The newestSword Art Onlineanime movie has been announced,SAO Progressive Scherzo of Deep Night,with various and mixed reactions from fans, triggering author Reki Kawahara to share a special message explaining the situation, what happened?
Sword Art Online, the popular sci-fi light novel series with Asuna and Kirito in various virtual and fantasy worlds, just received its brand new anime in Japan.Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Nightlaunched in Japanese theaters on October 30, and a brand new movie sequel was announced right after, this August 17, 2025.
Sword Art Online Progressiveis originally a light novel retracing the story ofSAOfrom the very beginning. It’s different from a remake in how it covers the first floors of Aincrad, the death game Kirito and Asuna are stuck in. This part of the story was not covered in the originalSAOnovels.
WhySword Art Onlinefans are unhappy with theSAO ProgressiveScherzo of Deep Nightmovie announcement
Sword Art Online Progressive Ariacovered the first novel Volume ofSAO Progressive. With a few twists and new elements.
However,Scherzo of Deep Nightwill be covering Volume 4 of the novel. Which means Volumes 2 and 3 are being skipped and will not receive an anime adaptation now. Triggering anger fromSAOfans. TheScherzo of Deep Nightmovie was announced for a 2022 release in Japan.
Seeing the incomprehension from fans on social media,Sword Art Onlineauthor Reki Kawahara reacted. Kawahara explained on Twitter why this new movie will focus on Volume 4, skipping Volumes 2 and 3. I translated his tweet below:
SAO Scherzoanime movie debacle - Message from Reki Kawahara translated
Reki Kawahara:“If you’ve read the originalSAO Progressivenovel, you might be wondering “what about Rondo, Concerto, and Barcarolle?” Due to various circumstances, such as the Elf War Quest not being completed yet, we decided to adapt the Scherzo volume instead. I’m sure it’ll be a great, satisfying movie, so look forward to it.”
Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Nightis launching in the United States on June 28, 2025. You can always hit me up on Twitter to discussSAO@A_iyane07.
