Everything We Know About The Mysterious New ‘Evangelion’ Project
Over 30 years ago, Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) premiered, leaving an indelible mark on the anime world. Directed by Hideaki Anno, the anime series offered a somber twist on the mecha genre, exploring what happens when a teenage boy finds himself burdened with protecting humanity’s fate by piloting the mecha Evangelion Unit-01. Not only was Neon Genesis Evangelion visually dazzling and filled with unique action and fight sequences, but it was also a very cerebral experience. Few anime have as many philosophical, religious, and existential themes as Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Following the success of the original anime, Evangelion grew into a sprawling media franchise, including a reboot film series, Rebuild of Evangelion (2007-2021). After the reboot film series, Evangelion took a hiatus from the screen, leaving fans uncertain about its future. Now, though, for the first time in five years, a new original Evangelion project is on the horizon.
What Is The New ‘Evangelion’ Animated Project?
On February 23, 2026, Studio Khara announced a new Evangelion animated project during the final program of the EVANGELION:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion festival. It was the perfect way to end the 30th anniversary celebration of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Shortly after the program, the official Khara Studio YouTube channel released an announcement video. During the 2026 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, Khara Studio also dropped the English-language version (below) of the announcement.
The announcement didn’t unveil any release info or plot details. However, it confirmed that the new Evangelion project will be an animated TV series. The video offers a few striking visuals of musical instruments overgrown with vines and leaves. Text throughout the video reads, “An eternal summer vacation. This place is our paradise. This place is our graveyard. What we hear is the song of eternal damnation. We pray thy souls rest in peace.” The video also confirms the creative talent behind the new series.
The New Eva Production Team (Including One Big Absence)
According to the announcement video, Khara Studios is partnering with Cloverworks, the studio behind hits like Bocchi the Rock (2022) and Spy x Family (2022), for the new Evangelion series. Composer Keiichi Okabe, known for his work on the NieR video game series, will provide the music. Yoko Taro, also known for his work on the NieR series, is writing the Evangelion series, while Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe are directing. Tsurumaki and Yatabe have worked on the franchise before, as Tsurumaki co-directed the Rebuild of Evangelion series, on which Yatabe worked as an animator. Taro is an interesting choice, considering he has long credited Evangelion as one of the main influencers on his acclaimed NieR series.
However, one thing fans of the franchise can’t help notice about the lineup is that one major name is missing. Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno was not named in the announcement video. Anno has been involved in every major Evangelion project, including serving as Chief Director on the Rebuild of Evangelion films. While it’s possible he may still serve as an executive producer or some similar role, the new Evangelion series is the first major Evangelion project that he won’t directly helm.
Where (And When) Could The New Project Take Place?
Although the announcement video is vague on plot details, fan theories have already begun stirring about the potential setting of the new Evangelion series. There are a few clues in the teaser, including the shot of a piano, cello, and some kind of version of Unit 01. The imagery is slightly similar to that of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012), when Shinji (Megumi Ogata) finds Kaworu (Akira Ishida) playing piano at the remains of the NERV headquarters. Even if it’s not the same location, the piano and cello definitely appear to be a nod to Shinji, possibly hinting he is the main character.
What we do know is that the Rebuild films already retold Neon Genesis Evangelion, so it’s unlikely the new series will do the same. Still, the vaguely familiar imagery suggests something close to the main story, perhaps a sequel or an untold story within the main continuity.
How To Catch Up With ‘Evangelion’ So Far
With the new Evangelion series on the horizon, now is the perfect time to catch up on or refresh your memory of the franchise. There are two main Evangelion series: the original series and the Rebuild series. Both series essentially tell the same story, though Rebuild is a retelling of the original with some new subplots and a new ending. Most newcomers to the franchise want to start with the original series and its recaps/alternate ending:
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Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)
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Evangelion: Death(true)2 (1998)
After the original series, you’ll want to check out the retelling of the story through the Rebuild films, which do leave out some context and seem to assume viewers have already watched the original. The Rebuild watch order is as follows:
Why To Watch ‘Evangelion’
If you’re an anime fan looking for a groundbreaking and thought-provoking series, the Evangelion franchise is for you. It’s most comparable to Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Attack on Titan (2013) in terms of its influence on anime, its genre-revolutionizing impact, and its deep dive into philosophical and religious themes. The original series offers the darkest, deepest studies on flawed characters and human nature, while the Rebuild films offer a more contemporary, fast, sleeker, and visually striking take on the story. Whether you’re looking for a cornerstone of anime or a masterpiece of dark, cerebral storytelling and character development, Evangelion has something for everyone.
8.5
At the turn of the century, the Angels returned to Earth, seeking to wipe out humanity in an apocalyptic fury. Devastated, mankind’s last remnants moved underground to wait for the day when the Angels would come back to finish the job. Fifteen years later, that day has come… but this time, humanity is ready to fight back with terrifying bio-mechanical weapons known as the Evangelions. Watch as Shinji, Rei, Asuka and the rest of the mysterious shadow agency Nerv battle to save earth from total annihilation.
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