Yoko Taro, Creator of Nier: Automata, to Pen New Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Series

In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through the anime and gaming communities alike, visionary game director Yoko Taro—renowned for his work on Drakengard, Nier, and the critically acclaimed Nier: Automata—has been tapped to write and compose an entirely new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. The news broke as part of the “Evangelion:30+” celebration, marking three decades since Hideaki Anno’s groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece first aired and redefined the genre.

The collaboration immediately electrified fans, as Taro’s signature storytelling—known for its haunting atmosphere, existential dread, and deeply human (and often deeply flawed) characters—feels like a natural evolution of Evangelion‘s own DNA. His games have long been praised for blending oppressive, imaginative science fiction with psychological drama, angst, and simmering sexual tension, making him an inspired choice to helm this new chapter in the Evangelion saga.

A Dream Team Assembles

The project is shaping up to be a powerhouse production. In addition to Taro’s involvement, the series will be directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toru Yatabe, with music composed by NieR and NieR: Automata veteran Keiichi Okabe. Production will be a joint effort between Studio Khara, Anno’s own studio, and CloverWorks, known for hits like The Promised Neverland and Spy x Family.

Despite the excitement, details remain scarce. The official press release from evangelion.jp was notably sparse, offering no hints about the plot, setting, or even a release window. This air of mystery only adds to the anticipation, as fans speculate wildly about what Taro’s unique vision will bring to the Evangelion universe.

Yoko Taro’s Long-Awaited Return to Form

For Taro’s devoted fanbase, this announcement is especially thrilling. It’s been years since we’ve seen a full-scale, narrative-driven game from the auteur. After the runaway success of NieR: Automata in 2017, which catapulted Taro from “cult favorite” to mainstream acclaim, his output has been more sporadic. Recent years have seen smaller projects like the story-driven mobile game NieR Reincarnation and his contribution to the card-based RPG The Voices of Cards: The Island Dragon Roars, which received mixed reviews.

The most significant Taro-related release in recent memory has been NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, the 2021 remaster of the original NieR from 2010. Even the game’s title—a string of numbers and ellipses—feels like a spiritual cousin to Evangelion‘s own penchant for cryptic, almost absurd naming conventions, such as “Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time,” the fourth and final film in the Rebuild of Evangelion series.

What Could This Mean for Evangelion?

While it’s anyone’s guess what direction Taro will take the series, his involvement promises a fresh, perhaps even subversive, take on the Evangelion mythos. Will he lean into the psychological horror and existential despair that defines both his work and Anno’s? Or will he inject new life into the franchise with his trademark blend of dark humor and unconventional storytelling?

One thing is certain: with Taro at the helm, this new Evangelion series is poised to be anything but ordinary. As fans eagerly await more details, the anime world is buzzing with speculation, excitement, and a healthy dose of trepidation. After all, when Yoko Taro is involved, nothing is ever quite what it seems.

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