Dan Da Dan is set to return to streaming platforms this July, raising the excitement levels of its fans! As we gear up for the second season of this unique yokai-meets-sci-fi anime series, studio Science Saru and GKids are teaming up once again for Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye. This theatrical event will showcase the first three thrilling episodes of the upcoming season, picking up right where the suspenseful cliffhanger left us at the end of season one, adapting creator Yukinobu Tatsu’s ongoing manga.
The premiere will feature an exclusive interview with the directors, providing deeper insights into the series. io9 caught up with Abel Gongora, the opening theme director of Dan Da Dan’s first season and co-director for its upcoming season. During our conversation, Gongora shared his inspirations, his creative journey, and the collaborative process with his longtime colleague Fuga Yamashiro, highlighting both their shared vision and occasional creative disagreements that have shaped the production of season two.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
What Was the Plan for Season One’s Cliffhanger?
Isaiah Colbert, io9: Season one ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger that left fans eager for more. Was that always the plan from the start, or did the decision evolve during production to build anticipation for season two?
Abel Gongora: That was decided right from the beginning—it’s a script decision. The manga provides a roadmap for where to cut, and that planning occurred early in production.
The Shift from Opening Director to Co-Director
io9: This time around, you’re stepping into a co-director role instead of just handling the show’s opening. What led to that change?
Gongara: After directing the opening, I began assisting [Yamashiro]. I got more involved in understanding the characters’ stories, which made the transition smoother since I had already worked closely on season one. The production team felt that sharing the director role would ease the workload on the season one director, so I gradually stepped into my role in season two.
How Did Pop Culture Influence the Opening Theme?
io9: The opening theme by Creepy Nuts became an instant fan favorite, winning several anime awards. What inspired its creative direction?
Gongara: My previous collaborations allowed me a lot of freedom in the creative process. The director simply suggested using Ultraman as a reference for the silhouettes. I aimed to create something distinctive, avoiding a style that resembled the actual show, thus crafting a more vibrant and unique look.
What Can Fans Expect from Season Two’s Opening?
io9: Will season two’s opening, “On My Way” by AiNA THE END, adhere to a similar silhouette style as the first season?
Gongara: It will be completely different. While I can’t reveal too much, I can say we wanted to go in a new direction so it doesn’t feel like a rehash of what worked. Fans will definitely notice the fresh approach!
Which Films Inspired the Horror and Action Elements?
io9: You’ve mentioned being inspired by horror films and Hong Kong cinema while developing the Evil Eye arc. Which films influenced you the most?
Gongara: Ultraman was a key reference, especially Hideaki Anno’s version, Shin Ultraman. I also drew inspiration from Shin Godzilla and Shin Kamen Rider, as well as classic kung fu movies. For the science fiction angle, the Alien series has greatly influenced our approach. We draw thematic connections from various cinematic styles to enrich Dan Da Dan.
What Challenges Did You Face in Animating Season Two?
io9: The first season was visually stunning, shifting effortlessly between genres. Were there specific scenes from the manga that posed particular creative challenges in season two?
Gongara: (laughs) We are still deep in production right now. We are experimenting with mixing 3D elements to assist in certain animation tasks, especially when traditional animation methods feel overly complex. There’s a bit of this in Evil Eye as well.
How Was the Collaboration Process Between You and Yamashiro?
io9: How has collaborating with Yamashiro shaped season two? Were there creative disagreements during this process?
Gongara: Yamashiro had a significant role in defining season one, and I aim to align my vision with his. While we don’t always agree, we’ve divided the arcs of the season. We work closely together to ensure consistency in design and color. Our long history of collaboration makes the process smoother, as we share similar perspectives on animation and character expression.
Dan Da Dan season two premieres this July on platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu, while Evil Eye will hit U.S. theaters on June 6.
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