Fall 2024 Preview: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3

Fall 2024 Preview: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3

Key Takeaways

  • Bleach’s Thousand-Year Blood War arc returns with modern animation and a fixed narrative, thanks to Tite Kubo’s involvement.
  • Part 3 – The Conflict promises more story expansion, quality, and a star-studded cast under Studio PIERROT.
  • Troubled production rumors were put to rest by Kubo’s reassurances, showing that Part 3 continues the excellent quality.
TitleBLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict
DirectorHikaru Murata
Chief DirectorTomohisa Taguchi
StudioPIERROT Films
PremiereOctober 5

As a long-time enthusiast of anime, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming third part of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War! The new studio PIERROT Films is making some bold moves with this production, aiming to deliver a quality that rivals the success of Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen.


After a decade-long break for its anime adaptation, the manga series Bleach is making an impressive comeback with the saga titled Thousand-Year Blood War. Previously, the manga’s conclusion was hurried due to creator Tite Kubo‘s health concerns. Despite receiving criticism from some audiences, Bleach returned in 2022 with stunning contemporary animation, an exceptional soundtrack, and a revised narrative thanks to Kubo’s active participation in the production process. The quality was maintained through Part 2 – The Separation, demonstrating that Bleach remains relevant. Now, Part 3 – The Conflict is set to deliver even higher quality and more extensive story development and elaboration than before, as promised by Tite Kubo himself.

Despite some production concerns being raised, Kubo’s assurances about smooth production and the release of the official trailer have largely allayed fan concerns. As for part 3, it maintains the high quality established in the first two parts and builds upon it, thanks to the reorganization at Studio PIERROT and the immense success of the anime so far.

Ichigo and the Gotei 13 Face The Quincy Elite

The War Rages On

Fall 2024 Preview: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3

Previously in Part 1, the clandestine Quincy force known as the Wandenreich, commanded by Yhwach (voiced by Takayuki Sugo), launched an attack on the Soul Society. In a swift and brutal assault, they overran the Soul Reapers, causing the deaths of countless numbers. The Quincy had advanced, developing innovative techniques and technology, which provided them with a significant edge against the Soul Reapers. The Wandenreich effortlessly overpowered the Gotei 13, sustaining only four casualties, while the Soul Reapers suffered a major blow with their Captain Commander Yamamoto falling in battle.

As the Gotei 13 members recuperated and tended to their injuries, Rukia Kuchiki (voice actor: Fumiko Orikasa), Renji Abarai (voice actor: Kentaro Ito), and Byakuya Kuchiki (voice actor: Ryotaro Okiayu) honed their skills at the Royal Palace with Squad 0. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki (voice actor: Masakazu Morita) delved into his family history with the help of his father. During this time, O-Etsu Nimaiya crafted a new Zanpakutou for Ichigo, which led him to learn the truth about Zangetsu (voiced by Takayuki Sugo and Masakazu Morita). He discovered that Zangetsu was not just an external sword but also the Hollow residing within him. However, he chose to embrace both entities as his Zangetsu, thus completing himself.

In Part 2, there was a second attack by Quincy, and the Soul Reapers had amassed more power than ever before to counter it. They successfully retrieved their stolen Bankai and many gained new powers. Numerous Sternritters met their end at the hands of these enhanced Soul Reapers. Just as Ichigo, now stronger than ever, entered the battlefield, Yhwach, along with his lieutenants Jugram Haschwalth and Uryuu Ishida (who happens to be Ichigo’s friend), made their way towards the Royal Palace, where Squad 0 awaited them.

In Part 3, we resume the action immediately following the clash between Squad 0 and the Quincy King and his Royal Guard. Senjumaru Shutara (voiced by Rina Sato), it seemed, had slain every member of the Schutztaffel with her Bankai, while Ichibei Hyosube (voiced by Naomi Kusumi) dealt a heavy blow to Yhwach. As hinted in the previews, the Schutztaffel has managed to escape Senjumaru’s Bankai’s grasp and the battle continues. This time, it’s the turn of the Gotei 13 to engage with the Quincy Elite. Notably, the new Captain Commander Shunsui Kyoraku (voiced by Akio Otsuka) will finally unveil his long-awaited Bankai, while Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi (voiced by Ryuusei Nakao) re-enters the fray.

The Staff Behind Bleach TYBW Part 3

A New Studio PIERROT for a New Bleach

Fall 2024 Preview: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3

In the upcoming parts, Hikaru Murata will step into Tomohisa Taguchi’s former role as series director, with Taguchi assuming the position of chief director instead. Previously, Murata has been episode director for episodes 1, 4, 10, and 11 in Part 1, as well as episodes 14 and 26 in Part 2. He also contributed to storyboarding those episodes, taking charge of Kenpachi Zaraki vs Yachiru Unohana’s second half, the first part of Everything But the Rain, and Squad 0 vs The Schutztaffel, including Senjumaru’s unseen Bankai. Some fans have voiced their concerns about this change, but it is worth noting that Murata has also been successful as episode director for several well-regarded episodes in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Parts 4, 5, and 6.

The music for this production is once more created by the renowned Shiro Sagisu, best known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion and Berserk The Golden Age. Directing the action animation are Atsushi Wakabayashi, who previously worked on the Naruto Shippuden episode featuring Naruto vs Pain; Michio Hasegawa, whose credits include Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Persona 3 movies, and Horimiya; and lastly Satoshi Sakai, a highly respected animator who has recently contributed to Attack on Titan, the Fate series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (most recently Itadori vs Chouso in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2).

Since the debut of Part 2, Studio PIERROT has undergone significant transformations. They’ve established a sister studio named PIERROT Films, aiming to produce top-tier content, fueled by the triumphs of shows like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. The upcoming Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 will be the inaugural production for this new studio, with an increased investment in resources and improved working conditions to ensure a superior outcome.

In the third part of “Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War,” Tite Kubo’s personal involvement in production brings numerous enhancements and enrichments to the original tale. The new PIERROT Films team aims to offer Bleach enthusiasts an unparalleled experience. With a talented ensemble cast and crew, “Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3” promises to be the most expansive season yet.

In three years, starting October 5th, 2024, the third part of “Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War” will be available for streaming on both Hulu and Disney Plus, with international viewers getting to watch it as well.

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2024-09-12 21:33