Lelouch VI Britannia is the enigmatic protagonist known for his strategic brilliance and complex motivation from the series Code Geass. As the masked revolutionary Zero, he had led a rebellion against the oppressive Britannian Empire, all while harboring a power that could bend others to his will. The series quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and thought-proving themes.
Behind the scenes, the creation of Code Geass was a journey as tumultuous as Lelouch’s own path to revolution. From its initial conception to the final product that graced screens worldwide, the series underwent numerous changes and refinements. Yet, through it all, one aspect remained constant, the unwavering determination of its main character.
Lelouch’s Relentless Push Towards Tomorrow
In an interview with Animage magazine via Tumblr, Code Geass scriptwriter Ichiro Okouchi shared insights into the creation and development of the popular series. Despite numerous changes during production, Okouchi emphasized that one crucial aspect of the main character, Lelouch, remained constant throughout the creative process.
He remarked:
I wanted to make of the main character one who would continue to move forward. Of course there were times during which Lelouch would stop, and where revelations would come his way. But he would accept them (everything) and the story would continue to move.
He explained that even when Lelouch faced setbacks or revelations, the character would accept them and continue to progress. This forward momentum became a defining trait that persisted regardless of the challenges faced during the show’s production.
Okouchi said:
We wrote the initial Code Geass script with the belief it would keep the same timeslot and would still be aired at night. So, when it was slated for late broadcasting,I had to renew my plans.
He recalled the significant changes made to the initial concept. Originally, Code Geass was planned for a different time slot and target audience. When it was moved to late-night broadcasting, the team had to revise their plans substantially.
The Evolution of Code Geass into a Character-Centric Story
Interestingly, Okouchi revealed the iconic elements of Code Geass, such as the Geass power itself and characters like C.C. and Zero, were not part of the original concept. The main character was initially conceived simply as an aced mecha pilot, with a complex narrative developing later in the process.
Despite these substantial alterations, Okouchi and director Goro Taniguchi chose to push forward with the changes. Okouchi said, “ Well, while it was difficult, we chose for the better.” He noted that this decision reflected Lelouch’s own attitude in the story, always aiming for tomorrow even when faced with adversity.
I think Lelouch did succeed. Despite having to face the whole world, he was able to go through until the very end.
He also touched on the themes of the series, particularly rebellion. In this view, Lelouch’s rebellion was ultimately successful, despite the enormous odds stacked against him. The success was measured not just in the immediate outcome of the events, but in Lelouch’s commitment to his cause.
The interview provided insights into the collaborative nature of the show’s production. While he had a clear vision for the overall story arc from the outset, the creation of the epilogue was a team effort. The final scenes were crafted based on input from various members of the production team, ensuring a conclusion that resonated with multiple creative voices. He acknowledged the challenges during the creation process but also emphasized the rewarding outcome.
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture is available to watch on Hulu.
