The ‘Wings of Freedom’ Fly Again: How Chainsaw Man’s New Movie Tributes Attack on Titan and MAPPA’s Legacy

The cinematic release of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has not only set the global box office alight, but it has also sparked fevered discussion among anime aficionados thanks to a subtle yet powerful nod to another titan of the medium: Attack on Titan (AoT). This quiet inclusion underscores the ongoing creative legacy of the animation powerhouse, Studio MAPPA, which helmed the final, highly-anticipated chapters of the AoT anime and is also the driving force behind the critically-acclaimed Chainsaw Man franchise.

The Reze Arc film, which continues the story of the Public Safety Devil Hunter Denji, offers fans a compelling blend of dark fantasy action and poignant character development, true to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga. However, a particular scene featuring Denji and Makima attending a movie has captivated eagle-eyed viewers, revealing a clear tribute to the recently concluded epic of the Survey Corps.

A Discreet but Powerful Anime Cameo: Survey Corps in the Chainsaw Man Universe

The viral moment centers on a background character in the movie theater audience. Sharp-focused fans have pointed out that this character wears a t-shirt featuring a logo strikingly similar to the Wings of Freedom—the iconic blue and white winged emblem of the Survey Corps from Attack on Titan. Furthermore, the character’s haircut appears to deliberately resemble Connie Springer, one of the key characters in the AoT narrative.

While the Chainsaw Man universe is canonically set in the 1990s, offering no direct narrative link to the pre-industrial world of AoT, this subtle visual detail speaks volumes. It’s an undeniable, in-universe acknowledgment of the franchise that successfully closed its curtains, thanks in no small part to the incredible effort from the same animation studio.

• High CPC Keywords: Chainsaw Man Movie, Attack on Titan Tribute, MAPPA Anime, Reze Arc Film, Best Anime Crossover, Survey Corps Logo.
• Key Detail: The nod is seen on a background character’s shirt during the date scene in the theater.
• Significance: It symbolizes the studio’s pride and connection to two of the most popular and commercially successful modern shōnen series.

The appearance of the Wings of Freedom serves as a heartfelt “thank you” to the staff at MAPPA who navigated the immense pressure and colossal workload of animating the complex conclusion of Hajime Isayama’s manga, which proved challenging even for the creator to draw. It also connects these two global anime phenomena through a shared creative lineage, highlighting MAPPA’s pivotal role in shaping the contemporary Japanese animation landscape.

MAPPA’s Unrivaled Animation Legacy and Box Office Dominance

Studio MAPPA has cemented its reputation as a leading force in high-quality, high-octane anime production. Their work on the final seasons of Attack on Titan was monumental, culminating in the critically lauded Attack on Titan: The Last Attack special which brought the decade-long story to its definitive end. Now, with the success of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, which has dominated the global box office and surpassed expectations, the studio continues its impressive streak.

The Reze Arc film, directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara and written by Hiroshi Seko, has already sliced its way through the international box office, grossing tens of millions of dollars globally since its staggered September and October 2025 release dates. This commercial triumph, following the massive success of their television adaptation, underscores the immense investing power and high return on investment of top-tier anime IPs.

Strong Industry Performance:

• Chainsaw Man Movie Box Office revenue showcases the growing global appetite for theatrical anime.
• The film achieved the No. 1 spot in North American box office rankings upon its debut, demonstrating exceptional commercial success.
• MAPPA is now strongly associated with two of the highest-grossing and most influential titles of the last decade.

The studio’s decision to include the AoT tribute in a film already packed with complex character dynamics and spectacular high-action sequences (such as the explosive introduction of the Bomb Devil) emphasizes a corporate culture that values its history and the challenging work undertaken by its animators. This strategy subtly fuels the excitement for both franchises, making it a genius piece of digital marketing and a win for fan engagement.

Reviewing the Reze Arc: What it Means for Denji and the Future of Chainsaw Man

Beyond the fascinating cultural easter egg, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc delivers a powerful, self-contained narrative adapting the beloved ‘Bomb Girl’ arc from the original manga. The film focuses heavily on Denji’s quest for a normal life and the emotional complexity that arises when he meets the mysterious and alluring café waitress, Reze. This relationship, which forms the crux of the film, forces Denji to confront his deepest desires—a stark contrast to his life as Public Safety’s secret weapon.

Narrative Highlights and Review Points:

• The film excels in balancing quiet, character-driven moments with bursts of signature dark fantasy violence.
• Reze, voiced by Reina Ueda, is introduced as a dynamic and manipulative figure, leading to one of Denji’s deadliest and most heartfelt confrontations.
• Director Tatsuya Yoshihara’s style continues to showcase ultra-photorealistic urban environments, making the surreal and violent devil encounters all the more impactful.
• The soundtrack, featuring the new Kenshi Yonezu theme song, enhances the emotional depth and frenetic pace of the action.

This movie acts as a significant narrative bridge following the first season of the anime, and its critical and commercial reception is highly positive, with many critics praising its faithful adaptation and visually stunning presentation. It reinforces the idea that an anime movie can serve as an integral part of the main storyline, rather than just a side project. The emotional investment in Denji’s story, coupled with the spectacle of the chainsaw versus bomb battle, solidifies the franchise’s place in the top echelon of modern Japanese action entertainment.

The subtle inclusion of the Attack on Titan motif is a masterful touch—a small detail with a huge cultural footprint. It’s a moment that unites two separate but equally vital chapters in MAPPA’s story, celebrating their past accomplishments while showcasing their dazzling future with Chainsaw Man.

Final Analysis: The Power of Shared Animation History

In the highly competitive world of anime production, the success of a studio is measured not just by a single hit, but by a consistent track record of quality and cultural relevance. By incorporating a tribute to Attack on Titan within the Chainsaw Man Movie, MAPPA is doing more than just giving a fan service nod; they are weaving a narrative of shared artistic journey. It’s a powerful message to the global market and a tribute to the dedicated teams who brought both these extraordinary worlds to life. Fans are now eagerly anticipating the next phase of both franchises, further solidifying the cultural and financial investment value of both Chainsaw Man and the studio that delivers its visceral beauty.

The next time you rewatch the movie, make sure to pause during the theater scene—you’ll see the Wings of Freedom subtly, yet powerfully, proclaiming the continued dominance of Studio MAPPA in the high-quality anime sector.