The original anime Great Pretender took the anime world by storm with its vibrant storytelling and intricate cons. Netflix released two seasons in 2020, captivating fans with the misadventures of the con artist Makoto Edamura. Now, many are asking: will there be a Great Pretender Season 3? Let’s explore the latest updates and what to expect next.
What is Great Pretender About?
At the heart of Great Pretender is Makoto Edamura, a self-proclaimed master con artist from Japan. After pulling off a scam on an elderly woman, Makoto and his partner Kudo attempt to trick a seemingly naive Frenchman, Laurent Thierry. To Makoto’s shock, the tables are turned—Laurent outsmarts him and drains him of all his money.
Makoto soon finds himself in Los Angeles, forced to join Laurent in an elaborate drug deal far beyond any con he’s ever pulled. As Makoto becomes entangled in Laurent’s high-stakes schemes, he begins to question everything, from his morals to his role in the underworld.
The anime’s engaging narrative, sharp humor, and stylish visuals earned it a strong following, making the prospect of a continuation highly anticipated.
Is Great Pretender Season 3 Happening?
Although Great Pretender has been a hit on Netflix, a traditional Season 3 won’t be happening. Instead, the story will continue in a new installment called “Great Pretender: Razbliuto.”
The news was shared via the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that Studio Wit will produce the sequel, with a tentative release window set for 2024. However, there’s a surprising twist—“Razbliuto” will not stream on Netflix, despite the platform hosting the original two seasons. Instead, the new series will premiere globally on Crunchyroll, marking a shift in the anime’s distribution.
Why is Great Pretender Moving to Crunchyroll?
The switch from Netflix to Crunchyroll has raised questions, especially since Netflix was the exclusive home for the first two seasons. While the exact reason remains unclear, the move reflects a growing trend of anime productions shifting between streaming platforms.
This shift could be part of Netflix’s evolving approach to anime, as the company occasionally experiments with releasing content in batches. Meanwhile, Crunchyroll has strengthened its position as a leading anime platform, making it a natural home for ongoing projects like Great Pretender: Razbliuto.
What to Expect from Great Pretender: Razbliuto
Great Pretender: Razbliuto promises to continue the high-stakes drama and elaborate cons fans love. Here’s what you need to know:
- Studio: Once again, Studio Wit will handle production, ensuring the same visual quality and storytelling flair as the original.
- Setting and Plot: While exact plot details are under wraps, “Razbliuto” will likely dive deeper into Makoto’s evolution as a con artist and further develop his relationship with Laurent.
- New Release Window: The tentative release is 2024, with a Crunchyroll-exclusive global launch outside of Asia.
Given the new title and platform shift, it’s possible that the story will expand beyond its original format, bringing fresh twists and new characters to the franchise.
Where to Watch Great Pretender Until the Sequel Arrives
If you haven’t caught up on Great Pretender, or want to rewatch the first two seasons before the release of Razbliuto, here’s where you can stream the anime:
- Netflix: Both seasons are available exclusively on Netflix for now, making it the best place to watch or revisit the original story.
- Crunchyroll: The upcoming installment, Great Pretender: Razbliuto, will stream here in 2024.
Final Thoughts: Will Great Pretender Return in 2024?
While Great Pretender won’t get a typical Season 3, the announcement of Great Pretender: Razbliuto is exciting news for fans. The shift to Crunchyroll signals a new chapter for the series, but fans can expect the same thrilling heists and witty character interactions that made the original anime a success.
Whether you’re rewatching the first two seasons or preparing for the sequel, the world of Great Pretender still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Stay tuned for 2024 and get ready to dive back into the lives of Makoto, Laurent, and the rest of the con artists as they embark on their next grand scheme.
