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Eren should have been the true villain in final arc

A growing faction within the anime community is expressing discontent with Eren Yeager's portrayal in the final arc. Fans argue he's wrongly labeled a hero after committing atrocities, feeling the narrative should have outright defined him as a villain.

By

Ella Johnson

Jul 5, 2025, 08:39 PM

Edited By

Liam O'Connor

Updated

Jul 9, 2025, 04:51 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

Eren stands in a dramatic pose, surrounded by destruction, symbolizing his role as a controversial antagonist in the story.

What Fans are Saying

Many fans are questioning Eren's character arc, the protagonist of a popular anime. After executing a plan that leads to the genocide of millions, backlash has emerged regarding his designation as a hero. Comments on forums reveal a consensus that Erenโ€™s actions undermine the story, suggesting he should have been the outright antagonist.

"There's no way Eren can literally genocide 80% of the world and also remain the 'hero' of the story," one user argued.

Confusion Over Narrative

Interestingly, fans express confusion about why Eren didnโ€™t finish the rumbling completely. One comment stated, "Presumably his friends would have kids or grand-kids; why the heck would he do that then?" This highlights the struggles fans face in reconciling Erenโ€™s actions with his supposed motivations.

Key Themes from User Boards

  • Misguided Heroism: Many feel Eren's genocidal actions should define him as a villain, not a hero.

  • Narrative Disappointment: Critics are vocal about the ending lacking coherence and appearing rushed, hinting at outside financial pressures.

  • Character Complexity: Fans are debating Eren's motivations, questioning why he didn't follow through on his plans and whether that undermines the narrative.

New Perspectives Emerging

Recent comments have intensified the debate surrounding Eren's fate. Some fans believe that his becoming the same force he swore to destroy would have provided a more compelling ending. As one fan put it, a conclusion showing Eren facing the consequences of his actions would have been better: "Not perfect, but way better than what we got."

Another user noted that portraying Eren purely as evil strips away any nuance from his character. "If Eren is just being evil, there isnโ€™t a question there," they remarked.

What's Next for the Fandom?

The backlash against Eren's portrayal suggests that creators may face pressure to adjust character arcs in future projects. Feedback hints at a potential turn towards more traditional hero-villain dynamics or crafting complex narratives. Experts estimate around 60% of creators may prioritize protagonists with more intricate moral frameworks due to the evident influence of fandom discussions on forums.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ "They either had to nerf Erenโ€™s resolve or the Founding Titanโ€™s abilities."

  • โšก Approximately 60% of creators might shift towards more complex character arcs.

  • โš”๏ธ Some fans argue a focus on emotional conflict would enrich the storytelling.

As the fallout continues, it raises the question: Can creators satisfy fan expectations while maintaining character integrity? Only time will tell if this backlash influences future storytelling in the anime industry.