Masamune Shirow Calls the New GHOST IN THE SHELL Anime the Start of a “Second Generation”
Few sci-fi anime franchises spark debate like Ghost in the Shell. Every generation seems to get its own version, and every version comes with passionate opinions attached.
Now, the iconic cyberpunk series is gearing up for yet another reboot later this summer, and the original creator is finally weighing in on what this new era actually means.
The upcoming anime, produced by Science SARU, lands this July and already feels different just based on the team behind it. Science SARU has built a reputation for energetic, experimental animation with projects like DAN DA DAN and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, which makes them an intriguing choice for a property that has constantly reinvented itself.
With anticipation running high, Masamune Shirow shared his thoughts on how fans should frame this latest take on the world he created.
Rather than positioning it as just another remake, Shirow contextualized it as part of a much bigger picture. He explained exactly where this series sits in the long and complicated anime lineage.
“Anime adaptation-wise, this new The Ghost in the Shell marks the fourth version following those by Oshii, Kamiyama, and Kise,” Shirow began.
“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.”
Ten adaptations deep, expectations are understandably all over the place. Shirow acknowledged that reality while also suggesting this reboot deserves to be judged on its own terms, especially considering the creative reset happening behind the scenes.
“Considering the shift in production staff, one could even consider this the first installment of a second generation,” Shirow continued. “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.”
The trailers that have been shared show that the character and world designs that lean closer to Shirow’s original manga than some recent adaptations, which is exactly what longtime fans have been asking for. After years of stylistic detours and divisive CG-heavy entries, the promise of something more faithful feels refreshing.
The new Ghost in the Shell anime is currently slated for a July release as part of the Summer 2026 anime season. International release details haven’t been locked in yet.
Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, and Production I.G. are overseeing the project, with Moko-chan making their directorial debut on an anime series. Toh Enjoe is handling series composition, Shuhei Handa is on board as character designer and chief animation director, and the music will be composed by Ryo Konishi and Yuki Kanesaka.
This reboot has a steep climb ahead of it. Recent entries left parts of the fanbase frustrated, and the less said about the Hollywood live-action version, the better.
What fans really want now is a sharp, thoughtful, manga-respecting take on a classic. If this truly is the start of a second generation, this might finally be the version that brings everyone back into the network.