The Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, one of the most influential anime series of all time, is set to receive a brand-new animated short as part of its milestone 30th anniversary celebrations. The 13-minute production, titled Evangelion Hōsō 30 Shūnen Kinen Tokubetsu Kōgyō (translated as Evangelion Broadcast 30th Anniversary Special Screening), will make its world premiere in early 2026.
Originally debuting on Japanese television in October 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion redefined the mecha genre through its intense psychological exploration, complex characters, and apocalyptic themes. Created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Studio Khara's predecessor Gainax, the series followed teenager Shinji Ikari as he piloted giant bio-machines known as Evangelions to defend humanity against mysterious beings called Angels. Its groundbreaking narrative and bold ending sparked widespread discussion and cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon. The franchise expanded with theatrical films, including the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, which concluded with Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time in 2021.
The new short is being planned by Hideaki Anno himself, who also serves as scriptwriter and chief supervisor. Direction falls to Naoyuki Asano, known for his work as animation director on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. The project benefits from a seasoned supervisory team, including Kazuya Tsurumaki (director of Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, and Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time), Shinji Higuchi (storyboard artist on earlier Rebuild entries), and Ikki Todoroki (assistant chief director on the final Rebuild film).
The short will premiere exclusively at the Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion festival, the franchise's first dedicated festival event. Scheduled for February 21–23, 2026, at Yokohama Arena, the 13-minute animation will screen once daily on a massive 18m x 15m LED screen, offering attendees an immersive viewing experience. Anno personally designed the festival's title icon visual, while staff from Studio Khara are directing the overall spatial and layout design.
Beyond the premiere, the festival will feature an extensive exhibition area showcasing franchise history and artifacts, a stage area for special programming, and exclusive merchandise. Another highlight includes the Kabuki Kōkyōkyoku Dai Kyū-ban Evangelion (Kabuki Symphony No. 9 Evangelion), a unique kabuki collaboration between Studio Khara and Shochiku.
Complementing the festival, Japanese theaters will host the Monthly Eva: Evangelion 30th Movie Fest. 2025-2026, a series of monthly revival screenings of the franchise's six main theatrical films from October 2025 through February 2026. This initiative allows newer audiences to experience the Rebuild series and classic entries on the big screen.
While details about the short's content remain under wraps, the project underscores the enduring legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion three decades after its broadcast debut. Hideaki Anno, reflecting on the franchise's future, stated in an interview that "there may be plans" for additional Evangelion anime, potentially led by someone other than himself (via Asahi Shimbun).
The 30th anniversary celebrations highlight the series' lasting impact on anime and global pop culture, bridging generations of viewers through new and revisited content.
Sources: Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion event's website & Comic Natalie
