Darling in the Franxx was without a doubt one of the most popular anime releases of 2018. With its mix of mecha, romance and epic battles, the series quickly built a large audience.
After 24 episodes, the story of Zero Two and the others comes to an end. However, not all fans were satisfied with the ending, which is why many are still eagerly waiting for a season 2. But how realistic is a continuation of Darling in the Franxx?
Darling in the Franxx: What Happened in the Finale
The ending of Darling in the Franxx took fans on an emotional rollercoaster. In one final desperate effort, Hiro and Zero Two sacrifice themselves to destroy the VIRM home planet and save Earth. But the two lovers are killed in the resulting explosion.
After their deaths, their souls make their way back to Earth, where they are reborn as children 1,000 years later. And so it is that Hiro and Zero Two find each other once more, beneath a cherry blossom tree.
Will Darling in the Franxx Ever Get a Season 2?
So far, no second season of Darling in the Franxx has been officially confirmed. Neither Studio Trigger nor CloverWorks has shared any updates regarding a continuation.
The final episode aired in July 2018, and things have been quiet ever since. The chances of a sequel seem rather low, not only because of the long hiatus, but also because the ending provides a fairly complete conclusion to the story.
Still, fans shouldn’t lose hope. Darling in the Franxx was a major success, not just in Japan but worldwide. From a financial perspective, continuing the anime could still be worthwhile. A sequel could potentially explore the story of the reincarnated Hiro and Zero Two, reigniting their love.
Additionally, the anime’s director, Atsushi Nishigori, has not ruled out the possibility of a second season. In an interview at Crunchyroll Expo 2018, he said:
“My mind is completely emptied out. Over time, if my passion wells up and there’s qualified talent that wants to come along, then maybe.”
Possible Release Date for Season 2
Season 1 of Darling in the Franxx first aired in Japan in January 2018, meaning more than eight years have passed since its release. Since a continuation hasn’t even been announced yet, there is no release date to speak of for Season 2.
That hasn’t stopped some fans from speculating, though. There are plenty of examples of anime that received a continuation, remake, or prequel after a gap of ten years or more.
How Could the Story Continue?
Darling in the Franxx is not based on a manga, even though many fans assume it is. The story originates from the creative vision of director Atsushi Nishigori. The manga of the same name was released after the anime and presents an alternative ending.
Since there is no original source material, a new storyline would have to be created. This could continue from the ending of Season 1 by following the reincarnated characters Hiro and Zero Two. Alternatively, it could explore a completely new story with different characters or even take the form of a prequel.
Anime Similar to Darling in the Franxx
Darling in the Franxx is one of a kind and a second season remains the hope fans are holding out for above all else. Fortunately, there are several anime out there that incorporate similar elements whether that’s mecha, action or gripping dystopian settings:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Like Darling in the Franxx, this series features epic mecha battles and emotionally charged relationships between its characters. That said, it is considerably darker, more tragic and less lighthearted.
- Eureka Seven: This series blends several elements you’ll already recognize from Darling in the Franxx: mecha, coming-of-age and romance. The relationship between the two leads feels especially reminiscent of the bond between Hiro and Zero Two.
- 86 Eighty-Six: Another mecha anime in which the main characters are forced to fight back against an overwhelmingly powerful empire. War, tragedy, and deeply emotional characters all take center stage here.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners: Set in the dark, hyper-modern world of Night City, this series follows the outlaw David, whose chance encounter with Lucy blossoms into an emotional relationship. Atmosphere, action and storytelling all come together in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
