GHOST IN THE SHELL Creator Weighs In on the Bold New Reboot Anime
There’s a brand-new Ghost in the Shell anime on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most visually distinct and creatively ambitious iterations we’ve seen yet.
Backed by the animation house Science SARU, who is best known for Dandadan and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, this upcoming series marks a cool new chapter in Masamune Shirow’s long-running cyberpunk saga. And now, the original creator is offering thoughts on the project.
With The Ghost in the Shell set to debut in 2026, Shirow shared a candid message with fans reflecting on the franchise’s evolution and what this latest anime signifies.
“Anime adaptation-wise, this new THE GHOST IN THE SHELL marks the fourth version following those by Oshii, Kamiyama, and Kise,” Shirow began in a special comment tied to the release of the show’s teaser.
“Alternatively, if we separate GHOST IN THE SHELL and Innocence, categorize the S.A.C. series into Seasons 1, 2, and Solid State Society, divide ARISE into its own series along with The New Movie, and split SAC_2045 into Seasons 1 and 2, this would be the tenth adaptation overall.”
Ghost in the Shell has had a pretty wild run, jumping between timelines, visual styles, and entire philosophical tones, and this next one is a full generational shift, according to Shirow.
“Considering the shift in production staff, one could even consider this the first installment of a second generation,” he added. “The original manga is quite old, so I ask for your understanding on that point (sorry!). That said, I sincerely hope this will once again be an enjoyable visual experience in some form.”
It’s a refreshingly honest note, especially from a creator whose work helped redefine what cyberpunk meant in anime and beyond.
While Shirow seems aware of the heavy legacy behind his manga, there’s also a confidence that Science SARU is up to the challenge of making Ghost in the Shell feel new again.
Details are still under wraps, no cast has been announced, and the exact release date remains unconfirmed. What we do know is that the new series is being helmed by first-time director Moko-chan, with Toh Enjoe on scripts and Shuhei Handa handling both character designs and chief animation direction. Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G. are producing.
From the brief footage we’ve seen, this might be the most manga-faithful visual approach the franchise has attempted. That’s a big deal for longtime fans who have been wanting to see a version that leans closer to Shirow’s original tone and aesthetic, without sacrificing the forward-thinking edge that’s always defined Ghost in the Shell.
I’ve been a fan of this series ever since I watched the first anime film when I was in high school. Some of the other projects have been hit and miss over these years, but this is one that I’m very much looking forward too.