Chainsaw Man Fan Theories and Conspiracies

Chainsaw Man‘s brutal, surreal, and emotionally raw world has captivated audiences, leaving a trail of blood, breadcrumbs, and burning questions in its wake. Tatsuki Fujimoto masterfully layers absurdist comedy over profound mystery, creating a fertile ground for fan speculation. From the meaning of a simple promise to the very nature of reality, here are the most compelling theories and conspiracies swirling around Denji, Pochita, and the Chainsaw Man universe.

Note: This is only fan theories, not necessary the official truth about real canon story. For the newbie, get a lot of experience with the anime and manga before reading this page.

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The Core Enigma: The Chainsaw Devil’s True Nature

• The “Erasure” Theory: This is the grand, foundational conspiracy. The Chainsaw Devil (Pochita) is feared by all other devils not just for his strength, but for a unique ability: when he devours a devil, he doesn’t just kill it—he erases its name and concept from existence. This means all of history, memory, and reality is rewritten. The “Hell” devil we know might be the second “Hell” devil; the first was eaten and forgotten. This theory asks: what fundamental aspects of reality have already been erased from our understanding?
• Pochita as a “Hero of Hell”: Building on the erasure theory, some speculate Pochita wasn’t always a mindless force of destruction. He may have been a primordial devil who fought in a cosmic war, using his power to erase “worse” concepts from reality, making him a paradoxical “hero” from a devil’s perspective. His weakened, dog-like form is the result of this ancient conflict.
• The “Freedom” Devil Theory: What concept does the Chainsaw Devil truly represent? Some argue it’s not “chainsaws,” but something more abstract: the sound of a buzzing chainsaw—a sound of chaos, construction, and destruction. Others go deeper, proposing he is the Devil of Rebellion, Anarchy, or even True Freedom—the power to violently cut away all constraints, be they societal, physical, or even conceptual.

Character Mysteries: Motivations and Identities

• Makima’s Contract & Goal: Theories about the Control Devil’s endgame are endless. A leading one suggests her desire to be “equal” to Chainsaw Man wasn’t about power, but about connection. By having him devour her and the other major primal fears (Death, War, Famine, etc.), she would achieve a form of ultimate, horrific unity, creating a “peaceful” world under a single, controlled entity—herself, merged with everything.
• Denji’s “Ordinary” Dream as a Shield: Denji’s simple desires (toast with jam, a girlfriend) are often seen as childish. A compelling theory posits these are not just character traits, but a psychological fortress. By anchoring himself to mundane human needs, he unconsciously protects his mind from being overwhelmed by the cosmic horror of Pochita’s true nature and the devils’ interest in him.
• The “Reincarnation” Conspiracy: Certain characters bear striking visual or thematic similarities to others. Are some characters reincarnated devils or humans, carrying echoes of past relationships into new cycles? The rules of devil rebirth (returning to Hell or Earth upon death) make this a persistent theory for explaining deep, irrational bonds and hatreds.
• Aki’s Future & the “Curse” Devil: From the moment of his introduction, theorists have been obsessed with Aki’s fate. Many believe his contract with the Future Devil was far more sinister than shown, and that its cryptic laughter hints at a specific, unavoidable tragic end it has already seen. The theory suggests his storyline is a predestined countdown.

Structural & Symbolic Conspiracies

• The “Four Horsemen” Hierarchy: It’s widely accepted that Makima (Control) is part of a set of four “horseman” devils, alongside Famine, War, and Death. The conspiracy deepens with the question: Who or what do they serve? Is there a “God” or “Conquest” devil above them? Are they fighting a silent war against another faction, like the “Justice” devil or the primal fear of “The Unknown”?
• The Nature of Hell: Hell isn’t just another battlefield; it’s a core reality. One theory posits that Hell and Earth are two sides of the same coin, and the “terror” that fuels devils is a finite resource they fight over. The “Gun Devil” attack was less an invasion and more a hostile corporate takeover. The doors between worlds are a controlled system, not a natural phenomenon.
• The “Movie” Metaphor: Fujimoto’s love of cinema is no secret. A meta-theory suggests the entire Chainsaw Man universe operates on cinematic logic. Devils are like movie monsters, fears shaped by collective human “viewing.” Denji, with his simple desires, is the ultimate “audience surrogate,” and Power is the chaotic, special-effects-driven spectacle. This theory reads the story’s pacing and visual beats as literal clues to its operating system.
• Denji’s Heart & The True Contract: The contract between Denji and Pochita seems simple: a heart for a life. But what are the fine print terms? Some speculate Denji is slowly becoming Pochita with every transformation, and that the dog-like Pochita we see is just the echo of a previous contractor who lost themselves completely. The chainsaw cord on his chest isn’t a starter—it’s a fuse.

The Biggest Question: What Does Chainsaw Man Want?

Ultimately, all theories circle back to Pochita. His childish desire for “hugs” is at odds with his apocalyptic power. Is this desire:

• A metaphor for the universal longing for connection?
• The last remnant of a “hero’s” wish to be loved?
• Or a dangerous, literal objective? If the Chainsaw Devil, who can erase concepts, truly wants to be embraced by the world, what would it have to erase to make that happen?

For now, these theories remain in the realm of passionate speculation. The only way to know is to keep reading, to listen closely to the buzz of the chainsaw, and to remember: in a world ruled by fear, the simplest dream might be the most revolutionary—or the most terrifying—weapon of all.