Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is the most epic anime ever, and there’s no denying that. With the series exploring the final arc of the manga series Bleach, fans are curious to know whether the anime will return with another part. But no need to fret. That’s because Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 is already on the cards. You heard that right! The show is gearing up to wrap up the legendary storyline. However, we have both good and bad news for the fans. As the anime approaches its release date, it is also edging closer to its end. So will Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 be the series finale? Curious to know? Then, keep reading!
Based on the popular manga series Bleach, the anime delves into the manga’s final story arc, which was left unexplored. It debuted in October 2004, leaving fans on their toes. However, the anime said goodbye to its fans without exploring its final arc. While many were disappointed by the anime’s abrupt ending, the series returned to explore the epic showdown. That’s right! The anime is currently in its final phase and is ready to explore the epic showdown arc- “Thousand-Year Blood War.”
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Is Officially Renewed
Many remained disappointed as the anime ended before exploring the manga’s final arc in March 2014. The manga’s final arc is expected to reveal the fate of Squad Zero. However, audiences weren’t that lucky to see how things would end. But everything changed when, in March 2020, Weekly Shonen Jump announced that Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War would receive a TV anime adaptation. Well, the announcement came out as a part of the Bleach manga’s 20th Anniversary celebration. Not only this, but the final arc adaption is also split into four parts.
Two of them have already concluded, and now the anime series is gearing up to release Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3. During the Anime Expo 2024 industry panel, the anime committee also released the first look at the series, including the teaser trailer and new key visuals. The trailer has released that the third part will be titled “The Conflict.” It also revealed that the third part will focus on the Soul Reaper’s journey.
That being said, things are going to be extreme in Part 3. Besides this, the trailer was released at Jump Festa and teased that Grimmjow and Aizen would return. Their return will play a pivotal role in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3. While the first trailer was more about the Soul Reaper battle against the Sternritter of the Wandenreich empire, the second trailer focused on the action sequels. In addition, Viz Media also dropped the first key visual of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3.
The Second Trailer Hints At A Gruesome Battle
The manga is popular for its action scenes, and we can expect the same from anime as well. The official X account of Viz Media shared the most-anticipated and bold teaser of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3—The Conflict. As mentioned, the third part will focus on the epic battle. The minute-long teaser also hints at the direction. It features Squad Zero’s captain, Ichibo, and the main villain, Yhwach, facing off against each other. It is the hotly anticipated fight after Yhwach vs. Yamamoto. The teaser trailer also shows Ichigo and his group rushing into the Soul King’s castle.
But surprisingly, it collapses as soon as the crew enters it. There’s no denying that the trailer gives justice to the action scenes. There’s more to explore in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3. On May 30, 2024, the production committee revealed they would hold a special Thousand-Year Blood War panel to give a “sneak peek” of the third part. During the Anime Expo, the team also brought the English voice actors, including Robbie Daymond and Xander Mobus.
So far, the first two parts explored only the introductory part of the final arc. Now, fans can expect huge changes as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 will delve deeper into the action scenes. So expect some bold changes in the upcoming storyline. Further, the third part will also witness Squad Zero’s strongest Bankai.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3: Production Begins
Since the release date for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 is already out, it’s safe to say that production might be in the final phase. However, the team hasn’t mentioned anything regarding the anime’s production. The four parts of the series were renewed altogether, so animation work might be done back-to-back, which means the studio house Studio Pierrot has already mapped the fourth part. There’s another possibility that suggests the studio house might have started working on Part 4.
During an interview with Comicbook, Studio Pierrot Managing Editor Keirou Itsumi addressed that they are working on some changes. Itsumi revealed that they are now considering “labor management” and will try their best to provide the best and safest workplace to their employee. So far, they have ignored the Labor Standards Act. However, things will change now. In addition, he added that they would give credits to the creators and employees, which would also be reflected in their payment.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3: What To Expect Next?
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 wrapped up with the epic battle between Yhwach’s most elite soldiers and Squad Zero’s Senjumaru Shutara. The latter was the last survivor of the crew after everyone except Ichibo sacrificed themselves to help her use the strongest-ever Bankai. Well, the scene wasn’t a part of the original source material. However, their sacrifice helped Shutara to defeat Yhwach’s crew member Uryu. On the other hand, Ichibo continued his fight against Yhwach.
