After a taxing production cycle on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, insiders suggest MAPPA may not use the same team for the anime’s final arc. The Shibuya Incident arc’s explosive success came at a price—reports of animators reaching burnout, directors stepping away, and key staff voicing frustrations have shaken confidence in the studio’s consistency.
Season 2’s emotional highs were matched only by the internal toll it took. Long nights, overlapping projects, and unrealistic deadlines left animators visibly worn down. Now, as Jujutsu Kaisen heads into its climactic stages, MAPPA is quietly discussing structural changes to keep production afloat without sacrificing staff well-being.
Strain Behind the Spectacle
Multiple sources, including animators involved in Season 2, have pointed to grueling schedules that pushed team members to their limit. Episode director Shota Goshozono, who spearheaded several major episodes, has reportedly stepped away from future episodes for health reasons. Others followed suit, citing mental and physical exhaustion.
Animation director Terumi Nishii commented on the situation in a post that was later deleted, stating, “What’s being asked is inhuman.” Several freelance animators echoed this sentiment, revealing that the constant workload left no time for revision, forcing even high-stakes episodes into rushed completion. Many staff have chosen not to return.
MAPPA has since scrambled to retain fresh talent while avoiding another PR backlash. Talks of bringing in new leads—potentially from outside MAPPA’s usual internal rotation—are being considered for the final arc. The studio remains committed to finishing the anime, but who will be steering the final stretch remains a question mark.
These shifts mirror similar concerns voiced during the productions of Attack on Titan Final Season and Chainsaw Man, where fans noted changes in pacing and animation tone due to staff fatigue. A studio’s name may remain, but the people behind the scenes may change drastically from one arc to the next.
What Fans Can Expect Next
MAPPA has not made any official announcements, but it’s likely the Culling Game arc—and the climax that follows—could look different visually and structurally. The studio may split production duties or hire new teams for core animation and direction, similar to how large franchises like Naruto or Bleach have handled pivotal arcs.
This move could preserve the visual quality of Jujutsu Kaisen while protecting its remaining staff. It also opens the door for new talent to reinterpret the emotional and psychological battles ahead. With the manga nearing its end, the final anime arc must hit hard—but not at the cost of its creators’ health.
As fans await official word, the only certainty is that changes are happening behind the scenes. Whether this transition leads to a refreshing new take or creates a tonal shift remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the exhaustion from Season 2 has pushed MAPPA to reconsider how it moves forward.
