In a surprise announcement capping off the "EVANGELION:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival, Studio Khara revealed Monday that a brand-new television anime series in the *Neon Genesis Evangelion* franchise is in production, with acclaimed video game creator Yoko Taro handling series composition and screenplay.

Yoko wearing his familiar mask in 2018
Yoko wearing his familiar mask in 2018

The news broke during the final program of the three-day event at Yokohama Arena on February 23, 2026, drawing immediate excitement from fans worldwide. The festival, which ran from February 21 to 23, featured exhibitions, talk shows, a kabuki adaptation and the premiere of a new 15-minute short anime focused on Asuka Langley Soryu, closing with a live cello and choral performance to unveil the project.

Taro, best known as the director and writer behind the *NieR* series — including the critically acclaimed *NieR:Automata* — will lead the writing duties. His work often explores themes of existentialism, identity, human suffering and cyclical despair, elements that resonate deeply with *Evangelion*'s psychological depth and philosophical undertones. Taro has long cited *Neon Genesis Evangelion* as a major influence on his storytelling style.

Joining Taro are directors Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe. Tsurumaki, a longtime collaborator with franchise creator Hideaki Anno, directed several *Rebuild of Evangelion* films and recently helmed *Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX*. Yatabe served as an assistant director on *Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time* and contributed to projects like *Chainsaw Man*. Music will come from Keiichi Okabe, the composer for the *NieR* franchise, known for his emotive, atmospheric scores.

Production is a collaboration between Studio Khara — Anno's studio behind the original series and *Rebuild* films — and CloverWorks, the animation house responsible for hits like *The Promised Neverland* and *Spy x Family*. The partnership marks a fresh approach for the franchise, blending Khara's signature style with CloverWorks' modern animation techniques.

The official announcement on the Evangelion website emphasized that this is a "completely new series," separate from the 1995-1996 original TV run, its films, the *Rebuild* tetralogy and any prior spin-offs. No plot details, character information, release date or episode count have been disclosed yet. Studio Khara described it as the franchise's "Next Genesis," signaling a new chapter in the saga that has defined mecha anime, psychological drama and otaku culture for three decades.

*Neon Genesis Evangelion* premiered in October 1995 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon with its blend of giant robot battles, religious symbolism, Freudian psychology and unflinching exploration of depression, trauma and human connection. The series ended controversially in 1996, followed by films and the *Rebuild* project from 2007 to 2021, which reimagined the story and concluded with *3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time*. Anno has repeatedly stated that *Evangelion* was his attempt to "end" personal struggles through art, yet the franchise's enduring appeal has kept it alive.

Taro's involvement has sparked widespread praise. Fans and critics note the thematic synergy: *NieR:Automata* grapples with android existence, purpose and repeated failure — motifs that echo Shinji Ikari's existential crises and the Angels' apocalyptic threats. Taro retweeted Studio Khara's announcement post on X, writing simply, "It's been announced! I'll do my best!" — a characteristically understated response from the enigmatic creator who often wears a mask in public appearances.

The announcement arrives exactly 30 years after the original series' debut, capping a year of anniversary projects including merchandise, collaborations and events. The Yokohama festival drew massive crowds, with tickets selling out quickly. A new short film shown there — reportedly featuring alternate scenarios and "happy endings" for characters like Asuka and Shinji — generated buzz, though Studio Khara warned against unauthorized sharing, threatening legal action.

Industry observers see the project as a bold evolution. Bringing in Taro, an outsider to traditional anime production but a proven master of dark, introspective narratives, could inject fresh energy while honoring the series' legacy. Okabe's score promises to elevate emotional highs, potentially blending orchestral swells with electronic elements in a style akin to *NieR*'s iconic soundtrack.

Details remain scarce, with no voice cast, animation style or timeline confirmed. Given anime production cycles, a premiere is unlikely before 2027 or later. Fans speculate on whether it will continue post-*Rebuild* events, reboot elements or explore entirely new stories.

The reveal has ignited social media, with hashtags trending globally and discussions on platforms like Reddit and X focusing on Taro's fit. Many view it as the "perfect" creative pairing, given his admiration for Anno's work.

As *Evangelion* enters its fourth decade, this new series underscores its undying influence. Whether it delivers catharsis, more despair or something entirely unexpected, Taro's vision ensures the franchise will continue provoking thought and debate.