The ending of the Attack on Titan anime series has caused a stir among fans, especially with the revelation that there are different versions of the finale available on various streaming platforms. The original ending, as aired in Japan and presented in feature-length specials, includes an epilogue that extends beyond the lifetimes of the main characters, offering a glimpse into the cyclical nature of war, destruction, and rebirth. However, fans have noted that the eye-opening epilogue is absent in the version that is streaming on Netflix.
A Reddit post shared the information, revealing that the episodic cuts of Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 3 "removed the ending."
"Not the whole ending, but it just straight up ends with Mikasa on the tree saying 'Thank you.' Then 'The End' shows up on screen. The entire Linked Horizon ED is just gone, like how Under The Tree ED is also just gone in non-special cuts of Part 3," it reads.
In this extended ending, viewers witness the evolution of Paradis Island from a primitive society to a modern metropolis and, ultimately, a futuristic city. Despite technological advancements, the cycle of conflict persists, leading to the destruction of civilization and a return to a steampunk era. The final scene features a boy and his dog discovering a Titan-sized tree in the overgrown woodland that was once Paradis, adding a layer of mystery and continuity to the narrative.
This epilogue has been praised for its exploration of deeper themes within Hajime Isayama's story, prompting contemplation about the cyclical nature of humanity's struggles. The anime finale, with its extended ending, arguably delves further into the philosophical aspects of the narrative compared to the manga.
Is Netflix responsible for the Attack on Titan finale's altered ending?
Controversy surrounds the different versions of the ending, with reports indicating that Netflix is streaming an episodic cut of the finale, which omits the longer epilogue montage and final scene. The Netflix version concludes with Mikasa at Eren's grave, expressing gratitude for the scarf, a conclusion more aligned with the manga.
The debate about whether Netflix is responsible for the altered ending raises questions about streaming platform decisions and their impact on viewers' experiences. While the feature-length specials with the original ending are still available on other platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll, fans on Netflix and in some overseas markets may encounter the abridged version.
The revelation adds an intriguing layer to the discourse around Attack on Titan, sparking discussions about creative choices, adaptation decisions, and the ways in which different versions of a finale can shape the overall reception of a beloved series.
