Why Was There So Much Pizza in Code Geass, Anyways? Director Reveals Details

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion debuted in 2006 to unprecedented success, receiving widespread praise for its plot and characters. Notably, Code Geass‘ balance of moral conflict with well-timed humor played a core role in its timeless reception. The iconic Pizza Hut gag, almost always involving the character, C.C., played a special role in creating this effect. See if you can spot who she is:

While many references in anime manifest subtly via creative influences, as Takashi Kawabata (episode director: Mob Psycho, Puella Magi Madoka Magica) shared with Anime Corner or explicitly in the case of the Chainsaw Man opening, Code Geass director Goro Taniguchi reveals to the animation blog Full Frontal that the Pizza Hut gag came directly from the producers. Pizza Hut not only sponsored the 2006 anime, but remains involved with the franchise even to this day. Early purchasers of the upcoming Code Geass online escape room game, Code Geass: Escape from a Life in Deception will receive a discount coupon from Pizza Hut Online. Details can be found here. The trailer for the game is below:

Taniguchi’s revelation spun off the end of a discussion on fanservice, as he said:
“At first it was something the producers demanded. But it didn’t really fit Code Geass. Why in hell would they always be eating pizza? (laughs) But since we had to go along with it, I figured we should go all the way. I started having fun with it, and the rest of the staff also got on with it as well. (laughs).“

This sounded like a fun imposition from the producers, but Taniguchi was also candid about the shocking working conditions that the staff endured which manifested in Code Geass‘ hectic production schedule. Taniguchi said that the writers’ room was “just some room we rented in a nearby apartment“, while the studio didn’t even have a toilet. Further inconsiderations meant Code Geass didn’t get a proper sequel, but instead a reset in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2. Check out the full interview here.

Fans may still get a direct sequel in the future, as Studio Sunrise announced a 10-year plan for the Code Geass franchise back in 2020. So far, this has entailed a mobile game and a new movie.

North American licensor Crunchyroll describes the Code Geass anime as such:
The year is 2017 of the Imperial calendar and parts of the world are under the control of the Holy Britannian Empire. Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled Britannian prince, encounters a strange girl known as C.C., who gifts him with a great and terrible power. The Geass. With this powerful ability, Lelouch can get anyone to do as he wills. But the power of Geass: is it a blessing…or a curse?

Source: Full Frontal
Featured image: Code Geass © SUNRISE/PROJECT GEASS, CLAMP・ST
Insert image: u/edgy5ever, via Reddit