The world of anime is buzzing with anticipation as Studio Khara and CloverWorks have unveiled their latest collaboration: a brand-new series in the legendary Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. The announcement, which capped off the "Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion" festival at Yokohama Arena from February 21 to 23, 2026, marks a dramatic new chapter for the beloved saga that first redefined anime storytelling in 1995.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, the news is electrifying. Not only does it promise a return to the iconic universe of giant bio-mechanical warriors and existential drama, but it also brings a fresh creative force to the helm: Yoko Taro, the visionary behind the acclaimed NieR video game franchise. Taro will serve as both scriptwriter and script supervisor for the new series, provisionally titled "Next Genesis." His involvement is being heralded as a natural fit, given his penchant for dark, philosophical narratives that probe the human condition—an approach that echoes the original series’ psychological depth.
According to Essential Japan, the announcement was nothing short of spectacular. Attendees at the festival were treated to a special video presentation, complete with live choral and cello performances that set an emotional tone for the reveal. The event also featured an exclusive 13-minute animated short starring fan-favorite pilot Asuka, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. To top it all off, Yoko Takahashi, the original singer of the series’ iconic theme, delivered a stirring festival version of her upcoming concert tour, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement.
While details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, the creative lineup has already set the anime community abuzz. The project will be co-directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki—veteran of the Rebuild of Evangelion films and the recent Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX—and Toko Yatabe, who served as assistant director on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. The musical score will be composed by Keiichi Okabe, best known for his haunting and memorable work on the NieR series. Okabe’s collaboration with Taro in the past has produced some of the most emotionally resonant soundtracks in modern gaming, raising expectations that the new series will deliver a similarly powerful auditory experience.
GamesRadar+ highlighted the significance of this "collective dream team," noting that the new series follows in the footsteps of the original 1995-1996 television run, the cult classic End of Evangelion feature film, and the 21st-century Rebuild of Evangelion movies, which themselves played with alternate timelines and looping narratives. The combination of Taro’s unorthodox storytelling and the established lore of Evangelion seems poised to launch the franchise into uncharted territory.
Yoko Taro’s relationship with Evangelion runs deep. In a 2024 interview with IGN, he openly credited the series as a major inspiration for his work, stating, “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. I don’t really watch recent movies, so I’m mostly inspired by memories of works I saw in the past.” This candid admission underscores the creative synergy at play, as Taro now steps into the world that so profoundly shaped his own artistic vision.
For those unfamiliar, Neon Genesis Evangelion is widely regarded as one of the most influential anime series ever made. Its blend of apocalyptic action, psychological introspection, and religious symbolism set a new standard for the medium, inspiring countless creators across genres. The story centers on teenage pilots—most notably Shinji Ikari—who are recruited to pilot massive biomechanical weapons known as Evangelions in a desperate battle against mysterious beings called Angels. The series’ willingness to confront existential themes and emotional trauma has kept it relevant and compelling decades after its debut.
Yoko Taro, meanwhile, has become something of a cult figure in his own right. Known for wearing a giant moon-shaped mask during public appearances, Taro’s games—particularly NieR: Automata—are celebrated for their intricate, often bleak narratives and willingness to experiment with form. NieR: Automata alone boasts 26 different endings, including one that asks players to erase their own save data for the benefit of others. Such boundary-pushing storytelling has earned Taro a devoted following and makes his involvement with Evangelion all the more intriguing.
The announcement has also reignited speculation about the direction the new series might take. As CGMagazine noted, production details are "tightly under wraps," and it remains unclear whether "Next Genesis" will be a reboot, a sequel, or a completely original narrative. The cryptic teaser trailer released alongside the announcement offered few clues, but the presence of both veteran and new creative voices suggests that anything is possible. As one observer put it, "With Taro on board, it could really go in any direction."
Behind the scenes, Studio Khara—founded by original creator Hideaki Anno and responsible for the Rebuild films—joins forces with CloverWorks, a studio known for recent television anime hits. The partnership is seen as a meeting of giants, with both studios bringing unique strengths to the table. While Anno himself will not be writing the scripts for this new series, his influence looms large, and the involvement of longtime collaborators like Tsurumaki ensures continuity with the franchise’s past.
Notably, the 30th anniversary festival where the announcement was made was a celebration in every sense. Fans were not only treated to previews and performances but also got an exclusive look at an upcoming stage production titled Kabuki Symphony No. 9 Evangelion. The three-day event underscored the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Evangelion, which continues to inspire new generations of creators and audiences alike.
As fans eagerly await more information, the official website for the new series has gone live, offering a central hub for updates and speculation. In the meantime, the community is left to ponder the possibilities: Will "Next Genesis" revisit familiar ground, or will it chart a bold new course? With Yoko Taro at the narrative helm, the only certainty is that the journey will be anything but predictable.
One thing is clear: the legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion is far from over. With a visionary writer, a powerhouse creative team, and a devoted global fanbase, the next chapter is set to make waves in the anime world once again.