Tokyo Ghoul might be getting a live-action movie soon, but fans of the critically-acclaimed manga are still eagerly anticipating the release of the third season of the franchise's anime adaptation.

Fans of Tokyo Ghoul were a little bit let down by the series' anime adaptations so far. While the first season was fairly well-received by casual and avid fans alike, the departure from the manga's plot exhibited by the anime's follow-up season, Tokyo Ghoul Root A, was unappreciated by most.

Tokyo Ghoul Season 3

Supporters of Tokyo Ghoul have been appealing to Studio Pierrot, the production company behind the anime, to make sure that the upcoming third season would stay faithful to the manga. After all, the story of Tokyo Ghoul in the manga is considered by many to be among the best stories ever told in Japanese comics.

Tokyo Ghoul Season 3 Release Date

Many rumors have emerged about the impending release of Tokyo Ghoul Season 3, with speculations stating that the anime would air Winter of 2016. As it is, however, and with the live-action movie in production, it is quite safe to say that such rumors are untrue.

In fact, it would be pretty much of a long shot if the anime gets released early next year, too.

With this said, a more realistic estimate for Tokyo Ghoul Season 3's release date would be sometime during the second half of 2017, or the first half of 2018. Either one of these dates would actually work well with the anime, as it would give Studio Pierrot enough time to make sure the next season would be of good quality.

The Manga Dilemma and Number of Season 3 Episodes

What is particularly interesting, however, is how the plot of Tokyo Ghoul Season 3 would play out. Considering the rather lackluster reception to Tokyo Ghoul Root A, it is safe to assume that Studio Pierrot would probably stay close to the manga on the upcoming third season.

If the anime's third season does stay close to the manga, it would probably mean that Tokyo Ghoul Season 3 would feature either a 12 or 24-episode run. The anime's third season would most likely focus on the events of Tokyo Ghoul:re, the current iteration of the manga, and needless to say, the story has taken significant steps forward over the years.

As it is, Tokyo Ghoul already has more than enough material to cover an entire 12-episode run. Though there is always a possibility that Studio Pierrot might pull off a Naruto Shippuden and simply release a season of fillers, fans of Tokyo Ghoul are nonetheless hoping that the anime's next season would once more do the manga justice.