Highlights
- Multiple rumors claiming that director Shouta Goshozono might depart Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 after the current arc have emerged.
- The rumors also claim that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Part 2 may move from MAPPA to J.C. Staff in 2027.
- Neither the director, nor the production committee, nor the animation studio MAPPA has released official statement confirming these developments
The Jujutsu Kaisen anime community is currently buzzing with intense speculation, primarily centered on reports that series director Shouta Goshozono, affectionately known as "Gosso," may depart the project once the current cour concludes. According to circulating rumors, Goshozono, whose cinematic vision has defined the series since the second season, is reportedly leaving on good terms simply because his contract is set to conclude following the "Culling Game Part 1" arc. Neither the director, nor the production committee, nor the animation studio MAPPA has released official statement confirming a resignation.
Leaks from anime news accounts on X, such as @Go_Jover and @animeupdates, suggest that his exit is imminent. This potential leadership vacuum has triggered a larger, more explosive rumor: that the franchise could be moving from Studio MAPPA to J.C. Staff for its future installments, specifically Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Part 2, and a highly anticipated movie adapting the "Gojo vs. Sukuna" showdown.
If the reports hold true, the franchise’s schedule could see J.C. Staff taking the reins for the continuation of the Culling Game in 2027. It is expected to be followed by a theatrical film release for the "Battle of the Strongest" that features the battle between Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna in 2028. This potential handover has triggered anxiety among fans, many of whom recall J.C. Staff’s mixed reception on action titles, specifically citing the visual downgrade seen in One Punch Man Season 2.
A Turning Point for the Culling Game?
The fear is that switching studios right before the story's climax, a conflict defined by complex domain expansions and massive destruction, could result in a jarring shift in quality. Conversely, some optimistic voices in the community hope that a transfer might be a strategic move to alleviate MAPPA’s infamous production crunch, potentially offering animators a healthier working environment.
Adding another layer to the intrigue are whispers that Goshozono might be moving to the French studio Fortiche, famous for producing Arcane. While this remains unverified, the mere possibility has sparked intense debate across Japanese and international forums.
Fans are currently analyzing Goshozono’s "insane output" and debating whether another studio can realistically handle the complex mechanics of the current arc without his leadership. Despite the return of core staff members like character designers Yosuke Yajima and Hiromi Niwa, the consensus is a mix of dread regarding quality and a cautious "wait and see" approach.
For now, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 continues its run on Crunchyroll, having been in production for over a year before its 2026 launch. The ultimate fate of the series remains shrouded in mystery until the credits roll on the Season 3, Part 1 finale or an official press release clears the air.
