New anime adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell" officially revealed

The production of a TV anime series based on Masamune Shirow's iconic cyberpunk manga Ghost in the Shell (original title: Kōkaku Kidōtai) has been confirmed under the title THE GHOST IN THE SHELL. Studio Science SARU (Devilman Crybaby, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!) is responsible for the adaptation.

Director Moko – previously known as an assistant director on Dandadan and a contributor to projects like Scott Pilgrim Takes Off – takes the lead role for the first time here. The screenplay is handled by Enjō Tō, a science fiction author and co-creator of the series Godzilla Singular Point. Character design is contributed by Shūhei Handa (Spriggan), who aligns the visual style with Shirow's original artwork while adding modern accents.

A second teaser showcases protagonist Motoko Kusanagi in her fully cybernetic form, accompanied by the AI-controlled armored unit Tachikoma. The visuals, inspired by Shirow's early concept sketches, emphasize a dark, technology-infused aesthetic. The material is supplemented by an exclusive preview currently being shown at Shirow's retrospective exhibition "The World of Masamune Shirow."

Shirow himself commented on the adaptation as the "fourth standalone interpretation" following the works of Mamoru Oshii (films), Kenji Kamiyama (Stand Alone Complex), and Toshiyuki Kise (Arise). He expressed hope that the series "opens a new perspective on the universe without losing the essence of the original."

The broadcast is scheduled for 2026. Further details regarding the plot or cast remain under wraps for now.