Hideaki Anno, the co-creator and director of Neon Genesis Evangelion, recently announced that he and his studio, Khara, will be working on a new Space Battleship Yamato anime film project. Anno shared that this project will take a different direction compared to the ongoing remake projects of Space Battleship Yamato 2199.
In a public message on Khara’s website and social media accounts, Anno reflected on the franchise as a whole and discussed his approach to the new project. He mentioned that the Yamato series has always had multiple worlds existing simultaneously, with different sequels like Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato and Space Battleship Yamato 2 taking the story in various directions.
Anno compared the Yamato franchise to other long-running series like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai, where the stories often run parallel to each other or are reset in different ways. He expressed his familiarity with the concept of multiple works under the same title, stating that it has been a natural part of his life since childhood.
Despite embarking on a new Yamato project, Anno showed support for the ongoing remake series, Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199, and wished for its success to add to the Yamato legacy. It’s worth noting that Yutaka Izubuchi, the chief director of the 2199 remake projects, is also involved in Anno and Khara’s new project.
Anno emphasized his desire to continue the legacy of the Yamato franchise up to its 100th anniversary with this new project. The production is set to begin in 2025, with a theatrical release planned for later.
Overall, Anno’s reflections on Space Battleship Yamato shed light on his deep connection to the franchise and his vision for the future of the series. Fans can look forward to a new interpretation of Yamato that stays true to its roots while offering a fresh perspective on the beloved space opera.
