve into Naruto’s younger years, another could reflect moments from Naruto Shippuden, a third could bridge the gap between Boruto and Naruto, while the fourth might explore the ongoing storyline of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. This approach would present a celebratory homage to the entire franchise, though details from Studio Pierrot are still awaited.
When Will the Special Series Be Released?
The launch of the series was originally slated for September 3, 2023, but was postponed indefinitely in August 2023. As of now, there has been no official communication regarding a new release timeline, although rumors suggest a potential launch in early 2025. However, as we enter March, clarity on this matter remains elusive.
Speculations regarding the early 2025 release stem from reports by TV Tokyo, which hinted at the unveiling of a new Naruto series within the 2024-2025 fiscal year (April 2024 to March 2025).These reports also hinted at initiatives to enhance the franchise’s global presence, potentially tied to international distribution or collaborations similar to the Naruto x Burger King partnership seen in France and Brazil.
What Streaming Platforms Will Host the Series?
In 2023, ADN, a French streaming platform, confirmed its acquisition of the streaming rights for the series. It is anticipated that further licensing negotiations have been underway globally. In the United States, VIZ typically manages the licensing of Naruto content and collaborates with platforms such as Crunchyroll and Netflix for distribution.
Although an official release date for the special anniversary series comprising four episodes is still pending, there is an increasing expectation among fans that it will arrive in 2025.
Why Was the Series Postponed?
[Important notice regarding the program] pic.twitter.com/eSOAOi4G5A — Anime BORUTO-Boruto- [Official] (@NARUTOtoBORUTO) August 29, 2023
When the postponement was announced, the official Naruto/Boruto anime social media account cited a need to “enhance the animation quality.”While this reasoning is plausible, many fans theorize that Studio Pierrot was overwhelmed by its simultaneous commitments to multiple franchises, including Naruto, Bleach, and Black Clover. Allegedly, the studio chose to prioritize production efforts on Bleach: A Thousand-Year Blood War, effectively sidelining projects related to Naruto and Black Clover. Recent rumors even indicate that the final season of Bleach TYBW has been postponed to allow a renewed focus on Naruto.
What About Boruto’s Hiatus?
The first part of Boruto concluded its airing on March 26, 2023, and details regarding the second part remain scarce. At that time, the series was closely aligned with the manga, which went on a three-month hiatus before returning as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, introducing a time-skip. Speculation is that Pierrot may reveal more information about Boruto following the release of the special anniversary series in Japan.
For those interested in exploring the Naruto saga, both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are currently accessible for streaming across various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.
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