The legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to expand, with a new anime series officially greenlit as part of the landmark franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The announcement, made on , carries a particularly intriguing twist: Yoko Taro, the celebrated creator behind the Nier series, will be taking on writing duties.
This marks a significant departure for the franchise, as longtime writer and director Hideaki Anno will not be penning the script this time around. However, the choice of Yoko Taro has been widely praised, given his established penchant for complex narratives, philosophical themes, and emotionally resonant storytelling – qualities deeply ingrained in the DNA of Evangelion. Kazuya Tsurumaki, a veteran of the franchise who directed the Rebuild of Evangelion films and the anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, will direct the new series. Adding another layer of creative synergy, composer Keiichi Okabe, known for his work on the Nier franchise, will also be contributing to the project’s musical score.
Details surrounding the plot and overall direction of the new series remain scarce. The official Evangelion website has, thus far, only confirmed the key creative personnel involved. This level of secrecy suggests the project is still in its early stages of development, but the announcement has already ignited fervent discussion among fans eager to see how Yoko Taro will approach this iconic property.
The selection of Yoko Taro isn’t merely a surprising move; it’s arguably a remarkably fitting one. As he himself acknowledged to IGN, “I thank you for praising NieR: Automata’s story, but actually it’s pretty much just a retelling of Evangelion, so there’s not much originality to it.” He further explained that his inspiration largely stems from works he encountered in the past, highlighting the profound impact Evangelion had on his own creative trajectory. This self-awareness, coupled with his demonstrated ability to craft narratives that grapple with existential questions and explore the darker aspects of the human condition, positions him as a uniquely qualified successor to Anno.
Evangelion’s history is marked by its willingness to challenge conventions and defy easy categorization. The original anime series, and subsequent films, each offered distinct, often ambiguous, conclusions, leaving audiences to grapple with their implications. As noted by observers, the franchise has often relied on reboots to continue its story, as its endings tend to be definitive, leaving little room for traditional sequels. This pattern underscores the inherent difficulty in expanding upon a narrative that consistently seeks closure, and it raises the question of how Yoko Taro will navigate this established dynamic.
The new series will be a collaborative effort between Studio Khara and CloverWorks, two prominent animation studios known for their high-quality work. Studio Khara, founded by Hideaki Anno himself, has been instrumental in preserving and expanding the Evangelion universe. CloverWorks, meanwhile, has gained recognition for its visually stunning and narratively compelling anime series, including Spy x Family and Wonder Egg Priority. The partnership suggests a commitment to maintaining the franchise’s artistic integrity while potentially introducing a fresh visual style.
The announcement arrives at a moment of continued global interest in anime and Japanese pop culture. The success of series like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen has broadened the audience for anime, creating a fertile ground for established franchises like Evangelion to reach new viewers. The involvement of Yoko Taro, a figure with a dedicated international following thanks to the popularity of the Nier games, is likely to further amplify this appeal.
While the specifics of the new Evangelion series remain shrouded in mystery, the creative team assembled thus far signals a bold and potentially transformative direction for the franchise. Yoko Taro’s unique voice, combined with the expertise of Tsurumaki and Okabe, promises a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the Evangelion canon. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds, and whether it can capture the same cultural resonance that has defined the series for the past three decades.
