The ending of Attack on Titan has been one of the most debated parts of the entire series. Some loved it, others felt disappointed—but few know how different it could’ve been.
In fact, Hajime Isayama had initially planned a much darker, brutal finale—one that mirrored the hopelessness of The Mist. But that changed, thanks to the fans.
When Attack on Titan exploded in popularity after the anime’s release in 2013, the massive global fandom became a force of its own.
Isayama began receiving floods of messages, blog posts, and social media reactions that showed just how deeply people connected with Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and the rest. That emotional connection had a powerful effect on him.
In an interview with Febri, Isayama admitted that his original ending involved everyone dying, leaving nothing but despair. But the overwhelming love from fans gave him a wake-up call.
“Thanks to how much everyone has grown to love the characters,” he said, “I decided that the conclusion I had originally planned would be totally wrong.”
He realized he didn’t want to betray the very characters he’d grown with over the years. The story evolved—from one focused on shock value to one about emotional truth.
Eren’s sacrifice, Mikasa’s farewell, and the messy but hopeful future became the compromise: not a happily-ever-after, but something honest.
Some fans still call the ending flawed or too safe. But for Isayama, it was about growth—not just for his characters, but for himself. Attack on Titan didn’t end with total ruin.
It ended with a chance. And that was no accident. It was a decision shaped by years of storytelling—and millions of fans around the world.
