The new Ghost in The Shell TV Anime Series Coming in 2026 by Science Saru
Bandai Namco Filmworks announced that the Ghost in the Shell franchise will have a new TV anime series coming in 2026, produced by the animation studio Science SARU. The tentative title for the series is "Kōkaku Kidōtai" (The Ghost in the Shell). The production committee for this new series includes Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science SARU, and Production I.G.
An intriguing aspect of this announcement is that Masamune Shirow, the creator of the Ghost in the Shell manga, will have an exhibition in the spring of 2025. This exhibition will likely showcase his influential work and contribution to the franchise over the years.
Recent Ghost in the Shell Adaptations
The most recent anime adaptation of the franchise is "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 The Last Human," a compilation film of the second season of the "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045" series. This film premiered on November 23, 2023. The first season of this series was released on Netflix worldwide in April 2020, featuring 12 episodes. Additionally, the compilation film for the first season, "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 Sustainable War," was released in Japan in November 2021 and streamed on Netflix in May 2022. The second season of the series also premiered on Netflix worldwide in May 2022.
Other Announcements
In another significant development, entertainment company TOHO announced it will make Science SARU its consolidated subsidiary starting from the second quarter of the fiscal year ending in February 2025. This means TOHO will have significant control over Science SARU, likely supporting its creative endeavors and business operations.
Science SARU, co-founded by director Masaaki Yuasa and animator Eunyoung Choi in February 2013, has produced several notable works. Yuasa's film "Lu over the Wall" won prestigious awards such as the Animation Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival Awards and the Cristal for a Feature Film at the Annecy International Film Festival. Another of Yuasa's films, "INU-OH," was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2022. The studio's impressive portfolio includes the anime series "Ping Pong," the "Food Chain" episode of "Adventure Time," and films like "Night is Short, Walk On Girl," "DEVILMAN crybaby," "Ride Your Wave," and "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!"
Science SARU has also worked on "Japan Sinks: 2020," "The Heike Story," two shorts for "Star Wars: Visions," "Yurei Deco," "Tatami Time Machine Blues," and "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off." Additionally, Naoko Yamada and Science SARU’s film "The Colors Within" is set to release on August 30.
Masaaki Yuasa stepped down as the president of Science SARU in March 2020, with Eunyoung Choi taking over as the head of the studio. This new Ghost in the Shell series is expected to add to their growing list of acclaimed projects, generating excitement among fans of the franchise and anime enthusiasts alike.