GHOST IN THE SHELL Director Confirms Sequel Is in the Works
Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 cyberpunk classic Ghost in the Shell is an anime film that left a lasting impression and reshaped the genre, influencing everything from Hollywood blockbusters to philosophical debates about identity and technology.
Over the years, Major Kusanagi’s story has been explored in sequels, spin-offs, and even a live-action adaptation. Now, Oshii himself has confirmed that he’s working on a long-awaited sequel that will continue the story.
At a recent live event celebrating the theatrical re-release of Ghost in the Shell and its sequel, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Oshii surprised fans by revealing that a third film is in development.
When asked about the possibility, he said: “I’ve started working on a third movie. There’s only one thing I’ve left undone. If I can do that, I want to do it. If I say too much, it won’t be what it was meant to be.”
So, Oshii has some unfinished business with the franchise. While details remain scarce, the director’s statement has reignited anticipation among longtime fans who have been waiting for a true continuation of his Ghost in the Shell vision.
Meanwhile, the Ghost in the Shell universe is also expanding on the small screen. Last summer, Science SARU announced they were working on a new TV series in collaboration with Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kodansha.
The studio, known for developing projects like Inu-Oh and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, is looking to bring a fresh aesthetic to the franchise. The official announcement from May 2024 stated:
“It has been announced that a new TV anime series of Ghost in the Shell will be produced. Animation will be handled by Science SARU, which has produced highly acclaimed works both in Japan and overseas, such as the Golden Globe Award-nominated film Inu-Oh, the TV anime Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, and the film The Color of You, which has been selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2024. The series is scheduled to air in 2026.”
While there’s no word on whether Oshii will be involved with the new series, the announcement of his sequel film comes at a time when the franchise is facing high expectations.
The most recent anime adaptation, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, received mixed reactions due to its fully CG animation, leaving some fans disappointed. With Science SARU handling the upcoming TV project and Oshii returning for a new film, the future of Ghost in the Shell is shaping to be pretty cool.