The Perfect Story for a New Evangelion Anime Is Tucked Away in This Asuka Short

Evangelion has returned to the spotlight. The franchise’s landmark 30th-anniversary celebration didn’t just look back at its legacy; it signaled a bold new era with the announcement of an upcoming anime project penned by Yoko Taro, the visionary creator behind Nier: Automata. During the festivities at Yokohama Arena, series architect Hideaki Anno debuted a surprising short film centered on Asuka Langley Soryu—though its future availability remains uncertain, as Studio Khara has strictly prohibited public sharing of the footage. While details regarding the new series remain under wraps, there is a collective hope that it explores the alternate destinies hinted at in the short, finally granting Asuka the emotional resolution she has long been denied.

The anniversary short features a surreal encounter between the original Soryu and her Rebuild of Evangelion counterpart, Asuka Shikinami Langley. As the two discuss the weight of their respective existences, Soryu voices a yearning for a more hopeful conclusion. For those needing a refresher, Soryu’s journey ended in the visceral End of Evangelion, where she perished only to be resurrected in a desolate world alongside a traumatized Shinji Ikari. In the new short, Shikinami acts as a guide through various “what if” timelines, including scenarios where she and Shinji function as a synchronized combat duo or even explore a romantic connection.

After navigating these potential lives, Soryu briefly considers a reality where she and Shinji have grown old together and started a family. Ultimately, however, she chooses to accept her original, painful ending. The scene then transitions into a musical sequence evocative of the compilation film Death & Rebirth, blending nostalgia with the franchise’s signature existentialism.

This narrative experiment aligns perfectly with the overarching themes of Neon Genesis Evangelion—the difficult necessity of self-acceptance and closure. While the *Rebuild* tetralogy offered many characters a sense of peace, the original Soryu has remained a tragic figure. Although Shikinami exists as her spiritual successor, she has evolved into a distinct individual. The original pilot deserves a definitive conclusion within a major production rather than being relegated to exclusive event footage that may never see the light of day again.

It remains to be seen how Yoko Taro will approach this universe, especially given the enigmatic and somber tone of the initial teaser. However, there is immense potential in expanding upon the anniversary short’s concepts. The finale of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time was a masterclass in rejecting escapism in favor of embracing reality. As Taro becomes the first person other than Anno to steer the series, he has the opportunity to uphold these philosophical foundations while charting a new course.

Fans hold every iteration of Asuka in high regard, yet the desire for Soryu’s closure remains a powerful sentiment. If this anniversary short serves as a proof of concept, it suggests that the studio is aware of this lingering thread. As the franchise moves into its fourth decade, perhaps the multiverse of Evangelion will finally allow its most firebrand pilot to find the rest she has earned.

Source: Polygon