In a surprise announcement during the franchise’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, Studio Khara has confirmed that a completely new Neon Genesis Evangelion series is officially in production, with a legendary creative team at the helm

For years, fans believed that Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time was the definitive “Goodbye” to the world of EVA. However, during the “EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION” festival on February 23, Studio Khara proved there are still stories left to tell.

The studio officially announced a “completely new series” that marks a monumental shift for the franchise, most notably by bringing in one of the most provocative minds in modern gaming to lead the narrative.

In perhaps the most surprising move in the franchise’s history, the series composition and script will be handled by Yoko Taro. Best known as the director and writer of the NieR and Drakengard series, Taro is famous for his unconventional storytelling, existential dread, and penchant for multiple “endings.”

Given that Evangelion and NieR share themes of human identity, loneliness, and the apocalypse, fans are already speculating that Taro’s involvement will push the series into even darker, more experimental territory.

While Hideaki Anno’s name was not listed as the primary director for this project, the series remains in the hands of franchise veterans and industry titans:

  • Directors: The project will be co-directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (a longtime Anno protégé and director of FLCL and the Rebuild films) and Toru Yatabe.
  • Music: In a “dream team” reunion with Yoko Taro, the legendary Keiichi Okabe (NieR: Automata) will compose the score. This marks a departure from the franchise’s traditional use of Shiro Sagisu’s iconic orchestral motifs.
  • Production: The series is a joint venture between Studio Khara and CloverWorks (Spy x Family, My Dress-Up Darling), suggesting a blend of Khara’s technical 3D/2D mastery with CloverWorks’ renowned character animation.

Specific plot details remain heavily guarded. The official press release refers to the project as a “completely new series,” leaving it unclear whether this is a sequel to the Rebuild tetralogy, a side story, or a total reimagining of the 1995 original.

A brief teaser video was shown during the “Final Program” of the anniversary festival, though it has yet to be released globally. Currently, there is no confirmed release date, but with production officially “starting,” the industry expects a 2027 or 2028 premiere.

The announcement comes exactly 30 years after the original anime first aired, proving that Evangelion remains a cornerstone of global pop culture. By passing the torch to a creator like Yoko Taro, Studio Khara seems intent on ensuring that the next chapter of Evangelion is just as unpredictable and soul-searching as the first.

For more updates, stay tuned to the official Evangelion website at evangelion.jp.