The Neon Genesis Evangelion universe may have drawn to a close (for now), but creator Hideaki Anno is far from done. Apart from expanding the Shin Japan Hero Universe, uniting the Shin Godzilla (2016), Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021), Shin Ultraman (2022), and Shin Kamen Rider (2023) franchises, the industry veteran is also set to produce a new Space Battleship Yamato anime film.
While details about the outing remain under wraps, Anno emphasised that it’ll differ from the ongoing remake projects launched by the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 anime. The news was announced during the 50th anniversary screening of the series, where he revealed that Studio Khara — which he founded — received license approvals from the original rights holders.
“If I had not encountered Space Battleship Yamato 50 years ago, I would not be where I am today,” said the filmmaker. “As long as I am involved with the Yamato series, I would like to spend the rest of my life creating interesting works that weave together the old and the new as much as possible and bequeath Space Battleship Yamato to future generations, with gratitude, respect and repayment to all the Yamato staff and cast.”
The team is looking to begin production in 2025 for theatrical release later, with Yutaka Izubuchi, chief director of the remake projects, also involved in another new work. In the meantime, Anno will oversee other anniversary initiatives for the franchise, including the launch of various art books and a planned artwork exhibition.
Released in 1974 by Yoshinobu Nishizaki and Leiji Matsumoto, the sci-fi anime follows Susumu Kodai and an international crew from Earth, tasked during an interstellar war to board the space warship Yamato, derived from the World War II battleship of the same name, in response to a message of aid.
It’s widely regarded as one of the most influential anime series in Japan, serving as an inspiration for subsequent works in the genre, such as Gundam, Evangelion, and Macross. Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 is the current project in the remake pipeline, serving as a remake of both Be Forever Yamato and Space Battleship Yamato III. It will premiere as seven films, beginning on 19 July 2024.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
