The popular anime’s third season concluded in September 2018, and its makers promptly announced the release of Free Season 4 in 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted their plans. In 2019, the Road to the World film was released, and there has been no word from the creators since then. If you’re wondering when the sequel will finally be released, keep reading to find out.
Free! is a highly acclaimed sports-based anime in Japan, with both the anime adaptation and light novel running simultaneously since July 2013. The light novel, written by Kouji Oji and illustrated by Futoshi Nishiya, spans two volumes, while the anime franchise, produced by Kyoto Animation and Animation Do, includes three seasons and two movies. Currently, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the fourth installment.
Free Season 4 Renewal Status
Fans were left disheartened when the third season bid farewell in 2018, with its final scene teasing, “see you in 2020.” Although it’s understandable that the pandemic may have caused delays, it’s unreasonable for there to be no updates for such a long period. Currently, Kyoto Animation has not made any official announcements regarding the renewal of the season.
On the other hand, Free! Take Your Marks and Free! The Final Stroke movies are currently in production and have scheduled release dates. The studio is already occupied with a significant workload. Additionally, the uncertainties surrounding emergencies and lockdowns can be challenging for filmmakers. Therefore, it’s reasonable to speculate that the fourth season will commence production once both movies are completed.
What Will Happen In Free Season 4?
In the previous season’s finale, Haruka decides to train even harder and participate in international competitions, with the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner. Therefore, it’s plausible that the show’s plot would have followed this direction. However, with all international games being canceled, the anime may need to alter the storyline. Nonetheless, it’s highly likely that Haruka and his team of swimmers will continue to strive for greatness and compete at the next level.
Free Season 4 Release Date
The release date of Free Season 4 is shrouded in uncertainty. The third season hints at the next edition arriving in 2020, but the two feature films have confirmed release dates in September 2021 and April 2022. If the fourth season were to debut before the movies, it would disrupt the franchise’s chronology. Therefore, it appears that the creators are continuously striving to find suitable release slots for all their upcoming projects. However, a mid-2022 release window is the most plausible option.
Now, let’s take a look at what’s in store for the future. What are your expectations for Free Season 4? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. For more informative articles, visit Animedaily.