Reinterpreting an absolute pillar of cyberpunk that shaped modern science fiction is risky territory where veteran fans forgive no minor error. The bar is high, but Science SARU seems willing to take the risk with its new visual proposal.

This ambitious production officially presented its fourth promotional video, confirming that the animated series will premiere globally on July 7th. The video trailer not only offers a detailed look at the character aesthetics but also formally introduces the closing theme titled “Blue”, a musical collaboration by the group MILLENNIUM PARADE alongside Saya Gray and Daniel Caesar.

Before hitting screens on July 7th, the anime will have two international appearances giving a select audience an early look at the project. The Annecy International Animation Festival in June will host the world premiere of the first two episodes. Additionally, on July 4th, there will be a special screening at the Anime Expo in the JW Diamond Hall at 2:45 p.m. Pacific Time, followed by a panel with director Mokochan, character designer Shuhei Handa, and other producers. For a franchise of this caliber, it’s significant that the international push is so active before the premiere.

The production team

Mokochan makes his directorial debut in this project within Science SARU. The scripts are handled by Toh Enjoe, who also oversees the series’ composition. Character design and chief animation direction are by Shuhei Handa. The music is directed and composed by Taisei Iwasaki, Ryo Konishi, and Yuki Kanesaka, with music production by Flying Dog. The production committee includes Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science SARU, and Production I.G.

About Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell (Kokaku Kidotai) is one of the most influential franchises in Japanese science fiction. Originating from Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga, it led to the 1995 animated film by Mamoru Oshii, which redefined what anime could achieve as a philosophical and visual medium. Since then, the franchise expanded through series like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, additional films, and other adaptations. Science SARU’s new version was announced in May 2024 and marks the debut of the studio founded by Masaaki Yuasa in one of anime’s most demanding universes.

Altering the atmosphere of such a sacred cult work will always divide the community between pure nostalgia and curiosity for new perspectives. Do you think the experimental style and modern music will capture the franchise’s true existential essence, or do you believe Section 9 shouldn’t have been revisited?