Will a major anime franchise release a fully AI-animated season before 2027?

AI’s accelerating role in anime production

The anime industry is stretched thin by demand, scheduling pressures, and limited studios. AI animation tools are emerging as powerful assistants for in-betweening, coloring, and even visual style reproduction. These tools reduce workload and open creative possibilities previously constrained by manpower.

A fully AI-animated season from a major franchise would signal a new era, where machine-assisted creativity becomes mainstream. Quality consistency, stylistic authenticity, and pacing control remain ongoing challenges—but progress is rapid.

My prediction: a mid-tier but notable franchise will release a fully AI-animated season before 2027, triggering debate but also inspiring hybrid workflows across the industry.