The animation director behind the final Evangelion film is set to create the standout anime of 2026.

Announced at the CloverWorks panel during Anime Expo 2026, *Grotesqqque* is an anthology film helmed by Atsushi Nishigori, known for his role as chief animation director on *Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time*. Nishigori also directed the underrated mecha romance *Darling in the Franxx* and served as character designer for the iconic *Gurren Lagann*.

Originally revealed at Anime Expo 2024, *Grotesqqque* (seriously, what’s with anime and those long sequences of the same letter?) is set to hit Japanese theaters on November 6, with early screenings scheduled for the Fantasia International Film Festival in July. CloverWorks’ vice president, Yuichi Fukushima, shared that the film was inspired by his desire to collaborate with Nishigori.

This anthology, co-produced by CloverWorks and Joen, will feature three distinct films. The first, *Æliens*, is directed by Nishigori and introduces an adorable octopus alien girl with a flexible body and a cheerful demeanor. The second film, *4649 Girl*, is directed by Takahiro Miura, known for his work on *Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]*. It appears to offer an all-girl perspective on the cyberpunk universe reminiscent of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*, complete with neon lights, ninja assassins, and stylish weaponry. Nishigori returns to direct *Nocturne: En Cette Nuit Grotesque*, for which he also designed the characters. The trailer suggests a strong yuri theme, featuring a group of girls on an adventure that includes some vampires.

The trailer showcased at Anime Expo highlights the distinct visual styles of each film. From the vibrant colors of *Æliens* to the dazzling lights of *Yoroshiku Shoujo* and the more muted tones of *Nocturne*, the anthology promises to be a visual feast. Nishigori’s art direction provides a subtle cohesion that enhances the overall experience.

*Grotesqqque* appears to be a true homage to Nishigori’s artistic vision. As a seasoned creator behind the beloved characters of *Gurren Lagann* and the perfect blend of drama, action, and romance in *Darling in the Franxx*, his versatility is well-suited for this anthology format.

The soundtrack is noteworthy as well, featuring contributions from 35 different artists. The opening theme, “Shoot Shoot Shoot,” is performed by Metalverse, and the film includes tracks from ASCA, Mika Ichinose, Iori Noguchi from =LOVE, Kanon Shizaki, VaVa, Reol, Taku Inoue, Yushi Nakajima from Gusokumuzu, Nakano +, and more. This lineup of contemporary Japanese artists is sure to resonate with international audiences too.

In an era where many anime films are simply spinoffs of existing series, like the newly announced *Solo Leveling* movie, it’s refreshing to see original projects like *Grotesqqque* emerge. While films such as *Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle* and *Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc* may dominate the box office, the industry also needs innovative works that allow creators like Nishigori and his team to fully unleash their creativity.