BNA

Inside the Making of BNA: Studio Trigger’s Wild Ride into Beastman Society

Studio Trigger’s BNA: Brand New Animal (2020) arrived as a bold, neon-drenched experiment—a sci-fi action series set in a world where humans and beastmen coexist, but not peacefully. While the show’s premise and visual flair grabbed attention, behind-the-scenes details about its creation remain surprisingly scarce. latestnetflix.com's read is that here’s what we know (and what’s still shrouded in mystery) about the making of this Netflix-licensed anime.

A Trigger Original with a Familiar Creative Spark

BNA marked Studio Trigger’s first original television series since Kill la Kill (2013), and the studio’s signature hyper-stylized animation was on full display. The project was directed by Yoh Yoshinari, a longtime Trigger collaborator known for his work on Little Witch Academia and Promare . Yoshinari’s direction leaned into the series’ frenetic energy, blending slapstick comedy with darker themes of discrimination and identity—hallmarks of Trigger’s storytelling.

The series was created by Kazuki Nakashima, the writer behind Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, though his exact role in BNA’s development isn’t detailed in the available evidence . Nakashima’s involvement likely shaped the show’s balance of over-the-top action and social commentary, a trademark of his work. However, specifics about the writing process—such as script revisions or studio input—remain unconfirmed.

Netflix’s Unconventional Release Strategy

One of the most unusual aspects of BNA’s rollout was its distribution. The series premiered in Japan on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block on April 8, 2020, but Netflix Japan dropped the first six episodes nearly three weeks earlier, on March 21 . The remaining six episodes followed in May, making BNA one of the few anime to debut on a streaming platform before its linear TV broadcast.

This staggered release was likely a strategic move to capitalize on Netflix’s global reach, but it also fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions. Some fans theorized that the split release was due to production delays, though no official statements confirmed this . The show’s 12-episode count (a standard length for anime seasons) suggests the team adhered to a tight schedule, but whether this led to last-minute cuts or rushed animation remains a rumor.

Voice Cast Chemistry: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars

The Japanese voice cast for BNA brought a mix of industry veterans and rising talent. Sumire Morohoshi, who voiced the protagonist Michiru Kagemori, was already a fan favorite for roles like A Place Further Than the Universe’s Shirase Kobuchizawa. Her chemistry with Yoshimasa Hosoya (Shirou Ogami) was a standout, with Hosoya’s deep, gravelly delivery contrasting Morohoshi’s energetic performance .

Other notable cast members included:

• Maria Naganawa (Cells at Work!’s Platelet) as Nazuna Hiwatashi, a fox beastman with a mischievous streak.
• Kaito Ishikawa (My Hero Academia’s Tenya Iida) as Alan Sylvasta, a wealthy and enigmatic figure with ties to Anima-City’s power struggles.
• Gara Takashima (Ghost in the Shell’s Major Motoko Kusanagi) as Mayor Rose, the leader of Anima-City, whose calm demeanor belied her political cunning .

While the cast’s performances were praised, there’s little public record of recording sessions or on-set dynamics. A YouTube mashup of the opening theme, featuring Morohoshi and other cast members, hints at camaraderie, but whether this translated into improvisation or script tweaks is unknown .

Fan Reception: Love It or Leave It

BNA’s reception was divisive. Some viewers lauded its vibrant animation, sharp social commentary, and fast-paced action, while others criticized its pacing and character development. On SensCritique, the series holds a 6.8/10 rating based on over 1,000 votes, reflecting its mixed but passionate fanbase .

The show’s themes—particularly its exploration of discrimination and systemic oppression—resonated with audiences, drawing comparisons to Zootopia and Beastars. However, its abrupt ending (a common complaint for 12-episode anime) left some fans clamoring for a second season. As of now, no official announcements about a sequel or spin-off have been made, though the door remains open given the series’ cult following.

The Unanswered Questions

Despite its bold premise and Trigger’s involvement, BNA’s production remains largely undocumented. Key gaps include:

• Budget and Production Challenges: Was the series constrained by its 12-episode order, or did Netflix’s involvement provide creative freedom?
• International Localization: How much input did Netflix have in the English dub or subtitles? The platform’s global audience likely influenced some decisions, but specifics are scarce.
• Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Were there clashes between Trigger’s artistic vision and Netflix’s commercial expectations? The split release strategy suggests possible tensions, but no insider accounts confirm this.

For now, BNA stands as a fascinating but under-explored entry in Studio Trigger’s catalog—a series with undeniable style and ambition, but a backstory that’s still waiting to be told.