Yoko Taro to Script New Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Series
MEXICO CITY, February 23, 2026 – In a monumental crossover between the worlds of high-concept gaming and cult-classic animation, visionary director Yoko Taro has been officially announced as the writer for a brand-new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. The announcement, made today during the “EVANGELION:30+” anniversary event in Yokohama, marks a significant expansion for the franchise as it celebrates its 30th year.
Evangelion Collaboration and Future Projects
The upcoming Evangelion series will see Yoko Taro responsible for series composition and scripting. The project is a collaboration between Studio Khara and CloverWorks, with Kazuya Tsurumaki—known for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam and previous Evangelion entries—set to direct. This news comes exactly 30 years after the original series’ debut, providing a new direction for the franchise following the conclusion of the Rebuild of Evangelion film tetralogy.
Simultaneously, Square Enix has sparked intense speculation regarding the future of the NieR franchise. During a 9th-anniversary livestream for NieR: Automata, the publisher confirmed the game has surpassed 10 million copies sold worldwide. The broadcast concluded with a cryptic “to be continued” message, which many industry analysts and fans interpret as a formal tease for a direct sequel helmed by Taro.
Creative Philosophy and Career
Yoko Taro is widely recognized for his unconventional approach to game design, often utilizing “backward scriptwriting” where the ending is determined first and the narrative is built to justify it. His work frequently explores dark, philosophical themes such as the nature of humanity, the justification of violence, and existential dread. He is also known for his eccentric public persona, almost always appearing in public wearing a large mask based on the character Emil from the NieR series.
Key Facts
| Full Name | Yoko Taro (Yokoo Tarō) |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | June 06, 1970 |
| Education | Kobe Design University |
| Spouse | Yukiko Yokoo |
| Notable Works | Drakengard, NieR, NieR: Automata, SINoALICE |
| Company | Bukkoro |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yoko Taro’s role in the new Evangelion anime?
Yoko Taro is serving as the series composer and lead writer for the new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series, as announced on February 23, 2026.
Is there a sequel to NieR: Automata in development?
While not officially titled, Square Enix teased that the NieR: Automata story “will continue” during a February 2026 livestream celebrating the game’s 10 million sales milestone.
Why does Yoko Taro wear a mask?
Yoko Taro is notoriously enigmatic and prefers to keep his physical appearance private, opting to wear a mask of the character Emil during interviews and public appearances to maintain his persona and privacy.
What was Yoko Taro’s first major game?
He is best known for his early work at the developer Cavia, where he directed Drakengard (Drag-on Dragoon), which eventually spawned the NieR spin-off series.