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Despite having several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including theOne Pieceremake and the continued success ofSpy × Family, WIT Studio has faced growing criticism in recent years. While their earlierreputation was built on hits likeAttack on TitanandRanking of Kings, recent projects likeSuicide Squad IsekaiandMy Deer Friend Nokotanhave left fans questioning whether the studio has lost its touch.
EnterMoonrise, WIT’s ambitious original sci-fi anime. Promising high-stakes drama and dazzling animation, this could be the series that finally turns the tide.
WIT Studio is a Japanese animation studiofounded on July 22, 2025, by producers at Production I.G as a subsidiary of IG Port. The studio quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the anime industry with its breakout success,Attack on Titan, which became a global phenomenon. Other notable projects include the critically acclaimedVinland Saga, the whimsicalRanking of Kings, and the stylish heist seriesGreat Pretender. More recently, the studio collaborated with CloverWorks on the massively popularSpy × Family, further cementing its status as a major player in the anime world.
WIT Studio’s Recent Rut: A String of Misses
It’s no secret that WIT Studio’s recent outputhas struggled to meet expectations.Suicide Squad IsekaiandMy Deer Friend Nokotanwere passable, but neither had a lasting impact.Suicide Squad Isekaiin particular, despite its intriguing premise, failed to rise above mediocrity. Many viewers felt it was simply another tired attempt to capitalize on a popular franchise without meaningful innovation.
Nokotan, on the other hand,suffered from comedic misfires. While the animation quality remained strong, the humor often fell flat, with jokes overstaying their welcome. Projects likeGrimm VariationandKizuna no Allelefaced similar criticism, leading to a growing sentiment among fans that WIT was no longer delivering the same level of quality.
Fans have argued that these missteps are less a fault of the studio and more a result of questionable writing. The concern now is whetherMoonrisewill break free from the studio’s recent slump.
Why Moonrise Could Be the Turning Point for WIT Studios
The Sci-Fi Anime Is Backed By Industry Veterans
Moonriseis an original science fiction animeset to premiere on Netflix on April 10. Helmed byAttack on Titandirector Masashi Koizuka and featuringcharacter designs byFullmetal Alchemistcreator Hiromu Arakawa, the series is promising fans an exciting sci-fi adventure like never before. The story, written byGhost in the Shell: Arisecreator Tow Ubukata, explores a future where Earth thrives under the rule of an AI system called Sapientia. Meanwhile, the Moon is relegated to a dumping ground for criminals and pollutants.
The plot follows Jacob “Jack” Shadow, a young man whose life is shattered whenthe Moon’s resistance launches a terrorist attack, killing his family. Consumed by grief, Jack enlists in Earth’s military, only to confront harsh truths about the nature of war and justice. With its morally complex narrative,Moonriseaims to capture the emotional weight of conflict and the blurred lines between hero and villain.
There’s plenty of reason to believeMoonrisecould mark WIT Studio’s return to form. For one, the pedigree behind the project is undeniable.Masashi Koizuka’s previous work onAttack on Titandemonstrates his skill in portraying large-scale conflict and complex character arcs. Coupled with Tow Ubukata’s knack for layered narratives, the potential for gripping storytelling is high.
Based on the trailer and promotional visuals,Hiromu Arakawa’s character designslendMoonrisea distinctive visual identity, with many people noting that they might check out the series just because of the character designs. Plus, the show’s concept of lunar rebellion against Earth’s technological dominance has already drawncomparisons to iconic series likeGundam. WhileMoonrisemust carve its own identity, echoes of classic space operas give it a sturdy foundation.
A Safety Net: The One Piece Remake
Even ifMoonrisefalls short, WIT Studio has a significant fallback.The upcomingOne Pieceremake,set to reimagine the iconic series in a visually stunning new format, is practically guaranteed to be a commercial success. This remake has already generated massive anticipation.
In many ways,Moonriseis a bold but calculated gamble. If it pays off, it could restore WIT Studio’s reputation as a powerhouse for amazing original work.
When and Where to Watch Moonrise
Fans won’t have to wait long to see ifMoonriselives up to its promise. Theseries premieres exclusively on Netflixon April 10. With its impressive creative team and a compelling premise, it’s certainly worth adding to your watchlist.
WhetherMoonrisebecomes the hit that WIT Studio desperately needs or simply another misstep, it will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about anime releases of the year. Mark your calendars and prepare for liftoff—the battle between Earth and the Moon is about to begin.
