Bringing a light novel to screen requires tough decisions and monumental effort. Recently, the production team behind the successful anime Re:Zero (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) shared fascinating behind-the-scenes details, revealing everything from discarded scenes to the massive production time required for the series.

The kiss they decided to hide

One of the most striking details revealed by the series producer involves the emotional episode 40 of the second season. Originally, the team planned to show the kiss between Subaru and Emilia in a much more graphic and visual way. However, they ultimately decided against it, concluding that leaving the scene to the imagination and not showing direct contact would better express the characters’ determination. The producer admitted that balancing the direction of kissing scenes is an incredibly delicate process.

The madness of Episode 15

Director Masaharu Watanabe revealed what has been the biggest challenge of his career in the franchise: the disturbing Episode 15. Watanabe explained that he invested an unusual amount of time directing this episode with one goal in mind: perfectly portraying the “madness”.

The director admitted he had never dedicated so much time to a single episode, paying meticulous attention to everything from framing and music to the subtlest facial expressions. In particular, he recalled redoing the grotesque scene where Petelgeuse licks Subaru’s eyeball countless times, carefully adjusting the tongue’s micro-movements and the exact angle of saliva to create the maximum impact on the viewer.

How long does it take to animate a Re:Zero episode?

To put the staff’s immense work into perspective, studio WHITE FOX shared valuable information about production timelines. They explained that, generally, completing a single anime episode takes between three and six months, and Re:Zero is no exception. However, when an episode contains a high volume of action sequences, this time can extend dramatically. As an example, they revealed that completing episode 60 took them a staggering ten months of uninterrupted work.

This revelation, shared on April 19, 2026, gives the otaku community a clearer picture of the level of detail and dedication the team invests in the series. Knowing that a single episode can take nearly a year to produce explains the long waits between seasons perfectly, but it also justifies the exceptional narrative and visual animation quality that has solidified Re:Zero as one of the most acclaimed isekai of all time.