Anime Producer Reveals Why Long Awaited Sequel Was Canceled: “There Was a Situation”

I’ve been watching anime’s popularity explode, but it’s easy to forget that many projects never actually get made. A prime example involves a big franchise that Studio MAPPA – you know, the team behind hits like *Jujutsu Kaisen*, *Chainsaw Man*, and *Attack on Titan* – started but ultimately cancelled. It still frustrates a lot of fans. Recently, producer Hideo Katsumata talked about the reasons why MAPPA decided to step away from this particular project, and what led to its cancellation.

In 2024, MAPPA officially canceled the anime film *Yuri On Ice The Movie: Ice Adolescence*. Originally announced in 2017 with a planned 2019 release, the movie faced numerous unexplained delays. In a recent interview with Anime Hunch, producer Katsumata avoided giving specific reasons for the cancellation but explained that the decision came down to creative challenges. He stated that while he couldn’t share details due to private matters, the issues weren’t business-related. Instead, those involved – including the creators and MAPPA – reached a point where continuing production simply wasn’t possible.

Ice Adolsence R.I.P.

For fans needing a reminder of what happened with the *Yuri on Ice* movie, MAPPA announced last year that *YURI!!! on ICE the movie: ICE ADOLESCENCE* would be cancelled. They expressed deep apologies for disappointing those who had been waiting and supporting the series. The production team had been working hard to make the movie a reality, but ultimately had to stop due to unforeseen difficulties. They thanked everyone for their continued support. – Yuri!!! on ICE PROJECT, MAPPA Co., Ltd.

MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka has acknowledged the popularity of *Yuri on Ice*, but revealed the anime didn’t generate much profit for the studio. In a previous discussion, Otsuka explained that despite the show’s success, the financial gains were small. This led MAPPA to focus on increasing its own capabilities and reducing reliance on hit series, as those can’t be guaranteed. He emphasized the need to maximize opportunities to ensure the company’s growth.

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2025-10-07 17:41