Yoko Taro’s new Evangelion anime faces an impossible challenge after 3.0+1.0
Polygon
by Debopriyaa DuttaFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The highly anticipated new Evangelion anime project from renowned game director Yoko Taro has been announced as part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations. This marks a significant milestone for fans of the iconic mecha series, with Taro—who previously described *Nier* as a “retelling” inspired by Evangelion—openly crediting the original work as a profound influence on his creative output. The project is being helmed by Studio Khara and CloverWorks, alongside acclaimed director Kazuya Tsurumaki, who also directed *Rebuild of Evangelion* and the 12-episode *Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX*. During the anniversary event, fans were treated to an exclusive short film featuring Asuka Langley Soryu, further teasing the potential of this new chapter in the storied franchise.
This announcement comes after a lengthy hiatus following *Rebuild of Evangelion*’s mixed reception and the divisive *3.0+1.0* films, which left fans eager for a fresh direction. Yoko Taro’s involvement brings a unique perspective to the table, blending his signature existential storytelling from *Nier: Automata* with the emotional depth that has long defined Evangelion. His fascination with the series is well-documented, and this new project represents a continuation of his lifelong admiration for Anno Haruki’s groundbreaking work.
For gaming enthusiasts, this development holds significant appeal. Y
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/24/2026