The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 1

Netflix’s The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 1—Behind the Scenes of the Dark Fantasy Spin-Off

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 1 (2022) marked a bold return for the beloved Nanatsu no Taizai franchise, this time as a two-part animated film exclusive to Netflix. Directed by Bob Shirohata, the movie promised a darker, more action-packed story set in the eerie streets of Edinburgh. latestnetflix.com's read is that but what went into making this spin-off, and how did it differ from the original series?

A New Director, A Darker Tone

Bob Shirohata, known for his work on Gundam Build Fighters and Duel Masters, took the helm for Grudge of Edinburgh, steering the franchise away from its usual comedic and adventurous tone. The film’s gothic aesthetic and heavier themes—hinted at in trailers —suggested a deliberate shift. While the original Seven Deadly Sins anime balanced humor and fantasy, Part 1 leaned into darker storytelling, possibly to appeal to older fans of the manga.

Shirohata’s direction was a key talking point in promotional events, including a Netflix-hosted talk where cast members discussed the film’s production . Though details about his creative process remain scarce, the visual style—rich in shadows and gothic architecture—hinted at a more cinematic approach than the TV series.

Cast Reunions and New Challenges

The film brought back familiar voices, including Yuki Kaji (Meliodas), Sora Amamiya (Elizabeth), and Ayumu Murase (Tristan), alongside new additions like Kotori Koiwai and Makoto Koichi . The return of Jun Fukuyama (King) and Keisuke Hamaoka (Gowther) suggested an effort to maintain continuity with the original cast, though some fans speculated about scheduling conflicts given the film’s tight production window.

A behind-the-scenes clip teased the cast’s dynamic during recording sessions, with Murase and Amamiya playfully ribbing each other. While the snippet was lighthearted, it underscored the camaraderie that likely helped the team navigate the film’s darker material.

Netflix’s Gamble on a Two-Part Story

Unlike the original anime, Grudge of Edinburgh was conceived as a two-part film, a structure Netflix has increasingly favored for anime franchises. The first installment, clocking in at just 52 minutes , left some viewers wanting more—both in runtime and resolution. The decision to split the story may have been a strategic move to build anticipation for Part 2, but it also risked frustrating fans accustomed to longer arcs.

Reviews were mixed, with SensCritique giving it a lukewarm 5.3/10 , citing the short runtime as a drawback. Meanwhile, Netflix’s promotional push—including multiple trailers and a review-focused YouTube spot —suggested confidence in the film’s appeal, even if critical reception was tepid.

What’s Next?

With Part 2 already released, the Grudge of Edinburgh duology stands as a curious experiment for The Seven Deadly Sins franchise. Whether it was a one-off detour or a sign of future darker spin-offs remains unclear. For now, Part 1 serves as a testament to the series’ ability to reinvent itself—even if it didn’t quite hit the mark for everyone.