Heavenly Delusion made quite an impact when it debuted its anime adaptation in April 2023, quickly earning praise for its gripping sci-fi drama. Recently, director Hirotaka Mori shed light on the series, revealing that The Last of Us served as a significant source of inspiration.
Speaking at ACEN, Mori discussed his career in anime and touched upon Heavenly Delusion, disclosing that The Last of Us heavily influenced the anime’s development. Mori even acquired the art book for The Last of Us and urged the anime’s art style to draw inspiration from the acclaimed video game series.
Heavenly Delusion Director Credits The Last of Us as Inspiration
However, despite its roots in The Last of Us, Heavenly Delusion has carved out its own identity. Since its anime debut, Masakazu Ishiguro’s manga has garnered a dedicated following, offering an enthralling post-apocalyptic adventure. The story follows Maru and Kiruko as they navigate the outside world 15 years after a global catastrophe.
Meanwhile, The Last of Us franchise needs no introduction, having gained widespread acclaim since its inception in 2013 with the eponymous video game developed by Naughty Dog. The franchise expanded with a highly successful live-action TV series by HBO, starring Pedro Pascal, which received critical acclaim and is now in production for a second season.
For those unfamiliar with Heavenly Delusion, the Production I.G. anime is available on Hulu. The series follows youths raised in a nursery-style setting within safe walls by robots, juxtaposed against a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by supernatural beings. As Maru and Kiruko go on their journey, they confront the harsh reality that their vision of heaven may be more elusive than they imagined.
