The world of Ghost in the Shell is expanding once again! Science Saru, the acclaimed animation studio behind Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, is producing a new TV anime adaptation of Masamune Shirow’s seminal cyberpunk manga. Set to air in 2026, this new series promises a fresh take on the classic story of Major Motoko Kusanagi and Public Security Section 9. Here’s everything we know so far about this exciting project.
A Cyberpunk Icon Reimagined
Ghost in the Shell, since its debut as a manga in 1989, has become a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, influencing countless works of science fiction. The story, set in mid-21st century Japan, follows Public Security Section 9, a counter-cyberterrorist organization led by Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg with a fully prosthetic body. The series explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the impact of technology on humanity.
Over the years, Ghost in the Shell has been adapted into numerous anime films, TV series, video games, and even a live-action Hollywood movie. Each adaptation has brought its unique interpretation to the source material, and now, Science Saru is ready to add their vision to the legacy.
Science Saru Takes the Helm
Science Saru, founded in 2013 by Eunyoung Choi and Masaaki Yuasa, has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative and respected animation studios in Japan. Known for its distinctive visual style and willingness to experiment with different animation techniques, Science Saru has produced a string of critically acclaimed works, including:
- Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (TV series, 2020)
- Japan Sinks: 2020 (TV series, 2020)
- Inu-Oh (Film, 2021)
- The Heike Story (TV series, 2021)
- Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (TV series, 2023)
- Dandadan (TV series, 2024)
With Science Saru at the helm, the new Ghost in the Shell anime promises to be a visually stunning and creatively bold adaptation. The studio’s hybrid animation production method, which combines hand-drawn and digital animation, should bring a unique look and feel to the Ghost in the Shell universe.
The Creative Team
The main staff for the new Ghost in the Shell TV anime has been revealed:
- Director: Mokochan (Director debut, assistant director on Dandadan, participated in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and The Heike Story)
- Script: EnJoe Toh (Acclaimed sci-fi author, Self-Reference ENGINE, Shadow.net)
- Character Design and Executive Animation Director: Shuhei Handa (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Spriggan)
- Animation Production: Science Saru
This talented team brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the project. Mokochan’s directorial debut is highly anticipated, and EnJoe Toh’s background as a sci-fi author should bring a fresh perspective to the story. Shuhei Handa’s character designs promise to be both faithful to the original manga and visually striking.
A Glimpse into the Future: Teaser Trailer and Visuals
A teaser trailer and visual have been released, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the new anime. The trailer showcases key animation and storyboards, hinting at the series’ unfolding drama. The teaser visual, illustrated by Shuhei Handa, features Major Motoko Kusanagi and the AI tank Fuchikoma, evoking the spirit of Shirow Masamune’s original manga cover sketch.
The visual style appears to be a blend of classic Ghost in the Shell aesthetics and Science Saru’s distinctive animation style. Fans can expect a visually rich and immersive experience. The trailer also makes a point of showing panels from the original manga, suggesting that this new series may be more faithful to the style and tone of the source material.
Shirow Masamune’s Thoughts
Shirow Masamune, the original creator of Ghost in the Shell, has shared his thoughts on the new anime:
“If we’re talking only about anime works, this Ghost in the Shell is the fourth Ghost in the Shell after Oshii’s, Kamiyama’s, and Kise’s versions. It is also the 10th work in the project that separates Ghost in the Shell and Innocence, divides the SAC series into Season 1, Season 2, and SSS, and divides the ARISE series and the New Theatrical Edition and SAC_2045 series into Seasons 1 and 2. Considering that the production staff has changed, perhaps it is possible to see this as the first work of a second generation. I’ll ask you to accept that the original manga is old (apologies), but I hope that this will be a good visual work that you can enjoy in some way.”
Masamune’s comments suggest that this new anime will be a fresh start for the franchise, building upon the legacy of previous adaptations while forging its own unique identity.
Release Date and Further Information
The new Ghost in the Shell TV anime is scheduled to air in 2026. Further information, including the specific release date, broadcast details, and additional staff announcements, will be released on the official Ghost in the Shell global site and official social media channels.
The Ghost in the Shell Legacy: A Look Back
To fully appreciate the significance of this new anime, it’s worth taking a look back at the Ghost in the Shell legacy and the various adaptations that have shaped the franchise.
Manga
- The Ghost in the Shell (1989-1991)
- The Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor (1991-1996)
- The Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface (1997)
- The Ghost in the Shell: The Human Algorithm (2019-present)
Masamune Shirow’s original manga is a complex and thought-provoking work that explores the philosophical implications of cybernetics and artificial intelligence. The manga’s intricate artwork and dense storytelling have made it a cult classic.
Anime Films
- Ghost in the Shell (1995)
- Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)
- Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie (2015)
Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film adaptation is widely considered a masterpiece of anime cinema. The film’s stunning visuals, haunting score, and philosophical themes have made it a major influence on science fiction filmmaking. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004), also directed by Oshii, is a visually stunning but more abstract sequel that delves deeper into the themes of consciousness and artificial intelligence. Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie (2015) serves as a conclusion to the Arise OVA series, providing a more action-oriented and accessible entry point to the franchise.
Anime TV Series
- Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002-2005)
- Ghost in the Shell: Arise (2013-2015)
- Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 (2020-2022)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (SAC) is a critically acclaimed TV series that presents a new telling of Ghost in the Shell, independent from the original manga. The series focuses on Section 9’s investigation of various cybercrimes and explores themes of social and political unrest. Ghost in the Shell: Arise is a reboot of the franchise that tells the story of how Major Kusanagi came to join Section 9. The series features a different visual style and a more character-driven narrative. Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 is a Netflix original series that continues the Stand Alone Complex storyline. The series is produced in 3DCG animation and features a new creative team.
Live-Action Film
- Ghost in the Shell (2017)
The 2017 live-action adaptation, starring Scarlett Johansson, was a controversial film that received mixed reviews. While praised for its visuals, the film was criticized for its casting choices and its handling of the source material’s themes.
What to Expect from the New Anime
With Science Saru at the helm, the new Ghost in the Shell TV anime promises to be a unique and exciting addition to the franchise. Fans can expect:
- A fresh visual style: Science Saru’s distinctive animation style will bring a new look and feel to the Ghost in the Shell universe.
- A faithful adaptation: The teaser trailer suggests that the new anime may be more faithful to the style and tone of the original manga.
- Thought-provoking themes: The series will likely explore the complex themes of identity, consciousness, and the impact of technology on society.
- Intriguing characters: Fans can look forward to seeing Major Kusanagi and the members of Section 9 brought to life in a new and compelling way.
The new Ghost in the Shell TV anime is one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2026. With a talented creative team and a rich source material, this series has the potential to be a landmark achievement in the Ghost in the Shell franchise.
