Quick Read
- Yoko Taro, director of NieR: Automata, will write a new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series.
- The announcement was made on February 23, 2026, during the 30th anniversary event in Yokohama.
- Toru Yatabe and Kazuya Tsurumaki will direct, with Keiichi Okabe composing the music.
- Yoko Taro has previously cited Evangelion as a major inspiration for his own works.
- The series will be produced by Studio Khara and CloverWorks.
YOKOHAMA (Azat TV) – Yoko Taro, the acclaimed director and writer behind the critically lauded game NieR: Automata, has been tapped to pen a new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. The announcement, made on February 23, 2026, during the ‘EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION’ event in Yokohama, marks a significant collaboration that has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming and anime communities, promising a fresh, unconventional take on the iconic franchise.
Details regarding the new series are currently sparse, but the official Evangelion website confirmed Yoko Taro’s role in scripting. He will be joined by a formidable creative team, including directors Toru Yatabe, known for his work on Chainsaw Man and Weathering With You, and Kazuya Tsurumaki, a veteran of the *Rebuild of Evangelion* films and the recent *Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX* anime. The musical score will be composed by Keiichi Okabe, Yoko Taro’s frequent collaborator from the NieR franchise and Tekken, ensuring a distinctive auditory experience. The series will be produced by Studio Khara and CloverWorks, according to Crunchyroll.
Yoko Taro’s Unique Creative Vision for Evangelion
Yoko Taro is celebrated for his distinctive and often experimental approach to storytelling, pushing the boundaries of medium with narratives that are both mind-bending and emotionally resonant. His most famous work, NieR: Automata, is renowned for its philosophical depth, multiple endings (including one that requires players to sacrifice their save data), and unconventional structure. Taro often appears in public wearing a mask of Emil, a character from the NieR series, further embodying his enigmatic persona.
This choice of writer is particularly notable given Yoko Taro’s long-standing admiration for Neon Genesis Evangelion. He has openly acknowledged the classic anime as a profound influence on his own creative output. Speaking to IGN Japan, Taro once stated, ‘The work I was most inspired by is Neon Genesis Evangelion… 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.’ This deep personal connection suggests that his involvement is not merely a professional assignment but a passion project, potentially leading to a profound reinterpretation of the series.
A New Era for the Iconic Anime Franchise
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion, directed by Hideaki Anno and animated by Gainax, first aired from 1995 to 1996, captivating audiences with its complex characters, psychological themes, and enigmatic lore. It was followed by the feature film The End of Evangelion and later the 21st Century *Rebuild of Evangelion* movies, which explored alternate timelines and narrative twists, further solidifying its status as one of anime’s most influential works. The decision to bring in Yoko Taro, known for his narrative deconstructions and philosophical inquiries, aligns with Evangelion’s legacy of challenging conventional storytelling.
With Hideaki Anno not scripting this new iteration, Yoko Taro’s appointment is seen by many as the ideal succession, ensuring the franchise remains in capable hands that are not afraid to delve into complex themes. Industry observers, including Polygon, have lauded the choice as ‘perfect,’ suggesting it’s perhaps the only decision that could satisfy the franchise’s passionate fanbase while introducing fresh perspectives.
The Collaborative Dream Team
The collective talent assembled for this new Evangelion series has been dubbed a ‘dream team’ by GamesRadar+. The synergy between Yoko Taro’s narrative genius, the directorial experience of Toru Yatabe and Kazuya Tsurumaki, and Keiichi Okabe’s evocative musical compositions, promises a powerful and distinctive entry into the *Evangelion* canon. The involvement of Studio Khara, which produced the *Rebuild* films, alongside CloverWorks, ensures both continuity and a fresh production perspective.
Yoko Taro’s engagement with the new Neon Genesis Evangelion series underscores a broader industry trend of cross-pollination between video game and anime creators, bringing fresh perspectives to established franchises and signaling a continued evolution of narrative forms in popular media.