Evangelion’s Secret 30th Anniversary Short Film Is Now Streaming Online

Devoted followers of the series are likely already buzzing about the revival of Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion. This new iteration features a collaboration with Yoko Taro, the visionary creator behind Nier and Nier: Automata. Unveiled during the franchise’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, the event also showcased an exclusive short film dedicated to the pilot of Evangelion Unit-02, Asuka Langley Soryu. While fans initially feared the piece would remain a strictly local experience—especially as Studio Khara aggressively moved to block unauthorized uploads—the short has finally made its way to the public via Khara’s official YouTube channel.

Clocking in at approximately 14 minutes, the video is accompanied by a detailed statement on the official event site. The studio expressed deep gratitude to those who attended the anniversary festivities and noted their long-standing desire to share the work with a broader audience. The timing of the release is significant: its digital debut on March 8 coincides with the fifth anniversary of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the grand finale of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy. Within the announcement, the team also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the work from illegal distribution and social media leaks.

The narrative focuses on a meeting between two incarnations: the original Asuka Soryu and her Rebuild universe counterpart, Asuka Shikinami Langley. Set against a minimalist stage accompanied by the iconic “Asuka Strikes!” score, the two pilots confront their shared history of trauma. Soryu demands the resolution she feels she is owed, prompting Shikinami to suggest a state of slumber where her destiny can be reshaped. This leads to a series of speculative “what-if” timelines, allowing Soryu to explore the various paths her life might have taken. The short mirrors the core philosophical pillars of the franchise: the rejection of comforting illusions in favor of radical self-acceptance, even within a reality steeped in hardship.

By granting Asuka the agency to define her own conclusion, the short provides a vital coda to her character arc across the franchise’s complex history. As fans look toward the future, the hope remains that Yoko Taro’s upcoming contribution will honor this legacy, adding a profound and meaningful new chapter to the Evangelion mythos.

Source: Polygon