Now that Attack on Titan has officially wrapped up, it is safe to say it stands as one of the most gripping anime and manga series of the last decade. With its high-stakes story, political complexity, and unforgettable character arcs, Hajime Isayama’s dystopian masterpiece delivered a near-flawless experience. From the moment Titans first breached Wall Maria to the emotional conclusion of Eren’s journey, the narrative rarely missed a beat. Fans have dissected every twist, praised the tight plot, and wept at the tragic fates of characters they grew to love.

However, despite the show’s overall completeness, there is one noticeable gap that feels impossible to ignore, and that is Hange Zoë. A fan-favorite known for her eccentricity, intelligence, and moral evolution, Hange played a critical role in the series, yet fans know surprisingly little about her past. While other characters like Levi and Mikasa received dedicated flashbacks or OVAs to flesh out their histories, Hange remains a mystery. And that is a shame, because if there is anyone in the Attack on Titan universe who deserves a spin-off, it is her.

The Missing Piece: Hange’s Origins

Why Hange’s Backstory Matters More Than Fans Think

Attack On Titan's Zoe Hange looks up with a dull sense of despair in their eye.

From the moment she is introduced, Hange Zoë is a whirlwind of energy and curiosity. Her obsession with Titans initially paints her as comic relief, but as the series progresses, she reveals herself to be one of the most intelligent and capable of the Scout Regiment. What drives someone to study the very monsters threatening humanity? Why is she so invested in understanding them rather than destroying them outright? These are questions that Attack on Titan never fully answers.

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Isayama has hinted in interviews that Hange had a complicated family life and was something of an outcast, but that is barely scratching the surface. Imagine a spin-off that explored her early years and how she became the person fans ire so deeply. What was she like as a child? What experiences shaped her scientific mindset and rebellious nature? Hange’s backstory has the potential to not only add depth to her character but also offer a new perspective on the world before the events of the main series.

A story focusing on Hange’s youth could also illuminate her first encounter with Titans. How did she first become fascinated, and borderline obsessed, with creatures most people feared and loathed? That kind of exploration would provide rich psychological insight. Understanding Hange's unique relationship with Titans could even deepen fans interpretation of the central themes of the main series, like the cycle of hatred and the search for truth.

The Scientific Soul of the Scouts

Between Curiosity and Command: Hange’s Double Life

Hange is not just another soldier, she represents the intellectual core of the Scout Regiment. While characters like Levi lead through combat prowess and Eren through raw emotion and power, Hange offers a rational yet empathetic counterbalance. Her ability to analyze, invent, and strategize helped the Scouts survive time and again. A spin-off could lean into this scientific dimension, blending thrilling action with problem-solving and moral complexity.

It would be fascinating to see how Hange navigated a society at war, especially when her methods, and her morality, stood in stark contrast to the norm.

Think about the possibilities of episodes focused on her early experiments, her first interactions with Titans in captivity, or her clash with military authorities who found her methods unorthodox. There is dramatic potential in the tension between her scientific curiosity and the military's demand for results. It would be fascinating to see how Hange navigated a society at war, especially when her methods, and her morality, stood in stark contrast to the norm.

Her spin-off could also showcase more of her relationships with other Scout . Her mentorship of Moblit, for example, offers touching glimpses into her softer side. Exploring that dynamic further, or showing how she earned the trust of soldiers like Erwin and Levi, could enrich fans’ understanding of her leadership. These aren’t just side stories; they’re the connective tissue that explains how Hange became the reluctant commander who carried on Erwin’s legacy.

A Legacy Worth Expanding Upon

Hange is One of Attack on Titan's Best Characters

A person with an eyepath looks surprised as their friend encourages them.

Hange’s eventual death was heartbreaking, not just because of her sacrifice but because it marked the end of a character fans still did not fully know. She died a hero, but the full arc of her life remains unfinished. That is exactly why a spin-off makes so much sense, because it would retroactively give more weight to her choices, her beliefs, and her final stand. And unlike some characters whose stories feel closed, Hange’s has a giant “to be continued” stamped across it.

In a franchise as rich and layered as Attack on Titan, spin-offs work best when they fill meaningful gaps. Levi’s OVA was a success not just because it was cool, but because it answered questions fans genuinely cared about. The same would be true for Hange. In fact, it might be even more impactful. Her perspective, one rooted in science, comion, and curiosity, is unique in a world dominated by violence and vengeance. A series about her could be cerebral, emotional, and action-packed all at once.

There is also a storytelling opportunity to focus on how knowledge can be both liberating and dangerous. Hange constantly danced on the edge of that truth, uncovering forbidden secrets while trying to protect humanity from itself. Her moral com was one of the most nuanced in the show. Watching her wrestle with ethical dilemmas, betrayals, and breakthroughs would make for compelling drama and possibly even a new genre approach within the Attack on Titan universe.

Attack on Titan might be over, but the world Isayama created still has room to grow. And if there is any character who deserves a deeper spotlight, it is Hange Zoë. Her intelligence, bravery, and complexity are more than worthy of exploration, and her story, left largely untold, has the power to captivate audiences all over again. In a universe where everyone is fighting to break free from fate, Hange stood apart by trying to understand it. That alone makes her the perfect lead for the next great story in the Attack on Titan legacy.

Attack on Titan (2013) anime poster
Created by
Hajime Isayama
First Film
Attack on Titan: The Crimson Bow and Arrow
Latest Film
Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters (2023)
First TV Show
Attack On Titan