[Interview] Which Scenes Stood Out in Frieren Season 2? Fern Shows a Softer Side, Opening Her Heart

To commemorate the end of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, an official interview featuring Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, and Chiaki Kobayashi has been released. The cast also shared their thoughts on the upcoming Season 3, titled the Golden Land Arc, scheduled for October 2027.

Reflecting on Frieren Season 2

ーー Looking back on Season 2 as a whole, what kind of story did it feel like?

Atsumi Tanezaki:
“Season 2 felt like a blend of quiet, accumulated moments and breathtaking action. Even though it was only 10 episodes, each one was incredibly dense. When Season 1 ended, I had a lingering sense of bittersweetness, much like the ending theme ‘Anytime Anywhere.’ But now that we’ve finished recording Season 2, I feel a more forward looking sense, as symbolized by ‘The Story of Us.’ It felt like we could carry everyone’s feelings forward, wherever we go. That sense of closure is what left the strongest impression on me.”

Kana Ichinose:
“For Fern, Season 2 revealed a new side of her. For example, the line she says to Stark, ‘I’m free tomorrow, so please spend time with me.’ That’s something she never would have said in Season 1. As the three of them continued their journey, their bond deepened and the distance between them shortened. That’s why she could express herself so honestly. Fern is strong and dependable, but in Season 2, we see her gradually becoming more vulnerable, opening her heart and allowing herself to rely on others. I think that change was portrayed very carefully.”

Chiaki Kobayashi:
“For Stark, this was a story where you could clearly feel his growth. His fear of fighting and his urge to run away haven’t disappeared. But even so, he takes a step forward. He protects Frieren and Fern, and sometimes entrusts his back to them while moving ahead. Those moments increased significantly. As I performed, I felt that change strongly. At the same time, it was also striking how he became able to express his true feelings more directly. Whether telling Frieren, ‘You’ve properly been a parent to Fern,’ or honestly admitting to Fern, ‘I just really wanted to make you happy.’ A boy who was once a bit awkward gradually learns to choose his words carefully and convey his feelings. That process was depicted with great care.”

Anticipation for the Golden Land Arc

ーーThe sequel, the Golden Land Arc, has been officially announced. What are your thoughts?

Tanezaki:
“When I heard that the Golden Land Arc was officially happening, my honest reaction was, ‘We’re really doing this.’ I was genuinely happy. After finishing Season 2, the strongest feeling that remained was simply that it was fun. That’s why I’m so happy to be able to continue. To be honest, I don’t yet know what kind of resolve or emotions I’ll have going into it. My feelings after Season 1 and Season 2 were completely different, so I’m sure I’ll see a new kind of scenery again. That’s what makes me excited. I just want to face it with everything I have.”

Ichinose:
“As someone who has read the original manga, the first thing that comes to mind is excitement about how the Golden Land will be brought to life in animation. As a fan, I simply can’t wait to see it. For Fern as well, I’m sure she’ll face new developments. There’s not much I can put into words yet, but I want to approach it with sincerity. I hope everyone will enjoy imagining what’s to come as they wait.”

Kobayashi:
“With Denken appearing at the end of Season 2, I get the sense that he will play a central role moving forward. I think we’ll be able to experience the world of Frieren from a different perspective than before. There will likely be unique anime direction and original elements added as well, which makes me genuinely excited even as a viewer. As Stark, I’m also looking forward to seeing how he will fit into this story, and I want to approach it with anticipation and dedication.”

Message to Viewers

ーーFinally, do you have a message for the viewers?

Tanezaki:
“Recording for Season 3 hasn’t started yet, but I feel that my perspective will continue to change before, during, and after the process. Even that change is something I’m looking forward to. For those watching, I believe what you take away will also shift over time. I hope you’ll revisit the series again and again, and rediscover it at different moments in your life. I would be happy if we can continue this journey together.”

Ichinose:
“Thank you so much to everyone who watched Season 2. Compared to Season 1, this season focused more on the bond between the three characters. The upcoming Golden Land Arc will have a completely different atmosphere. For fans of the original work, it’s an arc that has stayed in your hearts for a long time, and I’m personally very excited to see how it will be portrayed in animation. I hope you’ll continue to support Frieren.”

Kobayashi:
“First of all, thank you very much for watching up through Season 2. We’ve also had the announcement of Season 3, the Golden Land Arc. To be honest, we still don’t know many details at this point. But if you’ve watched Seasons 1 and 2, I believe you trust in the power created by the combination of the Madhouse production team and Frieren. We’ll carry that trust and excitement with us as we move forward into the next story. Please continue to look forward to Season 3.”

Source : ORICON NEWS