His Bankai was as strong as what Shutara used. Since the second part ended with a cliffhanger, we can expect Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 to pick the pace from where it was left off. The third part will begin with the fight between Yhwach and Ichibo. The main villain will undoubtedly return and is ready to stop Ichibo from entering the Soul King’s Palace. But can he? That’s because the trailer has already hinted that the team has arrived at the palace. So, he needs to act fast. But it seems like Squad Zero will head to the Soul King’s Palace before he can take his final blow.
But now it remains to be seen what Yhwach will do to stop them. Since the anime has directed its roots from the manga, it remains unclear how things will unfold. If we focus on the manga, Yhwach’s elite soldiers aren’t done yet. They will return to give Ichibo and his crew the toughest fight ever. Further, Uryu has a greater role to play. So, it doesn’t seem like Uryu will be gone. Yhwach’s elite soldier will definitely return.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3: Cast Details
There’s no denying that all the star cast will return along with the lead characters. However, many were killed in Part 2, so whether they will return for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 remains unclear. While nothing is known about their return, Ichigo’s English voice actor Johnny Yong Bosch talked about his role in the anime. During an interview with Digital Spy, Bosch said the fans’ reaction was positive, and he’s excited to return as Ichigo’s voice artist.
In addition, Bosch talked about the stellar visuals and said, “I’m loving the animation.” “Every moment of [Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War] has brought me one step closer” to amazing fighting scenes. It’s been a joyful journey, and he’s enjoying being a part of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3. So, there’s no denying that he will return as the lead voice artist. Besides him, the following cast and characters will return:
- Ichigo Kurosaki – Masakazu Morita (Japanese), Johnny Yong Bosch (English)
- Orihime Inoue – Yuki Matsuoka (Japanese), Stephanie Sheh (English)
- Rukia Kuchiki – Fumiko Orikasa (Japanese), Michelle Ruff (English)
- Askin Nakk Le Vaar – Shunsuke Takeuchi (Japanese), Daman Mills (English)
- Bazz B – Yuki Ono (Japanese), Xander Mobus (English)
- Jugram Haschwalth – Yuichiro Umehara (Japanese), Robbie Daymond (English)
- Yhwach – Takayuki Sugo (Japanese), Richard Epcar (English)
- Kisuke Urahara – Shinichiro Miki (Japanese), Doug Erholtz (English)
- Toshiro Hitsugaya – Romi Park (Japanese), Steve Staley (English)
- Byakuya Kuchiki – Ryotaro Okiayu (Japanese), Daniel Woren (English)
- Renji Abarai -Kentaro Ito (Japanese), Wally Wingert (English)
- Uryu Ishida – Noriaki Sugiyama (Japanese), Derek Stephen Prince (English)
- Yasutora ‘Chad’ Sado – Hiroki Yasumoto (Japanese), Alain Mesa (English)
Plus, the anime committee has also revealed the theme songs. Six Lounge will perform the opening theme song of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3. It will be titled “Kotoba ni Sezutomo.” As for the ending theme song, Suiso will perform it, “Monochrome.”
Will Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Be The Last Season?
As we have mentioned before, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War will continue till Part 4. However, there’s a catch! The final arc of the manga isn’t that long. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 ended with chapter 610. As for the final arc, there are only 686 chapters available to cover. Since Bleach adapts five chapters per episode, the source material is limited. Plus, the manga is already concluded. That slims down the chances of Part 4. However, no need to fret! That’s because Tite Kubo is working with Studio Pierrot to add more material.
That’s why it’s possible for anime to explore minute details in every part of the final arc. Since the series isn’t true to the manga arc, it remains unclear what Part 4 will look like. For that, fans have to wait for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 since it will only give an idea of how things will move in the final part.
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3: Release Date
Rejoice fans! That’s because Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 is gearing up for its return. During the Anime Expo 2024, the anime committee revealed that the third part will be released on October 5, 2024. As for the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 release date, it will air earlier in 2025. This is all for now. Stay with The Anime Daily for more such updates.
