With One-Punch Man returning with Season 3, fans wonder why Madhouse dropped the show in 2017. Due to this shift, fans have noticed a significant change in the show’s animation style over the years. Many are eager to know why the popular production studio decided to move on from the show.
Why Madhouse dropped One-Punch Man
Madhouse has not revealed the official reason why the production company decided to drop One-Punch Man after its debut season. However, several reports speculate that the absence of director Shingo Natsume brought about the change.
Natsume was mainly behind the groundbreaking success of One-Punch Man’s first season. Although the anime was produced under the banner of Madhouse, Natsume’s creative vision contributed to its popularity.
Natsume has previously worked on other renowned shows like Space Dandy and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Thus, his involvement in One-Punch Man also brought in several freelance animators who were reportedly not permanent staff of Madhouse.
So, when Chikara Sakurai replaced Natsume as the director of Season 2, the project saw a significant shake-up in the production team. In September 2017, it was announced that Chikara Sakurai would direct the series at J.C.Staff. The show changed its director again in Season 3, when Shinpei Nagai stepped in to replace Sakurai.
Due to these massive staff changes, the animation quality of the three seasons was noticeably different. Fans have since voiced their disapproval of the animation style on the internet. Before its release, many hoped to see Natsume return as the director. However, One-Punch Man continues to move on with new creative heads.
In 2019, Natsume addressed his exit during an interview at Anime Festa and expressed his regret. “I personally, of course, wanted to do it,” Natsume revealed. “But that could not be done despite myself. I can’t do everything I wanted to do. But I wish J.C. Staff did way more with the show.”
One-Punch Man is currently airing its third season, which premiered on October 12, 2025.
