My Hero Academiais a franchise that constantly introduces new and exciting characters to its extensive roster. From Izuku’s fellow hero students to obscure pros that help the protagonists in their fight against the villain, the series never runs out of new cast members to entertain fans with.

This fact also applies tothe franchise’s several incredible movies, as each one has introduced many amazing new friends and enemies to the heroes. While they have been considered non-canon for many years, episode 156 of theMy Hero Academiaanime adaptation may have just confirmed thatthey have always been an official part of the series.

Key visual for the new My Hero Academia movie featuring the principal cast

My Hero Academia’s Ending Makes The New Movie Even More Important

My Hero Academia is set to end around the same time its new movie premieres, and that makes the movie even more important to the franchise.

My Hero Academia Episode 156 Proves the Movies Are Canon

The Appearance of Various Movies-Only Characters Confirms These Events Occurred

After the war between heroes andthe terrifying villainsthat follow All for One began, Japanese news networks began transmitting the confrontation online. While the battle was only occurring in Japan, the rest of the world quickly became aware that the results of this confrontation would affect them all. As such, most countries shared the stream. Episode 156 of theMy Hero Academiaanime depicts these tense moments, with thousands of people gathering around digital devices to witness Deku fighting All For One. During this event,several movie-only characters made their first TV appearance.

Mellisa Shield, from theTwo Heroesmovie, is seen worriedly praying for Deku’s success from I-Island. Katsuma and his sister Mahoro, fromHeroes Rising, look at their hero fighting hard to keep them safe. Roro and Lala Soul, the siblings ofWorld Heroes Mission’s Rody, listen as a group of teenagers talk about the battle. Lastly, Anna and Giulio, fromthe upcomingYou’re Nextfilm, witness the battle from inside a safe building.These characters had never been seen in the anime before, making it seem as if they were not a part of the series’ canon.

My Hero Academia’s Deku kneeling down to talk with Katsuma who looks surprised.

Yet, their introduction in episode 156 makes it clear that the events where they were first introduced occurred in the officialMy Hero Academiatimeline. This confirmation is an enormous contribution to the lore of the series. Until their official introduction to the TV show, the canonical status of these characters had been purposefully ambiguous. While most fans were almost sure that the events of the movies were considered canon, there was never an official statement about them.

The Canonical Status of the Movies Is No Longer Up For Debate

The main issue with the movies is that they are disconnected from the events presented in the manga and anime, which makes it difficult for fans to place them in a correct timeline. This was done on purpose, of course, to let the movies stand on their own while avoiding the unpleasant feeling of their events not mattering at all, but episode 156 ofMy Hero Academiaclears all doubts.

After many years without a clear answer, theMy Hero Academiamovies have finally become a canonical part of the timeline. Utilizing the anime to introduce these incredible characters was an amazing strategy, as it did not disrupt the flow of the fight, while also featuring beloved cast members who fans truly love. Followers of the series can now see the film franchise with a newfound perspective, knowing that the events featured in them are officially a part of the series.

Anna in the trailer, looking sad while someone holds her shoulders.

My Hero Academia

Cast

Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.

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