——That's certainly a unique aspect of visual works where many different people's efforts come together. What elements did you add during the scriptwriting stage, Urobuchi-san?
Urobuchi: I added the part where the "Marguerite" she had been seeking was actually herself. Originally, the premise was that she was stalking Madoka, believing her to be Marguerite without knowing who this entity actually was. I felt that framing this as being about her own past life would complete the story, so that was an element I was allowed to add.
——And from there, I understand various adjustments were made even after you completed your final draft.
Urobuchi: There were quite a few twists and turns; at one point, I even heard they were going to completely overhaul it. Around the time of the "Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10 (Exhibition)," I was told they were reverting to the first draft, and from there, even more time passed and things changed significantly.
Editor's Note: "Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10 (Exhibition)" was an exhibition event held nationwide from September 2021 to June 2022.
——By the way, what was the content of the final sequence you originally wrote?
Urobuchi: In my script, it was much more simplified. I'm glad they were able to develop it into a sequence with a grand finale feel. Shinbo-san had been saying for a long time that he wanted to place more weight on Madoka, so I believe the adjustments were made with that in mind.
My script leaned a bit more towards Homura, or rather, it was a story where Madoka didn't play as active a role. I imagine figuring out how to revise that part is why it took so long (until the release).
——Watching it, I was reminded once again that the story of these two girls, Madoka and Homura, remains at the core throughout all of Walpurgisnacht: Rising. You mentioned it leaned towards Homura, but how do you view the girl known as Homura?
Urobuchi: Let's see, a mastermind, or perhaps a game master. She's like a player in a management simulation game, managing resources to maintain a sandbox for as long as possible. My impression is that she's like a hardcore gamer challenging herself to see how long she can sustain the sandbox she created.
It has the exhausting feel of playing an impossibly hard game, and in that sense, I thought she was well-suited to be the protagonist.
——That's a spot-on description (lol). What about Madoka?
Urobuchi: Madoka is like the Sword of Damocles (a situation where imminent danger threatens a prosperous life), or the core element of the game where if this girl falls, everything ends. She's both the goal of the game and the protagonist, an entity whose environment must be carefully managed so she can stand tall.
In my mind, it's a story about Homura protecting and continuously chasing after Madoka, but I think the staff involved in the work each have their own different interpretations. I feel that's ultimately the reason why the production took such a long time.
——Thank you very much!
Having learned a bit about the script's development, it might be fun to watch Walpurgisnacht: Rising again, paying close attention to the details and analyzing it further.
Text / kato
(C)Magica Quartet/Aniplex,Madoka Project
