New Sgt. Frog Movie Apologizes for Production Mishandling Over Direction and Expressions Reminiscent of Attack on Titan and Other Works

Bandai Namco Filmworks and Bandai Namco Pictures apologized on June 25 on their official website for mishandling during the production process of Sgt. Frog:Fukkatsu shite Sokko Chikyu Metsubou no Kiki de Arimasu! (JP: 新劇場版☆ケロロ軍曹 復活して速攻地球滅亡の危機であります！), the first new theatrical Sgt. Frog film in 16 years, which opens today.

On the official website, the companies released a statement titled “Apology Regarding Mishandling During the Production Process of Sgt. Frog:Fukkatsu shite Sokko Chikyu Metsubou no Kiki de Arimasu!” The statement said, “We have discovered that, in Sgt. Frog the Movie: Revival! The Fastest Way to Destroy Earth!, for which Bandai Namco Filmworks and Bandai Namco Pictures are participating in production and Bandai Namco Pictures is handling animation production, and which opens on Friday, June 26, certain direction and expressions that evoke other works were created in a manner contrary to the intentions of some rights holders. Regarding Attack on Titan, although the rights holder had clearly expressed their position in advance, production proceeded due to a serious failure of communication within our company.” The companies apologized, saying, “We sincerely apologize for causing great inconvenience and concern to the related rights holders and to everyone who loves these works.”

The companies commented, “As companies that create and protect works, we take very seriously the fact that we did not show the sincere and sufficient consideration that we should have shown toward the responsibilities we are meant to fulfill.” They added, “In response to this situation, we will once again conduct a strict review of our internal checking system to prevent any recurrence. On that basis, we will work to further strengthen our management structure so that matters confirmed with all related parties, including rights holders, are reliably reflected.”

Along with apologizing to fans and related parties, the companies also stated, “Please note that the theatrical anime production staff, the original creator of Sgt. Frog, and the editorial department had no involvement whatsoever in this matter.”

Full Statement

Apology Regarding Mishandling During the Production Process of Sgt. Frog:Fukkatsu shite Sokko Chikyu Metsubou no Kiki de Arimasu!

We have discovered that, in Sgt. Frog:Fukkatsu shite Sokko Chikyu Metsubou no Kiki de Arimasu!, for which Bandai Namco Filmworks and Bandai Namco Pictures are participating in production and Bandai Namco Pictures is handling animation production, and which opens on Friday, June 26, certain direction and expressions that evoke other works were created in a manner contrary to the intentions of some rights holders. Regarding Attack on Titan, although the rights holder had clearly expressed their position in advance, production proceeded due to a serious failure of communication within our company. We sincerely apologize for causing great inconvenience and concern to the related rights holders and to everyone who loves these works.

As companies that create and protect works, we take very seriously the fact that we did not show the sincere and sufficient consideration that we should have shown toward the responsibilities we are meant to fulfill.

In response to this situation, we will once again conduct a strict review of our internal checking system to prevent any recurrence. On that basis, we will work to further strengthen our management structure so that matters confirmed with all related parties, including rights holders, are reliably reflected.

Once again, we sincerely apologize from the bottom of our hearts to everyone involved with all of these works and to all fans. We also express our deep gratitude to all related parties who showed understanding regarding the theatrical release of Sgt. Frog the Movie: Revival! The Fastest Way to Destroy Earth! despite this situation.

Please note that the theatrical anime production staff, the original creator of Sgt. Frog, and the editorial department had no involvement whatsoever in this matter. We also deeply apologize for causing inconvenience and concern to everyone involved in the creation of the work.

We will take this matter with the utmost seriousness and work with sincerity and dedication to restore trust.
June 25, 2026

Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
Bandai Namco Pictures Inc.

Source : ORICON NEWS