At Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, acclaimed game creator Yoko Taro, known for his work on NieR: Automata, unveiled the first trailer for a new Evangelion anime series, providing fans with intriguing hints about the project. This announcement has reignited interest in Hideaki Anno’s iconic series, especially given Taro’s open acknowledgment of Evangelion as a substantial influence on his own work.
Yoko Taro has long admitted that NieR: Automata draws heavily from the narrative and themes of Neon Genesis Evangelion. He has remarked that while fans praise the story of NieR: Automata, it essentially serves as a retelling of Evangelion, conceding that it offers little in terms of originality. This candid reflection adds a compelling layer to the new anime series he is developing, which promises to revisit the familiar yet enigmatic world of Shinji, Asuka, and the other iconic characters.
Anime Expo 2026 Spotlight
The event itself has been a hub for major announcements beyond Taro’s project. The streaming premiere date for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle was revealed, while the highly anticipated Solo Leveling film was introduced with a trailer notable for its striking live-action aesthetic. Amid this dynamic lineup, Yoko Taro’s new Evangelion anime stood out, featuring a trailer that delivers a chilling atmosphere highlighted by cryptic messages branded as “the song of eternal damnation.”
This fresh installment challenges long-time fans to revisit Hideaki Anno’s foundational work, which has repeatedly evolved through reinterpretations and expansions. The new series by Yoko Taro is expected to add another complex layer to the Evangelion mythos, continuing the legacy of a franchise that persistently redefines itself with every new project.