Science SARU studio revealed about a month ago that it is working on a new anime adaptation of the famous manga “The Ghost In The Shell” by Shirow Masamune. As part of the announcement, in addition to the information, an image and a promotional video were included, in which, among other things, we can see that the project is set to launch in 2026. Yes, we know it might be a long wait, but it’s clear that coming from Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G., any wait is completely justified, right?
This franchise premiered its first animation movie in 1995, “Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex,” which became a reference in the cyberpunk genre. Mamoru Oshii was responsible for this piece of animation produced by Production I.G., whose 30th anniversary will be celebrated next year, in 2025. Subsequently, in 2004, Oshii took charge of “Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence,” this time with the participation of Production I.G., and Studio Ghibli to crown the occasion. Currently, both movies are available on Amazon Prime Video.
The latest animated movie to date, “Ghost in the Shell: The Rising,” arrived in 2015 under the direction of Kazuya Nomura again for Production I.G. in collaboration with FUNimation. It was not until 2017 that the first and only live-action movie, “Ghost in the Shell,” starring Scarlett Johansson, was released.
At the same time, over several years, some animations in series format have been produced, of which the latest installment to date was the second season of “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045.” Before the release of this series, the first of the franchise produced entirely with CGI animation, the reboot/prequel “Ghost in the Shell: Arise” was released. This four-part series, after being released as OVAs, had a 10-episode television version. The last two of these served as a link with the movie “Ghost in the Shell: The Rising.”
The original manga “The Ghost In The Shell” (“Kōkaku Kidōtai“), by Shirow Masamune, hit the pages of Kodansha‘s Young Magazine in 1989 and concluded in 1991, being compiled into a single volume. It has had numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations ranging from manga to video games, and the franchise is currently considered a cult work. Its adult theme focused on philosophy, the consequences of technological advancement, and the loss of identity turned it into a genuine phenomenon among its readers and soon received a sequel titled “1.5: Human Error Processor.”
Synopsis
Broadly speaking, the “Ghost in the Shell” franchise is set in a future where advanced technology allows extensive cybernetics, including cyberbrains that facilitate direct connection to information networks. In this context, the story follows the elite unit “Section 9,” charged with handling cyber crimes and technological terrorism. The central character, Motoko Kusanagi, is a cyborg who leads the team and whose very existence raises deep questions about identity and humanity in an era where the lines between human and machine are blurred. Throughout the various narratives, Kusanagi and her team face threats such as highly skilled hackers and conspiracies that threaten national security.
One of the most iconic narrative arcs is that of the “Puppet Master,” an artificial intelligence that has developed self-awareness and seeks to merge with Kusanagi to evolve beyond its limitations as a program. This confrontation not only serves as a core of intense action but also offers a philosophical exploration of what it means to be conscious and how technology can alter or extend the essence of life. The franchise has not only been influential for its visual style and complex theme combining elements of action, science fiction, and deep philosophical questions but has also left a lasting mark on how science fiction and cyberpunk narratives are perceived.
Obviously, there’s quite a bit of time before this project reaches our screens. This gives us plenty of time (and enough reasons) to stay alert for any new announcements or previews of that production that will undoubtedly captivate us from start to finish. And now is the time for you to head over to the comments and let us know your opinion, or your favorite moments from the franchise, which you undoubtedly have. And you know, we’ll be reading! 🙂
Source: EMOTION Label Official YouTube Channel, SCIENCE Saru on X (Twitter)
