New “Neon Genesis Evangelion” Series Announced With Yoko Taro as Writer

More than 30 years after Neon Genesis Evangelion first premiered, the influential anime franchise is officially moving into a new chapter.

During the final day of the EVANGELION:30+ 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION event in Yokohama on February 23, 2026, Studio Khara announced that a completely new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series is in production. The project brings together several major names from both the Evangelion and NieR franchises.

The biggest surprise is the involvement of Yoko Taro, the creator associated with the NieR and Drakengard series. Taro will handle the new Evangelion project’s series composition and screenplay. Directing duties will be shared by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe, while Keiichi Okabe, known for his work on the NieR series, will compose the music.

The series is being produced by Studio Khara and CloverWorks.

Why Yoko Taro’s Involvement Is Significant

Yoko Taro is best known for his work on the NieR franchise, particularly NieR: Automata. His stories frequently explore subjects such as identity, humanity, existential questions, morality, and the consequences of conflict.

That makes his involvement particularly notable because Evangelion has also become known for combining science fiction and mecha storytelling with psychological, philosophical, and religious themes.

There is also a direct creative connection between Taro and Evangelion. In a 2024 interview with IGN Japan, Taro identified Neon Genesis Evangelion as a major inspiration for NieR: Automata, explaining that the anime influenced the game’s story.

That history makes the new project an interesting reversal: a creator whose work was influenced by Evangelion is now writing a new series within the franchise itself.

The Creative Team Behind the New Evangelion Series

The newly announced project brings together experienced creators from both sides of the anime and gaming worlds.

Yoko Taro – Series Composition and Screenplay

Yoko Taro will be responsible for the series composition and screenplay.

His previous work includes the NieR and Drakengard franchises, which are known for nonlinear storytelling, unusual worldbuilding, and themes involving humanity and existence.

However, the exact story Taro is developing for Evangelion has not yet been revealed.

Kazuya Tsurumaki – Director

Kazuya Tsurumaki will direct the new series alongside Toko Yatabe.

Tsurumaki is a longtime Evangelion veteran who directed the Rebuild of Evangelion films and has remained closely connected to the franchise. His involvement gives the new project a direct creative link to Evangelion’s more recent animated productions.

Toko Yatabe – Director

Toko Yatabe will share directing responsibilities with Tsurumaki.

Yatabe previously worked as an assistant director on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the final film in the Rebuild series.

Keiichi Okabe – Music Composer

The music will be composed by Keiichi Okabe, another major connection to the NieR franchise.

Okabe is widely associated with the music of the NieR games, making his involvement particularly notable for fans familiar with Taro’s previous work. His addition also gives the new Evangelion project another major creative link between the two franchises.

Studio Khara and CloverWorks Are Producing

The new Evangelion series will be produced through a collaboration between Studio Khara and CloverWorks.

Studio Khara has a direct connection to the Evangelion franchise, while CloverWorks has produced and animated numerous major anime projects.

The collaboration represents a new production setup for an Evangelion television series, although specific information about the animation schedule and production timeline has not been announced.

What Could the New Evangelion Series Be About?

This is where the announcement becomes particularly intriguing.

At the time of the announcement, the creators did not reveal the plot of the new series. There is also no confirmed information explaining whether the project is a sequel, a new interpretation, a spin-off, or another story connected to the franchise’s existing continuity.

That means theories about the setting or timeline remain speculation.

The Evangelion franchise already has a complicated history involving the original television series, The End of Evangelion, and the Rebuild films. Because of that history, fans have plenty of possible interpretations, but the production team has not yet confirmed which direction this new project will take.

Why the NieR Connection Matters

The collaboration between Yoko Taro and Keiichi Okabe is especially notable because the two are strongly associated with the NieR franchise.

Taro’s writing is known for exploring existential and philosophical questions, while Okabe’s music has become an important part of the identity of the NieR games.

Evangelion has similarly relied on a combination of unusual storytelling, psychological themes, memorable characters, and distinctive music.

Taro has also openly discussed Evangelion’s influence on his own creative work. That makes his role on the new series more than a simple high-profile casting decision; there is a documented creative connection between the writer and the franchise.

What We Know About the New Series So Far

Here is what has been officially reported about the project:

The initial announcement was accompanied by a short promotional video, but it did not reveal substantial story details.

When Will the New Evangelion Series Be Released?

As of the announcement, no release date or release window has been confirmed.

The production announcement focused primarily on introducing the creative team and confirming that a completely new series is in development. More information about the title, story, cast, schedule, and eventual release is expected to be announced separately.

Until an official release date is provided, claims about when the anime will premiere should be treated as speculation.

What This Means for Evangelion Fans

The announcement represents a significant moment for the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

Rather than simply revisiting the original staff lineup, the project combines established Evangelion talent with creators strongly associated with another influential science-fiction franchise.

Tsurumaki brings extensive Evangelion experience, Yatabe has worked on the Rebuild era, and Taro and Okabe bring their established creative partnership from the NieR series.

Exactly how those different creative backgrounds will come together remains unknown.

For now, the most important confirmed fact is simple: a completely new Evangelion anime series is in production, with Yoko Taro handling the series composition and screenplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a new Neon Genesis Evangelion series confirmed?

Yes. A completely new Evangelion anime series was officially announced during the franchise’s 30th-anniversary event in February 2026.

Is Yoko Taro writing the new Evangelion anime?

Yes. Yoko Taro is credited with the series composition and screenplay for the new project.

Who is directing the new Evangelion series?

The project will be directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe.

Who is composing the music?

Keiichi Okabe, known for his work on the NieR series, is composing the music for the new Evangelion project.

Is the new series a remake of the original Evangelion?

That has not been confirmed. The production has been described as a completely new series, but the creators have not yet explained its exact relationship to the original television series or the Rebuild films.

When will the new Evangelion anime be released?

A release date has not been announced.

Conclusion

The announcement of a new Neon Genesis Evangelion series marks another major chapter for one of anime’s most influential franchises.

The project has an unusual but highly relevant creative lineup. Yoko Taro will write the series, Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toko Yatabe will direct it, and Keiichi Okabe will provide the music, with Studio Khara and CloverWorks handling production.

There are still many unanswered questions, particularly concerning the plot, setting, continuity, cast, official title, and release date. For now, those details remain undisclosed.

What is already clear is that Evangelion is entering its next era with a creative team that brings together decades of franchise experience and a strong connection to the philosophical science-fiction storytelling associated with NieR.