BEASTARS Season 2

BEASTARS Season 2 was produced by Studio Orange and released in 2021, serving as a direct continuation of the critically acclaimed adaptation of Paru Itagaki’s manga. The series was developed during a period where Studio Orange was solidifying its reputation for pioneering high-end 3D computer-generated animation, a style chosen specifically to capture the nuanced physicality of the anthropomorphic characters while maintaining the expressive, hand-drawn aesthetic of traditional anime.

The design philosophy behind the second season leaned into the series' darker, psychological themes, focusing on Legoshi’s internal struggle with his predatory instincts and the unfolding murder mystery at Cherryton Academy. The direction by Shinichi Matsumi aimed to translate Itagaki’s unique visual storytelling into a cinematic format, drawing praise from critics for its sophisticated use of camera movement and lighting, which effectively elevated the source material's exploration of societal prejudice and instinct.