New Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Announced 30 Years After Original Series

Image: Studio Khara

The coming year marks three decades since creator Hideaki Anno launched his industry-defining masterpiece, Neon Genesis Evangelion. To celebrate this milestone, fans can expect an array of special exhibits, high-profile collaborations with G-Shock and McDonald’s, and a massive commemorative festival at Yokohama Arena this February. The most surprising announcement, however, is a brand-new animated short titled Evangelion: 30. Accompanying the news is promotional art featuring Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Kaworu—alongside Rebuild of Evangelion favorite Mari—all sporting casual outfits and rare, joyful expressions.

The title Evangelion: 30 is an unmistakable nod to the nomenclature of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, the final chapter of which premiered in 2021. Because Mari Illustrious Makinami is present, it is safe to assume this anniversary project is set within that specific cinematic continuity rather than the original 1995 timeline. While concrete plot details remain elusive, we know the short will be directed by Naoyuki Asano, with Anno himself managing the script, planning, and overall supervision.

Studio Khara

Fan reactions have been fascinatingly polarized. Many hope to see their favorite pilots find peace in a more lighthearted setting, but Neon Genesis Evangelion is legendary for its bleak, introspective nature rather than sunshine and smiles. While the key art’s cheerful disposition has sparked optimism, long-time viewers are wary that these smiles might merely be a facade for a more brooding, existential narrative.

One popular theory suggests the film might revisit the “what-if” reality seen during the original series finale—an alternate timeline where the characters live as normal students in a slice-of-life comedy. This would allow the cast to finally “just be kids,” with the Rebuild-exclusive Mari integrated into the group. Whether fans will truly get a happy-go-lucky conclusion remains to be seen when the short film debuts in February.

Source: Polygon