Evangelion Creator Takes the Helm for New Sci-Fi Anime Classic
In October 1974, a groundbreaking anime and sci-fi series made its debut in Japan: Space Battleship Yamato, which gained fame in the U.S. as Star Blazers. Now, 52 years later, a legendary anime creator renowned for his innovative contributions to the genre is joining the Space Battleship Yamato franchise.
Hideaki Anno, the mastermind behind the Neon Genesis Evangelion series, is set to direct a new anime film titled Space Battleship Yamato √2199. This project is being produced by Anno’s Studio Khara in partnership with Production I.G. This announcement follows a series of recent developments in the Yamato franchise, including the 2024 release of the first film in a new set of seven remakes, Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199. However, Anno’s film appears to be charting a distinct course from the remakes.
The announcement was made via an official website and an X profile, marking the first collaboration between Anno’s Studio Khara and Production I.G. During a 2024 event celebrating the series’ 50th anniversary, Anno hinted at his involvement in a Yamato project, expressing how pivotal Space Battleship Yamato has been in shaping his tastes and career: “Without this work, anime would have been in a different form than it is today.” In a recent interview with Monthly Newtype, Anno shared his vision to “create a Yamato that embodies our prayers and wishes for both the next generation and our own.”
The original Space Battleship Yamato was created by Yoshinobu Nishizaki and mangaka Leiji Matsumoto (known for Galaxy Express 999). Set in the year 2199, the story follows Earth as it battles the alien Gamilons, who have ravaged the planet with radiation. The beleaguered Earth Defense Force discovers a message from a peaceful alien civilization, urging them to journey to planet Iscandar for assistance in saving their home. Utilizing plans for a light-speed engine provided by the aliens, they transform the WWII-era battleship Yamato into a space vessel, embarking on a perilous journey through the cosmos.
A new full anime series is in production.
Space Battleship Yamato was revolutionary, demonstrating that anime could tell complex stories beyond children’s entertainment, exploring themes of war, sacrifice, and survival. It predated Mobile Suit Gundam by five years and marked a significant shift in the industry, with influences that are still felt today, as Anno noted. Two decades later, Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion had a similar impact, as anime began to gain global recognition, exposing audiences worldwide to its more mature narratives.
In addition to classic sci-fi anime, Studio Khara has also recently worked on Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, where Anno contributed to the screenplay. For Space Battleship Yamato √2199, Anno will co-direct alongside Yutaka Izubuchi, who was involved in Space Battleship Yamato 2199. The film is currently in production, though a release date has yet to be announced.
