Otakuwriter
Berserk: The Black Swordsman Anime Adaptation Announced by Studio Eclypse
The iconic dark fantasy manga Berserk by the late Kentaro Miura is set to receive a new television anime adaptation titled Berserk: The Black Swordsman. The announcement was made via the series’ official website and social media, exciting long-time fans and newcomers alike. The new adaptation aims to more authentically depict the early arcs of the manga, with a focus on the “Black Swordsman” storyline. This adaptation will be produced by the newly established animation production company, Studio Eclypse.
Return to the Origins of Berserk
According to official information released on June 20, 2024, Berserk: The Black Swordsman will focus on the manga’s initial Black Swordsman arc, which introduces the story’s protagonist, Guts, as he begins his journey through a grim, medieval-inspired world filled with bloodshed, demonic creatures, and complex moral choices. This arc precedes the well-known Golden Age saga and is notable for its darker tone and narrative depth, exploring themes of vengeance, trauma, and destiny.
This latest project marks a return to the original vision of Kentaro Miura’s work, with an emphasis on visual fidelity and narrative adherence to the manga’s early volumes. The production team has emphasized that the new adaptation will portray Guts with the nuance and gravitas that characterized the manga from the beginning.
Studio Eclypse to Lead Animation Production
Studio Eclypse, the animation studio newly formed in 2024, has been chosen to produce the series. Although this is the studio’s debut project, it is led by a team of seasoned industry professionals with backgrounds at established studios such as MAPPA and Studio Bones. According to the series’ official website, the studio was founded with the intention of delivering high-quality adaptations of dark-themed narrative works, making Berserk: The Black Swordsman their flagship production.
Studio representatives have confirmed that the anime will utilize a hybrid style combining traditional 2D animation with minimal CGI, aiming to enhance the visceral and gritty aesthetic of Miura’s original artwork. Early teaser visuals released on the official Twitter/X account show Guts clad in his iconic armor and wielding his massive Dragonslayer sword, walking through a desolate battlefield under a blood-red sky.
Confirmed Staff and Creative Team
The main production staff for Berserk: The Black Swordsman has been announced, featuring a lineup of talented creatives from across the anime industry:
- Director: Toshiyuki Fujiwara (known for key animation work on Attack on Titan: Final Season)
- Scriptwriter: Hiroshi Seko (Jujutsu Kaisen, Vinland Saga)
- Character Designer: Shingo Natsume (One Punch Man Season 1)
- Music Composer: Yoshihiro Ike (Famed for scoring Ergo Proxy and Dororo)
With this lineup, the project is expected to maintain a high production standard, aiming to deliver an adaptation that respects Miura’s narrative while updating it for modern audiences.
Voice Cast and Returning Talent
The voice cast includes new and returning talent, though not all roles have been publicly confirmed. As of the latest press release, the following casting decisions have been made:
- Guts: Kazuya Nakai
- Puck: Aoi Yūki
- Skull Knight: Akio Ōtsuka
Kazuya Nakai, renowned for his roles in “Samurai Champloo” and “One Piece,” will bring a gruffer and more emotionally nuanced portrayal to Guts, reflecting the character’s torment and fury during the Black Swordsman arc. Aoi Yūki’s performance as the mischievous elf companion Puck is expected to balance the darker tone with moments of levity.
Release Platforms and Distribution
Berserk: The Black Swordsman is scheduled to premiere in Fall 2025, with simultaneous streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll and Hulu. A broadcast on Japanese television networks including Tokyo MX and BS11 has also been confirmed. The anime will include both Japanese and English-subtitled versions upon release, with an English dub expected to follow shortly after.
According to Crunchyroll’s official statement, the series will be available to viewers in over 150 countries and regions. This move ensures the global accessibility of one of the most anticipated dark fantasy anime adaptations in recent years.
Legacy of Kentaro Miura and Future of the Franchise
This new anime adaptation of Berserk comes nearly three years after the passing of manga creator Kentaro Miura in May 2021. Ever since Miura’s death, Studio Gaga and Kouji Mori—Miura’s close friend and collaborator—have continued work on the manga based on detailed notes and conversations previously shared with him. The manga resumed publication with Mori supervising, providing fans with a sense of continuity while respecting Miura’s creative vision.
The announcement of Berserk: The Black Swordsman serves as a tribute to Miura’s legacy and an effort to bring the earliest chapters of the saga to the screen with renewed focus and authenticity. The production emphasizes fidelity to the source material, hoping to introduce a new generation of anime enthusiasts to the brutal and emotionally charged world of Guts and his relentless journey for vengeance.
Conclusion
With a proven creative team, high production values, and global distribution confirmed, Berserk: The Black Swordsman is shaping up to be a prominent entry in the anime release calendar of 2025. As the first significant adaptation following the original creator’s passing, it carries both the weight of legacy and the promise of revitalization. Fans of dark fantasy anime and newcomers to the Berserk universe alike have much to look forward to with this new iteration.
