‘Attack on Titan’ Season 4 Part 2: Are There Clues in the Opening Theme?
Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 has finally arrived, and its new opening theme is stirring up excitement online. Not only does it deliver one last banger before the anime ends, but it teases a powerful series finale. Can viewers find clues about the coming episodes in the new opening?
‘Attack on Titan’s new opening theme is called ‘The Rumbling’
Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 features an opening theme called “The Rumbling,” which is sung by the Japanese band SiM. A blend of alternative and metal, the theme captures the intensity of the anime’s final outing impressively. Obviously, it references a major event from the series — but its lyrics also speak to Eren’s current struggle.
Of course, the lyrics and tone aren’t the only elements of the opening that allude to what’s happening in the anime. There’s plenty to look at as the theme continues, and it might hold clues about what’s coming.
Does the new opening hold clues about ‘Attack on Titan’s ending?
!['Attack on Titan' Season 4 Part 2 key art from Crunchyroll's Winter 2022 anime lineup. It shows Eren Yeager with half his face made up of scenes from the series.](https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Attack-on-Titan-Key-Art.jpg?w=1200&h=675&strip=all&quality=89)
Anime theme songs have a tendency to foreshadow what’s coming throughout the season, and Attack on Titan‘s latest opening has plenty to unpack. Sure, the Rumbling is coming, but what else does it tell us about the new episodes?
Following the opening shots of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, the theme highlights the Colossus Titans, all of whom are typically hidden within the walls. In the opening, they’re up and walking around — leaving viewers to wonder if the walls are coming down before the final season is through. Will the Colossus Titans join the fight between Marley and Paradis Island? They seem to have some role to play.
The rest of the Titans are highlighted in the new opening as well. And another noteworthy moment sees the Female Titan back in action, right after a shot of Annie wiping water off her face. This seems to confirm the notion that she’ll emerge from the ice in Attack on Titan Season 4.
Finally, birds and freedom are featured prominently in the new opening. But that’s not the only theme highlighted amidst all the action shots.
Does the new theme highlight a loss of innocence?
In addition to focusing on Eren’s fight for freedom, Attack on Titan‘s new opening appears to highlight a loss of innocence. This theme can easily be applied to the series as a whole. “The Rumbling” underscores it with multiple shots of Eren, Armin, and Mikasa at various stages of life.
The opening ends with the trio running toward a tree together, only for an adult Eren to turn around alone. This could symbolize the newfound distance between him and his friends. However, it also speaks to growing up and viewing the world from a new perspective.
The same can be said of the side-by-side shots of the Scouts. One shows them during recruitment, while another sees them visiting Sasha’s grave. They’ve weathered quite a bit over the course of this series. So have the Titan Shifters. And they get their own side-by-side glance — one shot showing Bertolt, Annie, and Reiner before shifting to the present-day Warriors.
It’s all bittersweet, but that’s to be expected heading into Attack on Titan‘s final episodes. On the bright side, fans can listen to more SiM to cheer themselves up.
Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.