Yuri on Ice fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the prequel movie, Yuri!!! On Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence, since it was announced back in 2017. However, the lack of updates about the film has left them frustrated and impatient. Recently, in an interview with MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka, the reason behind the movie’s prolonged delay was revealed, triggering a wave of backlash from the fan community.
Money Talks: CEO’s Candid Confession
During the interview, Manabu Otsuka, who also served as the animation director for Yuri on Ice, was questioned about the challenges of running an anime studio in Japan. In a surprising admission, Otsuka openly discussed the financial aspect of the popular anime series. He acknowledged that although Yuri on Ice was a tremendous success, the revenue it generated for the studio was relatively insignificant. This observation led Otsuka to explore ways to maximize the limited opportunities and increase the company’s profits.
Fan Outrage: Hurt Feelings and Accusations Fly
The CEO’s comments struck a nerve with passionate Yuri on Ice fans, who felt hurt and betrayed by his remarks. They questioned why MAPPA would continue to hold onto the series if it truly yielded insignificant profits, suggesting that the rights should be transferred to a different studio. Some fans even went as far as accusing Otsuka of being money-hungry and homophobic, citing his involvement in producing other popular “Yaoi” series like Banana Fish and Yuri on Ice. They claimed that he abandoned these series once the opportunity for greater profits arose.
A Divided Fandom: Understanding the Industry Realities
Despite the backlash, there were also fans who came to Otsuka’s defense, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the Japanese anime industry. They commended the CEO for his business-minded approach, recognizing that his decisions were aimed at growing MAPPA as a company. While they cherished Yuri on Ice, they didn’t fault Otsuka for prioritizing profitability. Understanding the financial dynamics at play, they acknowledged that MAPPA’s position as the last listed producer in the Yuri on Ice committee meant they received the smallest share of the profits. This context shed light on the studio’s concerns about maximizing returns, particularly when they have other highly lucrative series in their portfolio, such as Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man.
Looking Ahead: Finding Common Ground
The controversy surrounding MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka’s remarks has exposed a rift within the Yuri on Ice fandom. While some fans feel betrayed and question the studio’s motives, others appreciate the realities of the industry and support the studio’s pursuit of financial success. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how MAPPA and the fans will reconcile their differing perspectives. In the meantime, fans eagerly await news on the progress of Yuri!!! On Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence, hoping that their patience will be rewarded with a memorable continuation of their beloved series.
