Utada Hikaru to Include 'Chainsaw Man' Film in Their Anime Theme song Collection, Known as the Infinity Gauntlet
In the captivating teaser trailer for the upcoming film adaptation of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, renowned Japanese singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada lends her voice to the moving track "Jane Doe." The collaboration with Kenshi Yonezu sets an emotional tone that perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic role of Reze, a new character in Chainsaw Man, who presents both a romantic interest and a formidable adversary for the protagonist, Denji.
As the Bomb Devil, Reze is not just a new adversary for Denji and the devil hunters; she also presents a contradiction of allure, danger, and romance for Denji. This intriguing dynamic is reflected in the song's somber and slower-paced melody, contrasting typical high-energy anime themes.
Utada's contribution to the soundtrack of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc adds to the already atmospheric hype that precedes the film's release. The collaboration comes after Utada's successful stints in the anime and video game industry, most notably with Square Enix and Disney's Kingdom Hearts series and director Hideaki Anno's Neon Genesis Evangelion rebuild film quadrilogy.
Other notable songs by Utada include "Simple and Clean," "Sanctuary," "Don't Think Twice," and "Face My Fears," main themes for the three mainline Kingdom Hearts games, and "One Last Kiss" from Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021), which was a deeply emotional ending theme for the anime film and part of the Rebuild of Evangelion movie series. Utada also sang "Beautiful World," the main theme for the first film of the Rebuild of Evangelion movies.
The upcoming film adaptation of Reze Arc picks up where the 2022 anime left off and adapts the entirety of her arc in the manga. The new teaser trailer, lasting approximately 30 seconds, showcases scenes of Reze and Denji spending time together in a cafe, at a school at night, and on the beach. The trailer has a quiet, melancholic, tender, and wistful tone, mirroring the tone of "Jane Doe."
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is set to hit theaters in Japan on September 19, with international releases on September 24, and a U.S. release on October 29. The film promises to deliver an emotional and action-packed storyline, with Utada's "Jane Doe" serving as a poignant soundtrack to the unfolding drama.
- The understated trailer for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, featuring Hikaru Utada's slow-paced and emotionally charged song "Jane Doe," heightens the anticipation for the upcoming entertainment release.
- Gizmodo and io9, leading outlets for pop culture and technology news, are sure to generate a frenzy of discussion in the trailer-frenzy community about the captivating collaboration between Utada and director Hideaki Anno.
- As the soundtrack for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, Utada's "Jane Doe" represents a departure from typical high-energy anime themes, blending romance, danger, and allure—common elements in the upcoming music projects from this renowned singer-songwriter.
