Hideaki Anno Reveals Why He’s Not Ready to Bring Back Shinji or Evangelion Anytime Soon

by

Neon Genesis Evangelion stood out as a unique anime because it delved deeply into psychological topics. Its influence on the world of anime is unquestionable, and much of that credit belongs to its creator, Hideaki Anno. This series, while being a mecha anime, didn’t just concentrate on giant robot fights; it also put significant emphasis on the growth and development of its characters.

In 1996, when the final episode of the anime aired, over 10% of Japanese TVs were tuned in to catch the thrilling end of the series. However, the finale didn’t meet the creator’s expectations, leading him to produce Rebuild of Evangelion. Despite the conclusion of the four movies, fans continue to crave more content.

Hideaki Anno perfected Evangelion by revisiting and reworking it

The “Rebuild of Evangelion” series, comprising four films, were developed to delve deeper into the established universe by utilizing a larger budget and superior animation technology, which wasn’t available when the original “Neon Genesis Evangelion” was produced. Hideaki Anno, the creator, had always desired to employ these modern techniques in Rebuild, as 3D CG was not as advanced at that time.

The initial film, “Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone” (2007), essentially recapitulated the storyline of the first six episodes from the original anime series. In contrast, the second and third films deviated from the anime’s plot to offer a more intricate narrative twist. Lastly, the fourth film served as a fitting resolution to the saga. Director Anno openly expressed his intention for the third and fourth films to take a distinct direction from the original.

I recently had the privilege of witnessing Shinji and Asuka’s journey in Neon Genesis Evangelion, not just revisited, but meticulously reimagined by Anno through his films. The climactic finale, long awaited by fans, was nothing short of fitting. With new companions at their side, they were ready to embark on a fresh chapter, liberated from the burdens of their past. This transformation offered a glimmer of hope not just for the characters, but for those of us watching as well.

Hideaki Anno talks about whether Evangelion will have a sequel

Although the conclusion was satisfying, viewers found themselves yearning for additional content. Officially, the story arc has been concluded, yet there remains a strong desire for further exploration within the universe. Ultimately, it’s Hideaki Anno who faces the bulk of these anticipations.

Reflecting on my groundbreaking work over two and a half decades later, in an interview with The New York Times, I shared some profound insights about the final episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

I’m not in a hurry to meet Shinji and the others right now, but it doesn’t mean I won’t want to see them again someday; there could be a chance that I cross paths with them later on.

-Hideaki Anno

It’s evident that at the moment, Anno seems to have moved away from working extensively on “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Given that a creator can dedicate only so much time to one specific series, it seems unlikely that he will delve back into Shinji and other characters for some time, as he doesn’t feel the immediate need to do so.

While it’s true that Evangelion has not released any new content recently, it’s not entirely accurate to say it has come to a complete halt. Given the enduring popularity of the franchise, there’s a strong possibility we might see a sequel, prequel, or spinoff in the future. It’s just a question of waiting and seeing. Anno himself is uncertain about whether he wants to permanently part ways with these characters or revisit them again someday.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Read More

2025-04-25 17:33