New York Comic Con 2024: The Overlord Team Talks With Anime Herald

Note: Due to the time-sensitive nature of our coverage, this article will debut on the main Anime Herald site on November 8. We apologize for the inconvenience.

• Interview Date: 10/18/2024

• Interview Location: New York Comic Con 2024

• Interviewer: Seth Burn

• Editor: Samantha Ferreira

Anime Herald: Welcome to New York! Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to doing in New York?

Naoyuki Itō: It is my first time in New York. Just walking around, it’s a lot to take in. I’m doing my best to process all the information. I’m looking forward to visiting some of the museums New York is known for.

Kentaro Hashimoto: It’s my first time in New York, as well. I’m enjoying taking in the atmosphere and the unique architecture. The city is very vibrant. There’s a lot going on. I had delicious tacos the other day. I am looking forward to many more delicious meals here.

Anime Herald: I’m from New York. We can provide them.

Naoyuki Itō: The portion sizes are so big here compared to Japan.

Anime Herald: We’re merciful. Go to Texas, and you’ll discover Texas-sized portions. They’re much larger than New York portions.

Naoyuki Itō: The portion sizes must not be too big because you’re very slender.

Anime Herald: Thank you.

Naoyuki Itō: I’m very surprised at how fit and healthy the people in New York look compared to some of the places we’ve visited in Europe. It’s probably because you guys walk around a lot, have places to be.

Anime Herald: The next time you walk in any direction for five or six blocks, count how many gyms you see.

Naoyuki Itō: Ah, okay!

Anime Herald: How did each of you first become involved with Overlord?

Naoyuki Itō: I was introduced by the producer. After reading the original novels, I thought it was a fun and interesting story. I wanted to be a part of the project.

Kentaro Hashimoto: Someone from Kadokawa introduced me to it. After reading the manga, I was interested. There was a lot of internal word of mouth about adapting it. Also, the story is very fitting for Madhouse’s skills and techniques. It was a great original work that had spread through word of mouth, from Kadokawa, from Itō-san, and internally.

Anime Herald: Do you remember your initial impressions, from the first three chapters, or maybe even just the cover?

Naoyuki Itō: Before reading the manga, I had read the short web novel. When reading the novel, I was intrigued by the plot and the storyline. Especially volume four, where they were talking about the lizardmen. I remember the story dragged on and on. I was wondering, “Why is the story so focused on these lizardmen? Why is this dragging on so much?”

That actually drew me in and made me interested in adapting it into an animation. Also, the worldview was unique. The mix of isekai and the game drew my attention. The concept of the protagonist, as well. Him being an average salaryman, with these particular set of skills that he could use in this game world. That intrigued me and was something I wanted to adapt.

Anime Herald: Good line. “Particular set of skills.”

Naoyuki Itō: (Laughs)

Kentaro Hashimoto: When I first started it I asked myself “What the heck am I reading? What’s going on here?”

What I thought was interesting is that it is unusual to find an isekai where the protagonist is already strong from the beginning. Usually, they have to do some kind of training, or they’ll grow emotionally, but not as much as their skills. But in this case, the protagonist was already strong. I thought that was unique. It was interesting that the protagonist wanted to stay in YGGDRASIL. He got his wish.

Anime Herald: What are your respective origin stories for joining the anime industry?

Naoyuki Itō: For my generation, we grew up watching Space Battleship Yamato and Gundam. From elementary school to middle school, I fell in love with those works. By the time Evangelion began airing, we were already working in the industry. I loved mecha and hero action stories. They drew me into the industry. I thought “If I could do this for a living, that would be amazing.” That is my origin story.

What is your knowledge of robot anime?

Anime Herald: I have interviewed Mr. Tomino. I am familiar with Gundam.

Naoyuki Itō: Daicon III. Very good. I cried at the last part.

Kentaro Hashimoto: I am a bit younger than Mr. Itō. For me, it was Dragon Ball. The reason I decided to join Madhouse was Trigun.

Anime Herald: How was it different to direct an Overlord theatrical release, as opposed to the anime series itself?

Naoyuki Itō: The first question we asked ourselves was “How do we differentiate the movie from the television series?” How do we make it special? Those questions constantly ran through my head.

Anime Herald: What would you like fans of Overlord to know about the film OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom that they might not otherwise know from reading or watching Overlord?

Naoyuki Itō: The movie adaptation takes place during season four. Neia Baraja is the protagonist, which is different from the TV series. It’s her story and her perspective. The other characters revealed in the movie are done so from her perspective.

Anime Herald: Can you speak about any creative choices you had to make to ensure the film lived up to your expectations? As you said, Neia Baraja is one of the protagonists of the movie. What did Yoshino Aoyama do in casting to win the role?

Naoyuki Itō: We were listening to the tape auditions and thought Aoyama-san would be a good fit. But even before that, we were listening to YouTube videos, and I heard Aoyama-san’s voice, and thought it would be fit for the character.

Anime Herald: You’ve attended Anime Expo previously. How do you feel about anime now being a worldwide phenomenon?

Kentaro Hashimo: I feel very proud and humbled to know anime is so beloved around the world and is growing year by year.

Anime Herald: Finally, do either of you have any questions for us?

Naoyuki Itō: Favorite robot anime?

Anime Herald: I liked Mazinger Z. I liked the “robots of the week.”

Naoyuki Itō: I liked Voltes V. There was a movie in the Philippines. It made an impression on me when I was a child. Gatchaman. Hurricane Polymar.

Anime Herald: You’re very much into robot anime.

Naoyuki Itō: Yes. I like writing robot anime too.

Before I got a job in the industry, I was into Macross. I did some work on cleaning it up.

Kentaro Hashimo: What’s your favorite anime of all time?

Anime Herald: Baccano!

Kentaro Hashimo: Ah.

Anime Herald: I also really like Cowboy Bebop. I like jazz.

Kentaro Hashimo: We approve of your choices. (Laughs)

Anime Herald: Thank you very much.

Naoyuki Itō: Thank you.

Kentaro Hashimo: Thank you.