Posted in: Movies | Tagged: Digimon, Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna, Toei Animation

What We Know About "Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna"

Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna is one of the most anticipated anime features of 2020, and after two decades of adoration, it's a justifiable level of hype for the beloved franchise. The series introduced countless viewers of all ages to generations of DigiDestined, and now it's time to return to the Digital World once more with a film that is aiming to be a pivotal moment in the Digimon universe. So what do we know about Digimon: Last Adventure Kizuna so far?

The DigiDestined have all grown up

When Digimon began in 1999, we were introduced to several kids whose summer camp experience was drastically changed as they were thrown into the Digital World — a world with monsters labeled Digimon. The kids became "DigiDestined," which was essentially pre-selected children who partnered with their own Digimon to save both worlds. The story brought their youthful adventures to life and caused them to mature quickly, but in the new Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna, they are now adults entering their early 20's.

The heroes are now grown up after already leaping ahead with Digimon Tri, but this time they are closer to the age of the audience that first met them 20 years ago. Though we're invested in any idea of returning to the original Digimon crew, it's this mature element the franchise is adding that makes it feel like they are growing and adapting just like those who were raised with Digimon. At 22, the DigiDestined will most likely be going through the phase of figuring out what's next or even just taking steps to prepare themselves for a future which was briefly discussed in Digimon Tri. For longtime fans, this idea of each character having a life without their job as a DigiDestined is a tough pill to swallow, but like all things — it's time to head into the next chapter of life, no matter how disheartening it can be.

Return of Digimon Adventure 02

In the first film of Digimon Tri, we witnessed the second generation of DigiDestined in danger and out of commission for each of the six films, until recently confirming their inclusion for Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna. The art showed that they're also in the present time, keeping many of the qualities that we came to love from the second group of young and heroic characters. In the clip recently revealed by Toei, the group reunites in New York City, where Yolei is now studying, and their companions are all present and accounted for.

The second group of DigiDestined being involved in this particular film as opposed to the prior six does add an almost concerning feeling of a potential conclusion for the franchise, but even if that were the case, it's only fair to bring everyone back. It will be interesting to see if they will reference their absence from Tri, or even Gennai taking on the guise of an evil Ken, so we'll have to wait and see what greatness  Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna brings next. Just the fact that Ken, Davis, Wormon, and Veemon will return to us in any capacity is a reason to celebrate for Digimon fans. We asked, and we absolutely received!

The original ending has yet to be retconned

So for those of you wondering what the end game in Digimon is going to be — well, we're right there with you. Obviously, the title "Last Evolution" seems to imply that this could be the conclusion of Digimon, but what does that mean for our favorites? There's always the option of making this feel like a final act of youth instead of being the last Digimon title, but if it's the ending, we have already caught a glimpse at the intended ending when Digimon Adventure 02 finished.

During the wrap-up portion of the series, there was a cut-to scene with all DigiDestined as adults with families of their own — and Tai and Agumon taking over diplomatic positions between both worlds. This also suggests that a few pairings occur that surprised fans (Sora and Matt or a lack of TK and Kari), which has been something that Digimon fans have gone back and forth about since it aired. This new film gives the Digimon universe a chance to alter their original conclusions, which is what many are assuming based on the film's title and premise. If the ending is retconned, then we know all bets are off for the next step in Digimon, but if they stay true to the conclusion in Adventure 02, then we know that Digimon and their human partners will live together indefinitely. This is obviously the ideal scenario for Digimon fans as the bonds between Digimon and DigiDestined are the heart of the series, but even if that's the case, it's practically guaranteed that there's going to be hardships along the way.

It will be interesting to see what they decide to do when the film is released on February 21, 2020, but for now, all we can do is speculate and enjoy all things Digimon until we can experience Digimon: Last Evolution Kizuna for ourselves!

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