The ending of Attack on Titan remains one of the most controversial endings in anime history, largely due to the genocidal actions of main character Eren Yeager. By the series' conclusion, Eren has destroyed 80% of humanity to end discrimination against the Eldians and establish peace.
This drastic solution raises questions about its necessity and Eren's fate. Author Hajime Isayama revealed in an interview that he planned to change the ending even though he had planned it from the beginning. While some story elements deviated from his original vision, the finale remained intact.
Isayama shared that Eren's journey reflects his own experience creating manga. Initially, Isayama feared the series would be canceled because it was his first major work.
Despite these uncertainties, he had a clear ending in mind. As Attack on Titan's popularity skyrocketed, Isayama felt overwhelmed by his power and the expectations placed on him. He admitted that although he realized the ending was inevitable, he also wished he could change it.
Isayama noted that writing manga should be a freeing experience, but he felt limited by his initial decisions. Eren's story reflects this struggle, as Eren limits his path by clinging to his predetermined destiny.
Similarly, Isayama feels bound by his original plan, causing every narrative choice to lead to a predetermined ending. This self-imposed limitation makes him ponder whether a different ending could have emerged if he felt more free.
Fans continue to question whether Eren's actions were justified or whether genocide could have been avoided. These questions still linger, waiting for deeper insights from the author.
