The Next Evangelion Anime Faces a Major Challenge

Image: Gainax

The anime community is currently abuzz following the revelation of a brand-new Neon Genesis Evangelion project. With *NieR* mastermind Yoko Taro taking over writing duties from creator Hideaki Anno, fans are grappling with a mix of exhilaration and uncertainty. Speculation is rampant regarding where this new chapter fits within the franchise’s convoluted timelines. Will it serve as a companion to the *Rebuild* tetralogy, a sequel to the 1995 original, or a complete reimagining? While narrative questions loom large, they pale in comparison to the production’s steepest hurdle: delivering an opening theme that can rival the cultural weight of the original.

“Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis” (known globally as “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”) is arguably the most recognizable track in anime history. Over the three decades since its release, it has evolved from a series intro into a foundational J-pop anthem. Composed by Hidetoshi Sato with lyrics by Neko Oikawa and brought to life by Yoko Takahashi’s powerful vocals, the song is a masterclass in musical energy. Ironically, the creative team behind this masterpiece had very little grasp of the show’s complex psychological themes during its inception.

When Oikawa penned the lyrics, the series was still in early production. Her preparation consisted only of a brief look at the initial proposal and a fast-forwarded viewing of the first two episodes. The song’s title was actually inspired by Moto Hagio’s manga, *A Cruel God Reigns*, a seminal work exploring intense themes of abuse and trauma. Despite the lack of giant robots in her source of inspiration, the emotional gravity aligned perfectly with Anno’s vision. Even Yoko Takahashi went into the recording booth with minimal knowledge of the plot, yet she delivered a performance for the ages.

For generations of fans, this melody was the gateway to the medium, helping *Evangelion* break into the global mainstream. Now, the daunting task of following this legacy falls to Keiichi Okabe, the celebrated composer behind the *NieR* franchise. He faces the nearly impossible expectation of crafting something that resonates with the same historical impact.

Okabe’s talent is unquestionable. The teaser trailer for the new project features his signature style—haunting, atmospheric, and somber—which defined the soundscapes of the *NieR* games and the recent *NieR: Automata* anime. However, the shadow cast by “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is immense. We are talking about a triple-platinum hit that has consistently topped the JASRAC charts, securing its place as one of the most profitable songs in Japanese history. Competing with that level of nostalgia and commercial success is a Herculean feat.

While some fans remain skeptical due to the definitive endings of previous Evangelion iterations, Hideaki Anno has long maintained that the franchise should be a playground for other creators to explore. Audiences should welcome this fresh perspective with an open mind. Ultimately, the true “Eva-scale” challenge isn’t the story itself—it’s finding a new anthem that can, even for a moment, step out from the light of its predecessor.

Source: Polygon