American actor Norman Reedus, a prominent figure in both the gaming and television industries, has recently expressed a keen interest in the popular anime series Chainsaw Man, revealing this fascination during his appearance at Hong Kong Comic Con 2026. Reedus, widely recognized for his iconic roles as Sam Porter Bridges in Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding video game franchise and Daryl Dixon in AMC’s The Walking Dead, shared his personal connection to the anime and even identified a specific superpower he would wish to wield from its universe.
A Resurgent Interest in Anime
The revelation came during an interview with GQ Hong Kong magazine, where Reedus was questioned about his engagement with anime. He disclosed that his introduction to Chainsaw Man was through none other than renowned game director Hideo Kojima, who reportedly described the series as his personal favorite. Reedus’s own encounter with the anime occurred during a recent trip to Japan, where he watched Chainsaw Man for the first time during a flight. This personal viewing experience seems to have cemented his appreciation for the work.
"There’s Chainsaw Man, which Hideo Kojima told me about," Reedus stated. "He said it was his favorite. I was recently in Japan and saw [Chainsaw Man] on the airplane for the first time."
The actor’s acknowledgement of Chainsaw Man highlights the growing global reach and cultural impact of Japanese animation. Chainsaw Man, based on the manga series by Tatsuki Fujimoto, has garnered significant international acclaim for its unique narrative, dark humor, and distinctive visual style, appealing to a diverse audience that now includes prominent figures from Western entertainment.
The Allure of Reze’s Power
When pressed further about which anime superpower he would choose to possess, Reedus did not hesitate. He pointed to the abilities of Reze, a complex and powerful character from Chainsaw Man. Reze’s signature power involves the detonation of explosive devices, a capability Reedus found particularly appealing due to his self-described inclination towards destruction.
"I’d be able to just blow things up with my mind," Reedus explained. "I’m very destructive." This lighthearted yet telling admission offers a glimpse into the actor’s personality and his imaginative engagement with the fantastical elements of anime. The choice of Reze’s power also underscores a potential thematic resonance with Reedus’s on-screen personas, often characterized by resilience, survival, and a capacity for decisive, sometimes destructive, action.
Hong Kong Comic Con 2026: A Hub for Pop Culture
Reedus’s participation as a special guest at Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 underscores the event’s stature as a significant international gathering for fans of comics, anime, manga, and pop culture. The convention, held annually at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, serves as a vital platform for creators, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and experience the latest trends in the entertainment world.
The 2026 edition of Hong Kong Comic Con, running from May 29th to May 31st, attracted a diverse array of international celebrities and industry players, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a global entertainment hub. Reedus’s presence, alongside other notable guests, generated considerable excitement and offered attendees unique opportunities for interaction and engagement. The inclusion of high-profile figures like Reedus not only boosts the event’s appeal but also facilitates cross-cultural dialogue within the global fandom community.
The Broader Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
The endorsement of Chainsaw Man by a globally recognized actor like Norman Reedus carries significant weight in terms of popularizing anime and manga further within Western markets. While Chainsaw Man has already achieved substantial success, celebrity engagement can introduce the series to a broader audience that may not be actively following anime news. This phenomenon is not new; numerous anime and manga titles have seen increased popularity following mentions or involvements by international celebrities.
Hideo Kojima’s recommendation, in particular, is noteworthy. Kojima, a celebrated figure in the gaming industry, has a well-documented appreciation for diverse forms of media and often draws inspiration from various artistic influences. His endorsement of Chainsaw Man likely played a crucial role in Reedus’s own discovery and appreciation of the series. The interconnectedness of creative industries, where a game director’s passion can influence an actor’s viewing habits, illustrates the fluid and collaborative nature of modern entertainment.
The fact that Reedus watched the series on an airplane during a trip to Japan also points to the increasing accessibility of anime content through streaming services and international distribution. What was once a niche interest has become a mainstream form of entertainment, enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Analysis of Implications
Reedus’s comments offer several points of analysis regarding the current landscape of global pop culture:
- Globalization of Anime: The increasing recognition and appreciation of anime like Chainsaw Man by Hollywood actors signifies a continued trend of globalization in entertainment. Anime is no longer confined to specific regions; it is a significant force in the global media market.
- Influence of Key Figures: The recommendations of influential figures like Hideo Kojima and Norman Reedus can significantly impact the popularity and reach of specific anime titles. Their endorsements act as powerful marketing tools, introducing new audiences to these works.
- Cross-Media Appeal: Reedus’s background in video games and television, coupled with his interest in anime, highlights the growing convergence of different media platforms. Fans often engage with content across various formats, blurring the lines between gaming, television, and animation.
- Character Appeal: The specific choice of Reze’s power by Reedus suggests an attraction to characters with unique, impactful abilities, resonating with the often over-the-top and imaginative power systems found in anime. This also speaks to the compelling nature of Chainsaw Man‘s character design and thematic elements.
Context of Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from December 2018 to December 2020, with its second part beginning serialization on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ app in July 2022. The story follows Denji, a teenage boy who makes a deal with a devil to become a hybrid of human and devil, leading him to a life as a devil hunter. The series is lauded for its dark fantasy elements, unconventional storytelling, and a blend of gore, humor, and emotional depth.
The anime adaptation, produced by MAPPA, premiered in October 2022 and received widespread critical acclaim for its high-quality animation and faithful adaptation of the manga. This adaptation further propelled the series into mainstream consciousness globally. The visual representation of characters like Reze, with her explosive abilities, has been particularly striking and memorable for viewers.
Conclusion
Norman Reedus’s candid remarks at Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 not only illuminate his personal taste in anime but also serve as a barometer for the expanding influence of Japanese animation on global entertainment figures. His admiration for Chainsaw Man, sparked by Hideo Kojima and solidified through personal viewing, underscores the series’ widespread appeal. The actor’s choice of Reze’s destructive superpower offers a compelling, albeit playful, insight into his connection with the genre. As conventions like Hong Kong Comic Con continue to foster international dialogue, the cross-pollination of ideas and influences between different entertainment spheres is likely to grow, further cementing the universal language of popular culture.
