Teen Wolf will return with a revival movie, but Kira Yukimura’s absence might negatively impact the movie's story. Arden Cho portrayed Kira Yukimura between Teen Wolf seasons 3 - 5, coming in as a young Thunder Kitsune with a lot left to learn about the supernatural world. Despite her inexperience, she became an integral part of Scott McCall's (Tyler Posey) pack, as well as Scott's love interest after his break-up with Allison (Crystal Reed). As such, Kira was an undeniably important character on Teen Wolf, not solely because of her place in Scott's inner circle, but because of the lore that surrounded her abilities as well.
Teen Wolf drew inspiration from many cultural supernatural myths, and Teen Wolf season 3 dove into Japanese lore. Kira and her mother Noshiko (Tamlyn Tomita) were integral in helping Scott and his pack understand and endure the Oni - Japanese warrior demons - and the Nogitsune. The Nogitsune was the main villain in the second half of Teen Wolf season 3, a dark trickster spirit who came to possess Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) to sow chaos and discord in Beacon Hills. The Nogitsune was closely linked with Noshiko's past, and she moved her family to Beacon Hills so that she could ensure its destruction. As a result, the entire second half of Teen Wolf season 3 was entwined with Japanese myth, as well as the Japanese-American experience during World War II - the Nogitsune was first summoned by Noshiko during her time at an internment camp.
Now, The Teen Wolf movie's trailer has confirmed the return of the Oni, as well as heavily hinting at the return of the Nogitsune. The movie promises a threat like Scott's pack has never faced before, and it is likely that the Nogitsune is part of that equation. Despite the return of these essential monsters from Teen Wolf season 3, however, Kira Yukimura will not be returning in the Teen Wolf movie. This seems detrimental to the film's story, given her family's close links with Teen Wolf’s interpretation of Japanese myth.
Should The Teen Wolf Movie Really Bring Back The Oni And The Nogitsune?
It was Kira's mother that brought forth the Nogitsune in the first place and summoned the Oni to find out who was possessed by the trickster fox spirit. These creatures’ return would suggest that Kira would be involved once more, as no one in Teen Wolf has more interest in seeing the Nogitsune destroyed than Kira's family, with the possible exception of Stiles. Though any number of reasons might be given to explain away Kira's absence in the Teen Wolf movie, it wouldn't fit with what we know of her character. She was willing to help Scott and his friends, even before she had any idea who and what they were, and she never backed down from a fight, even when it was detrimental to her control over her powers. If the Nogitsune is back, Kira would be too, and there's no reason she shouldn't be, given how her story on Teen Wolf ended in the first place.
The fact of the matter is, Kira's character arc on Teen Wolf never really came to a close. She was beginning to lose control of her powers, so she went to train with the Skinwalkers at the end of Teen Wolf season 5. Unfortunately, Kira's story was never continued on the Teen Wolf show. The Teen Wolf movie would have been the perfect vehicle to bring her back, however, and let audiences know that she finally mastered her powers. Arden Cho decided not to return for the movie due to a pay parity dispute, and while this is an understandable decision, the Teen Wolf movie might be worse off. By focusing on the Oni and the Nogitsune, the movie will only draw attention to its missing lead character.
Choosing to bring back the Oni and the Nogitsune for the Teen Wolf movie is understandable, as they were an integral part of one of the show's strongest seasons. But perhaps the movie should have reconsidered their inclusion without the character whose introduction prompted their appearance in the first place. The Teen Wolf movie won't be the same without Kira Yukimura.
