Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, is returning to one of the anime franchises that helped shape his career. Anno will direct the upcoming theatrical anime movie Space Battleship Yamato √2199, a new project being produced by Studio Khara and Production I.G. The film is currently in production, although a release date has not been announced.
The announcement arrives shortly after the original Space Battleship Yamato celebrated its 52nd anniversary. The 1974 series, which was released internationally as Star Blazers, remains one of the most influential Japanese science-fiction anime productions and had a significant impact on Anno himself.
HIDEAKI ANNO RETURNS TO A FRANCHISE THAT SHAPED HIS CAREER
Anno has previously spoken about the importance of Space Battleship Yamato to his development as an anime creator. During the franchise’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2024, he described its influence by saying,
“Without this work, anime would have been in a different form than it is today.”
In a newly announced interview with Monthly Newtype, Anno explained that his goal with the new project is to
“create a Yamato that embodies our prayers and wishes for both the next generation and our own.”
The interview is scheduled to appear in the magazine’s November 2026 issue.
The project also reunites Anno with Yutaka Izubuchi, who will co-direct the movie. Izubuchi previously worked extensively on Space Battleship Yamato 2199, making his involvement particularly significant for the new production.
Space Battleship Yamato √2199 appears to be taking a different direction from the ongoing Yamato remake projects. The franchise has recently continued with Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199, a series of seven theatrical films that began in 2024.
The original story is set in 2199, when Earth has been devastated by radiation following attacks from the alien Gamilons. Humanity’s last hope is a journey to the distant planet Iscandar, where the crew of the rebuilt battleship Yamato seeks technology capable of restoring Earth.
The series was created by Yoshinobu Nishizaki and Leiji Matsumoto and helped establish science-fiction anime as a medium capable of tackling war, sacrifice and survival for audiences beyond children.
Anno’s involvement therefore carries particular weight. The Evangelion creator is now returning to a franchise that helped inspire his own career, while Studio Khara has also recently worked on other major anime projects, including Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
With Space Battleship Yamato √2199 still in production, further details about its story, animation and release date are expected to be revealed in the future.
