Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc release date, story, trailer, cast, and more

Reze in the Chainsaw Man movie laying down on a bed of flowers
(Image credit: MAPPA)

After a period of radio silence, suddenly everything arrived at once we finally have a release date for the Chainsaw Man movie (in Japan, anyway) and a new trailer to feast our eyes on .

If you've been out of the loop, however, you may be slightly confused: Denji's story will continue in a feature film instead of the obvious move of a second season. It's one that will adapt the manga's Reze Arc, too. As those fans know, it's certainly going to be explosive.

Below, we'll dive into what to expect from the big-screen adventure in Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. That includes the release date, which chapters of the source material will likely be adapted, the latest teaser, and more.

For more from some of anime's biggest names, be sure to check out our guides to Vinland Saga season 3, all the latest on the new anime arriving in the next 12 months, and One-Punch Man season 3.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc release date

A poster of Denji in Chainsaw Man, with two bloody chainsaws protruding from his hands

(Image credit: MAPPA)

As announced during the weekend of AnimeJapan, Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc is releasing on September 19 in Japanese cinemas.

The only other question mark, then, would be if western audiences get the Chainsaw Man movie close to its Japanese release.

If previous big-name features are any indication, those in the US, UK, and other regions should perhaps be patient - and wait another few months after Japanese audiences get it. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is a prime example, with the west not getting it for another few months after Japan do. We hope to see it on our shores before 2025 is over, however.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc story: recap and what is being adapted next?

Chainsaw Man protagonist Denji being pushed in the head by an unseen figure

(Image credit: MAPPA)

Unless it runs over into a second season, it appears the Chainsaw Man movie will hurtle through the explosive Bomb Girl arc (chapters 40-52) and will set up the International Assassins arc (chapters 53-70) for TV episodes down the line.

The synopsis of the Chainsaw Man movie reads, "Denji became Chainsaw Man a boy with a devil’s heart, and is now part of Special Division 4’s devil hunters. After a date with Makima, the woman of his dreams, Denji takes shelter from the rain. There he meets Reze, a girl who works in a café."

The first season of Chainsaw Man adapted the first 38 chapters of the manga. So, if you want to read ahead to see what the movie will cover, then you’ll need to start from chapter 39.

As of right now, it’s unclear how far the feature film will reach in terms of adapting the source material. We’re about 40% of the way through the manga’s first part (the Public Safety Saga), though there’s likely a little too much material to cover for just one movie.

No spoilers here, but the woman seen at the end of the season 1 finale – Reze – will factor heavily into the movie, and she'll certainly get close to Denji. The overarching threat of Gun Devil will also be keenly felt as the now-merged Division 4 of Public Safety and its team of Devil Hunters encounter new friends and foes.

On the topic of Chainsaw Man season 2: yes, we're just as surprised as you are that the anime is going into a canon movie directly after its first season. A second season will surely arrive down the line and will likely cover the aforementioned International Assassins arc, which (to keep it vague) features Denji's notoriety increasing, something which puts him on the radar of various hitmen.

Chainsaw Man character Makima with fang-like teeth being bared

(Image credit: MAPPA)

Still catching up on one of the best anime series around? The first season of Chainsaw Man revolved around a boy called Denji and his Chainsaw Devil/dog companion, Pochita. After inheriting his father’s debt from the yakuza, Denji becomes a Devil Hunter – but is killed by a Zombie Devil, one of many creatures that manifest from humanity’s fears.

Denji, however, is revived and fuses with Pochita to become the titular Chainsaw Man. By pulling the ripcord on his head, he can turn into what is, essentially, a sentient chainsaw.

Much of the first season saw him grow into his role as Public Safety Devil Hunter alongside partners Power, Aki, Himeno, and Kobeni. They face off against the likes of the Bat Devil, Ghost Devil, and Katana Man – who they eventually capture. The season ends with the Snake Devil killing Akane, the team being on the hunt for the Gun Devil, and the introduction of a mysterious new woman who asks whether someone would rather be a "country mouse" or a "city mouse."

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc trailer

”Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” Official Teaser 2/劇場版『チェンソーマン レゼ篇』特報 - YouTube ”Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” Official Teaser 2/劇場版『チェンソーマン レゼ篇』特報 - YouTube
Watch On

The first Chainsaw Man trailers are here. The initial Reze Arc teaser, released in December 2024, puts the spotlight on Reze and her fledgling dynamic with Denji. You can see it for yourself above.

The second 30-second trailer again teases Reze's disruptive qualities, with her inclusion setting up some serious shock and awe in Denji's life.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc cast: who could return?

Chainsaw Man character Aki across from Kobeni, who is holding a cigarette

(Image credit: MAPPA)

We expect Denji (Kikunosuke Toya), Makima (Tomori Kusunoki), Kobeni (Karin Takahashi) Power (Fairouz Ai), and Aki (Shogo Sakata) all to return in the Chainsaw Man movie. One major newcomer will be Reze (Reina Ueda), while we also anticipate much of the English dub cast to reprise their roles. More news as and when we get it.

Where is Chainsaw Man season 2? And is the Reze Arc movie canon?

Makima looking out of a car window in Chainsaw Man

(Image credit: MAPPA)

Yes, Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc continues where the first season left off and will be canon to the events of the anime. In short, it's a must-watch if you want to continue Denji's saga - in much the same way Mugen Train was effectively presented (and later adapted) as Demon Slayer's second season.

However, we still expect an actual Chainsaw Man season 2 to be released at some point after the movie. That means, in effect, the watch order will go: Chainsaw Man season 1, Reze Arc movie, Chainsaw Man season 2.

Where can I watch Chainsaw Man?

A close of a Denji in his demon form with smoke coming out of his face in the anime Chainsaw Man

(Image credit: MAPPA)

The first season of Chainsaw Man is available to watch, subbed and dubbed on Crunchyroll for Premium members. It's safe to assume the Chainsaw Man movie will be released theatrically and will likely stream on Crunchyroll down the line.

Not sure what to watch next? Here are some of the best anime movies you should be watching right now, plus our guides on how to watch Dragon Ball in order and how to watch Attack on Titan in order.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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