‘Galaxy Express 999’ Director Says “There Will Be No Future” If Anime Studios Keep Prioritizing Remakes Over Original Stories

Veteran anime director Rintaro has warned that the industry’s growing reliance on remakes and established franchises could undermine the creation of original stories. Speaking in an interview with Cartoon Brew at the 2026 Busan International Film Festival, the filmmaker argued that studios must be willing to take creative risks rather than focus primarily on projects with proven commercial appeal. “I think this focus on the market worldwide has been the cause because it brings more money in to bring things…