Evangelion Creator Hideaki Anno To Produce New Space Battleship Yamato Anime Film

Hideaki Anno announced that his company, Khara Inc., has secured the rights to produce a new anime film for the Space Battleship Yamato series.

The announcement was made during the anime’s 50th anniversary screening event held in Tokyo on Oct 6, 2024.

During the event, Anno disclosed that Khara had secured the production rights from Voyager Holdings, which oversees the original series, and received permission to use the copyright from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.

“This time, Khara Inc. was granted the rights by Voyager Holdings, represented by President Shoji Nishizaki, to create a new animated work based on ‘Space Battleship Yamato.’ At the same time, we obtained permission to use the copyright from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.“

Speaking at the event, Anno expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “With this, I can now make a new Space Battleship Yamato work.“

While details of the new production remain under wraps, Khara’s official statement hinted that this project will take a different course from previous remakes, such as Space Battleship Yamato 2199 and the upcoming Yamato Forever REBEL3199, which is scheduled for release in November 2024.

The new theatrical film is currently in the planning stages, with production slated to begin in 2025, according to Khara’s update.

Anno emphasized that the upcoming work will stand apart from the ongoing remake series and explore new creative directions for the franchise.

“Fifty years ago, I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t encountered Space Battleship Yamato. Since I am now involved with Yamato, I hope to express my gratitude, respect, and pay tribute to all of the staff and cast who have worked on it by dedicating the rest of my life to creating as many interesting works as possible that blend the old and the new. I want to leave ‘Space Battleship Yamato” for future generations,’ he added.

Space Battleship Yamato is a Japanese science fiction anime series written by Yoshinobu Nishizaki, directed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, and produced by Academy Productions. The series aired on Yomiuri TV from Oct 6, 1974 to March 30, 1975, totaling up to 26 episodes.

Source: Comic Natalie, Oricon