‘Vinland Saga’ Anime Director Shuhei Yabuta Apologizes After Season Two Cuts Original Mangaka Yukimura Makoto’s Previously Unseen Backstory For Snake

Though the 2nd season of MAPPA’s Vinland Saga has actually already provied itself a competitor for numerous a “Best Anime of 2023” lists, fans were just recently shocked to learn that regardless of mangaka Yukimura Makoto having actually fleshed it out particularly for this season, a newly-penned backstory for among Ketil farm guard Snake was not able to make it for the animated adjustment’s 2nd season.

Snake (Fuminori Komatsu) stews in Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 16 “Cause” (2023), MAPPA.

RELATED: Vinland Saga Director Apologizes After Viewers Criticize Animation Quality in Latest Episode

Taking to his personal Twitter account on April 25th to look for forgiveness from fans, director Shuhei Yabuta revealed (by means of DeepL), “I would like to apologize to all of you. I had hoped to create a short story that would delve deeper into the story and characters in addition to the main story for the Season 2 production. One of my plans was to create an episode about the past of Snake, which was given to me by Mr. Yukimura, but I have decided to abandon this plan in order to give priority to the production of the main story.”

According to Yabuta, “Although there were elements of the premise of this short story in both episodes 16 and 17 left in the main story, and storyboards and settings were also ready, I was unable to make it happen this time due to my lack of ability.”

“I know that some of you had been looking forward to this story since the information had already been released,” he acknowledged, “and I am very sorry for the outcome.”

Notably, a quick check out Snake’s backstory is likewise displayed in the manga’s 90th chapter, ‘The Price of Food’.

Therein, Snake exposes that previous to conference Ketil, he was absolutely nothing however a boy on the run from an undefined little problem.

However, after lastly crossing courses with Ketil – or a minimum of somebody who incorrectly declaring his identity – Snake is offered a home, a function, and a future.

RELATED: New ‘Vinland Saga’ Trailer Reveals Official Streaming Platforms And Premiere Date For Season Two

With his apology made, Yabuta concluded his thread by guaranteeing audiences that “the entire staff will continue to make every effort to produce this volume and we look forward to your continued support of Vinland Saga.”

On his own account, Makoto validated that he had actually undoubtedly dealt with Yabuta on an episode entitled The Snake’s Past and also acknowledged that it was cut since the 2 had actually overstated the existing state of the anime’s production group.

“That’s right,” composed the mangaka. “I, Director Yabuta, and I had a talk with everyone, and we decided to do an old episode of Snake in the anime.”

“I’m sorry,” he included. “I got ahead of myself and leaked a bit of information without knowing what was going on on the animation production side.”

“The Snake’s Past,” Makoto even more explained. “This is an episode that I had planned to draw in the first place, but never realized it. After all, it is not easy to make it happen.”

“The main story is really amazing, isn’t it?” he then asked. “I can tell that everyone at the animation production team is working with all their might. Director Yabuta, are you back home? Please don’t strain yourself.”

However, instead of deserting his prepare for The Snake’s Past completely, Makoto eventually revealed that he was still intent on one day sharing Snake’s story.

“But!” he exclaimed in conclusion to his ideas. “It might happen. Somewhere, somehow, as an outside story. So I’m sorry, but please don’t tell me yet what kind of history Snake has.”

Vinland Saga Season 2 is now airing solely on Netflix.

NEXT: ‘Saint Seiya’ Creator Masami Kurumada Live-Action Gives Thumbs Up To Sony’s Upcoming ‘Knights of the Zodiac: The Beginning’ Live-Action Film