For enthusiasts of Digimon, the original Adventure anime remains a hallmark of the franchise, recognized for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and impactful themes. It not only left an indelible impression on its audience but also transformed the landscape of children’s anime across the globe. Following up this legacy, the direct sequel, 02, further solidified the narrative’s classic status, much to the delight of its fans.
However, the significant success of the original series adds to the disappointment felt by many when it comes to the Digimon Tri and Kizuna films, which seemed to fall short of recapturing the essence of the initial anime. Hiroyuki Kakudo, the series director, lamented that a more ambitious sequel had been envisioned by the original team but regrettably, the project was never realized.
The Abandoned Sequel: A Vision of Epic Proportions
A Concept That Outshines Tri and Kizuna
Digimon Tri aimed to revitalize the franchise through a cinematic continuation of the Adventure narrative. It chronicles the growth of beloved characters, transitioning from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood, all while battling a sinister plot threatening the human realm at the hands of formidable Digital World adversaries. Kizuna served as a poignant conclusion to the tales of Tai and Matt, showcasing their evolution as characters.
Despite their intentions, many fans regard these films as lackluster attempts to leverage nostalgia, ultimately leading to a perceived dilution of the franchise’s legacy. Critics assert that the incorporation of new elements felt contrived, lacking genuine ties to the beloved Adventure storyline. Consequently, numerous fans advocate that these entries should not have been framed as direct sequels, fearing that they tarnished the franchise’s reputation. Others express dismay that the focus on these films impeded the development of the original sequel, a missed opportunity that many deem regrettable.
In a timely interview surrounding the release of the Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning movie, Kakudo shared insights on its significance. He commended its production team while expressing disappointment regarding the different ambitions held by the original Adventure creators. Most notably, he revealed that the epilogue hinted at an extraordinary space adventure featuring Matt and Gabumon as the pivotal heroes of a sequel that never came to fruition.
The Space Adventure: A Quest Against an Evil Force
The Epilogue: Birth of an Unforgettable Journey
Throughout the Digimon Adventure and 02 series, fans were left intrigued by an unresolved narrative thread related to the challenges of Digivolving. This narrative element hinted at an enigmatic force that hindered the heroes’ capacity to enhance their partners’ powers—a plot that remained unfulfilled post-MaloMyotismon’s defeat. Kakudo suggested that a proposed sequel would shed light on this mysterious force, set to unfold on a different planetary stage.
The conclusion of Adventure, which saw Matt embarking on a career as an astronaut, served as a thematic foreshadowing for this sequel. This significant character development nudged hints that he would emerge as the principal figure in the foreseen anime. For fans, Matt’s unexpected transition from aspiring musician to space explorer became clearer in the context of Kakudo’s insights, emphasizing Matt’s recruitment to lead a mission against an alien adversary.
His status as one of the original heroes—a.k.a. the savior of the human and Digital realms—made him an ideal candidate for this interstellar task, paralleled by the strength of Gabumon, one of the franchise’s most formidable Digimon. Unfortunately, this ambitious sequel concept never materialized, as the creative team was not involved in the subsequent projects, and the franchise recently confirmed a definitive conclusion to the original storyline after an impressive 25-year run.
Kakudo’s Insights: A New Perspective on the Epilogue
02’s Ending Achieves Greater Significance
Kakudo’s revelations not only highlight the potential for Matt’s space-bound journey but also enrich the epilogue of 02, imbuing it with a sense of gravitas. The series finale illustrated the first reunion of the DigiDestined in years, as chaos ensued in the world post-MaloMyotismon. The connection between humans and the Digital World grew increasingly profound, with new DigiDestined arising annually.
By the time of the epilogue, each human possessed a Digimon partner, prompting global governments to adapt to this new reality. Tai’s role as an ambassador for the Digital World, often criticized for its abruptness, gains a solid footing with this new understanding. As one of the initial hero partnerships, Tai and his Digimon were well-placed to bridge the divide between species. Unfortunately, the unavailability of a sequel to explain this epilogue may forever cloud the concluding narrative.
Could -BEYOND- Incorporate This Narrative?
The Text-Only Entry: Potentially Drawing from This Idea
While the 25th-anniversary video of Digimon Adventure suggests a closing chapter, there might still be a chance that Kakudo’s vision could find its way into the canon. This celebratory video is expected to be accompanied by an upcoming text narrative that chronicles the final years of the DigiDestined before their transition into adulthood. There exists the possibility that this anticipated adventure may draw directly from the director’s envisioned sequel, presenting fans with an exciting new avenue to explore.