New Evangelion Anime Series Announced Featuring NieR Creator Yoko Taro

To commemorate the landmark 30th anniversary of the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" franchise, a brand-new, currently untitled anime series has been officially greenlit for development. This major revelation took place on February 23, 2026, during the final session of the "EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION" festival. The three-day event, which ran from February 21 to February 23, 2026, was hosted at the prestigious Yokohama Arena, drawing fans from across the globe to celebrate the legacy of the series.

The most striking aspect of this upcoming project is the involvement of Yoko Taro, the visionary game designer and writer celebrated for his work on the "NieR" and "Drakengard" series. Taro, who has frequently cited "Evangelion" as a primary inspiration for "NieR: Automata," will serve as the series writer and will be responsible for the overall series composition. Joining him in the creative leadership are directors Kazuya Tsurumaki, a veteran of the "Rebuild of Evangelion" films, and Toko Yatabe, who previously served as an assistant director on "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time." To further the creative synergy, Keiichi Okabe, the renowned composer behind "NieR: Automata," has been tasked with the musical score.

This production marks a significant collaborative effort between Studio Khara, the production house founded by Hideaki Anno, and CloverWorks, the studio behind acclaimed hits like "Spy x Family" and "The Promised Neverland." This partnership aims to blend the distinct, high-concept visual identity of Khara with the modern animation techniques and polish that CloverWorks is known for. The original "Neon Genesis Evangelion" television series, which aired from October 1995 to March 1996, remains a cultural milestone that redefined the mecha genre by integrating profound psychological introspection and complex character studies.

While the "Rebuild of Evangelion" cinematic cycle concluded in 2021 with the release of "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time"—a massive commercial success that earned over 10 billion yen at the Japanese box office—it is clear that the franchise's journey is far from over. The inclusion of Yoko Taro suggests a continuation of the series' philosophical roots, likely exploring themes of existentialism and the nature of cycles. Although both studios have confirmed that production is underway, specific details regarding the plot, format, or an official release date have not yet been disclosed to the public.

Beyond the main announcement, the Yokohama festival treated attendees to a variety of special presentations, including the premiere of a 15-minute short film focused on the character Asuka Langley Soryu and a unique kabuki stage adaptation. Hideaki Anno has previously expressed his openness to allowing other creators to explore new narratives within the "Evangelion" mythos. This new project represents a logical expansion of that universe, inviting fresh perspectives to build upon the foundation of one of anime's most influential works.