UPDATE: The world of anime is buzzing as new revelations emerge about the original ending of My Hero Academia. Creator Kohei Horikoshi has disclosed that his initial vision for the series finale would have drastically altered the narrative, igniting fierce debate among fans.
In an interview conducted for the My Hero Academia exhibition in 2025, Horikoshi stated that he initially envisioned the story concluding with Deku stepping into a teaching role, confidently proclaiming, “You can be a hero!” This contrasts sharply with the published ending, which left many fans divided.
This revelation comes after the series concluded in 2024, with mixed reactions from the fandom. While some embraced Deku’s new position in hero society, others felt discontent over the sidelining of key characters. The subsequent release of an epilogue chapter aimed to address these grievances, but opinions remain polarized.
Horikoshi explained that the shift in ending stemmed from a broader thematic exploration. Rather than strictly focusing on Deku’s journey, the narrative evolved to examine the meaning of being the greatest hero, culminating in the poignant conclusion of chapter 430: “This is the story of how we all became the greatest heroes.”
“The series was no longer just about Deku and One For All. I wanted to explore what it means to be a hero by reaching a hand out to others,” said Horikoshi.
This change has sparked discussions about character development. Critics argue that sticking to the original ending would have undermined the arcs of pivotal characters like Bakugo and Endeavor, who contributed significantly to the story’s depth.
As fans process these revelations, many are left wondering: What if Horikoshi had maintained his original plan? The implications could have shifted the entire narrative focus away from community-building, a central theme that has resonated deeply throughout the series.
Fortunately, the newly released anime epilogue offers a degree of closure, addressing some of the lingering concerns regarding character arcs. However, amid the mixed reactions, one thing is clear: Horikoshi’s decision to pivot towards a more inclusive narrative has left a lasting impact on the series and its followers.
As the discussions continue, fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on Horikoshi’s original vision and its implications for the beloved series. Stay tuned for more updates as the anime community reflects on this evolving narrative landscape.
