Overview
- THE GHOST IN THE SHELL is slated to premiere in 2026, with exciting announcements about the production team.
- This adaptation will be the fourth rendition of the iconic Ghost in the Shell franchise.
- The team includes notable talents such as director Moko-chan, scriptwriter Toh Enjoe from Space Dandy, and character designer Shūhei Handa.
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A recent trailer unveiled the main production team for Science SARU’s upcoming anime adaptation of Masamune Shirow’s Ghost in the Shell, titled THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, which is anticipated to air in 2026. The reveal came after the series was first announced in May 2024, backed by a production committee that includes Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science SARU, and Production I.G.
The silent teaser showcased various clips from the series in development, presenting each main staff member and reiterating the 2026 release date. Currently, the cast details remain under wraps, especially since the passing of beloved voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, who voiced Major Kusanagi Motoko, in August of the previous year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk27MbUoBQ8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk27MbUoBQ8
This iteration of THE GHOST IN THE SHELL is the fourth adaptation following those directed by Mamoru Oshii, Kenji Kamiyama, and Kazuchika Kise. If we categorize the adaptations by separating GHOST IN THE SHELL and Innocence, including the S.A.C. series into Seasons 1 and 2 along with Solid State Society, isolating ARISE and The New Movie, and recognizing SAC_2045 as two seasons, this would mark a total of ten adaptations to date.
With the fresh production team in place, one might view this as the launch of a new generation for the franchise. The source material has aged, and I thank you for your understanding in this regard. Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that this new adaptation will provide a captivating visual experience in its own right.
– Masamune Shirow, original creator of Ghost in the Shell
Meet the Team Behind the New Ghost in the Shell
Moko-chan’s Directorial Debut
The production team for THE GHOST IN THE SHELL features Moko-chan, who previously worked as a storyboard artist and key animator on popular titles such as DANDADAN and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. This project marks his directorial debut. Toh Enjoe, known for his work on Space Dandy and author of The Empire of Corpses, will oversee the series composition. Additionally, Shūhei Handa, who previously worked on Little Witch Academia, takes on dual roles as chief animation director and character designer. A new visual accompanying the teaser also showcases the redesigned character of Major Kusanagi Motoko in Handa’s distinct artistic style.
⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢣⠀⠀Science SARU Presents⠀⠀New TV Anime ⠀THE GHOST IN THE SHELL⠸⠀ 🚨Main Staff Information Revealed🚨 ⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢋⢣⣀⠀⠀2026年放送⠀⠈⠉See more ⠀pic.twitter.com/rNcyRCDaNV — GHOST IN THE SHELL official (@thegitsofficial) April 12, 2025
THE GHOST IN THE SHELL is on track to air in 2026.