A new anime series set in the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion is in production, surprising fans by recruiting prominent video game creator Yoko Taro as lead writer and overall series composer. This announcement, released as part of the Evangelion:30+ 30th anniversary celebration, signals the first significant expansion of the iconic sci-fi franchise in years. Yoko Taro, celebrated for his work on Drakengard and the Nier series, including Nier: Automata, is known for exploring deep psychological themes and unconventional storytelling, sparking speculation about the creative direction the project may take. While the production team remains tight-lipped about specific plot details or a release timeline, anticipation is already building among long-time Evangelion enthusiasts and Taro’s dedicated fanbase. This endeavor brings together a mix of established and fresh talent, with directorial duties being shared by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toru Yatabe, and Studio Khara collaborating with CloverWorks in production.
Media coverage of Evangelion projects in recent years has focused mainly on the Rebuild film series, particularly the 2021 release of “Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time.” Previous efforts to extend the franchise leaned on familiar narratives and Hideki Anno’s continued involvement, often emphasizing closure or reinterpretation. Collaborations featuring a high-profile gaming creator like Yoko Taro represent a notable shift from past strategies that remained insular within established anime industry figures. Interest in Nier: Automata’s own anime adaptation last year reflected a growing appetite for cross-media creative exchanges. While announcements typically detailed cast and story directions upfront, the new Evangelion project stands out for its secrecy, fueling discussion across both anime and gaming communities.
Who is Behind the Project?
Yoko Taro will be handling writing and composition for the new Evangelion series, bringing experience from games renowned for complex narratives and existential dilemmas. Supporting his vision, Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toru Yatabe take the helm as directors, while genre favorite Keiichi Okabe is tasked with composing music—a team assembled from across both anime and video game industries. Production will be a collaborative effort between Studio Khara, long associated with the Evangelion brand, and CloverWorks, an animation studio with a diverse portfolio. In an official comment, Taro stated,
“I am honored to explore new ideas within the world of Evangelion and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
What Do We Know About the New Series?
Details about the series itself remain scarce, with neither narrative premise nor release window confirmed. The announcement did not provide information about character focus or how, if at all, the series will link to prior Evangelion stories or films. However, the creative team’s background suggests an emphasis on intricate psychological drama and philosophical storytelling, elements familiar to both Evangelion followers and fans of Yoko Taro’s previous work. A representative for Studio Khara shared,
“We believe this collaboration will result in a unique addition to the Evangelion legacy.”
How Does Yoko Taro’s Style Complement Evangelion?
Taro’s previous titles, especially Nier: Automata and Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, have established him as a creator unafraid to blend philosophical questions with emotive character arcs. The naming conventions and thematic overlap between Nier and Evangelion have not gone unnoticed by fans; both series examine identity, trauma, and societal fracture through unconventional narrative devices. Existing familiarity with these themes is seen as a natural fit, and many anticipate that merging Taro’s writing with Evangelion’s universe could result in compelling new directions for both franchises.
Looking ahead, the new Evangelion anime series arrives at a time of ongoing interest in cross-industry collaborations between anime and gaming creators. For viewers eager for novel interpretations of classic franchises, developments such as this suggest a willingness among studios to experiment with storytelling formats and talent profiles. Readers seeking updates should watch for further details from official Evangelion channels and announcements from Studio Khara and CloverWorks. Maintaining objectivity will be important as speculation continues and more information emerges in the coming months. Observing how this project unfolds may offer lessons for both industries about the challenges and potential of creative partnerships. Notably, Yoko Taro’s involvement may attract not only existing Evangelion audiences but also new viewers familiar with his games, providing a wider cultural bridge and possibly reshaping the perception of established anime series in the process.
