Yokohama, Japan – A new chapter is unfolding for the landmark anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Announced at the culmination of the “EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION” event in Yokohama over the weekend, a completely new anime series is in production, boasting a surprising creative partnership. , marks the official unveiling of this ambitious project.
The series will feature screenplay and composition by Yoko Taro, the acclaimed director best known for his work on NieR: Automata. This marks a significant departure for the franchise, bringing Taro’s distinctive narrative style to the world of giant robots and existential angst. The project is a collaboration between original creator Hideaki Anno’s Studio Khara and CloverWorks, a prominent animation studio.
The three-day anniversary event, a celebration of three decades of the Evangelion franchise, included exhibitions, talk show sessions, an Evangelion kabuki adaptation, and a brand new 15-minute short featuring Asuka Langley. The announcement of the new series served as a grand finale to a year-long series of commemorative projects.
Joining Yoko Taro in bringing this new vision to life are directors Kazuya Tsurumaki, who previously helmed the Rebuild of Evangelion movies, and Toko Yatabe, a key animator on the Rebuild project. The musical score will be composed by Keiichi Okabe, a prolific composer known for his work on the Nier, Drakengard, and Tekken game series.
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, which aired from to , quickly became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences both in Japan and internationally. Its complex themes, psychological depth, and groundbreaking animation style cemented its place as a cornerstone of the anime genre. The 1997 film, The End of Evangelion, offered an alternative conclusion to the television series, further fueling debate and analysis among fans.
More recently, the Rebuild of Evangelion series, consisting of four films released between and , provided a retelling of the original story, attracting a new generation of viewers. The final film in the series, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, proved highly popular, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the franchise.
While plot details for the new series remain under wraps, the official announcement emphasizes that it will be a completely new story, distinct from both the original series and the Rebuild films. This suggests a fresh exploration of the Evangelion universe, potentially delving into new characters, themes, and conflicts.
Yoko Taro himself acknowledged the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), retweeting Studio Khara’s post with a simple but determined message: “It’s been announced! I’ll do my best!” This understated response hints at the challenges and responsibilities he feels in taking on such a beloved and iconic franchise.
The involvement of CloverWorks is also noteworthy. The studio has a growing reputation for high-quality animation and has been involved in several popular anime series, including The Promised Neverland and Wonder Egg Priority. Their collaboration with Studio Khara signals a commitment to delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
The announcement has already generated significant buzz within the anime community, with fans eagerly anticipating the direction Yoko Taro and the creative team will take the series. The combination of Taro’s unique storytelling sensibilities, the established expertise of Studio Khara, and the animation prowess of CloverWorks promises a compelling and potentially groundbreaking addition to the Evangelion legacy. The project represents a bold step for the franchise, signaling a willingness to embrace new creative voices while honoring its rich history.
The success of the 30th-anniversary event, culminating in this announcement, underscores the enduring cultural impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The franchise continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, philosophical themes, and innovative animation, and this new series is poised to carry that legacy forward into a new era.
