Evangelion Returns in 2026, But Not as You’d Expect

For the 30th anniversary of the legendary anime franchise, Neon Genesis Evangelion isn’t coming back as a new series or film, but still in a way few expected. For 2026, the world of NERV will rise again through a live-action kabuki performance.

What We Know So Far

• The event is part of the anniversary celebration titled “EVANGELION: 30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion.”
• The kabuki show will premiere on February 23, 2026, at Yokohama Arena.
• Iconic characters will be portrayed on stage: for example, Shinji Ikari and Kaworu Nagisa will be played by Kichitaro Kamimura and Sakon Onoe, respectively. 

What Is Kabuki, And Why It’s a Wild Evangelion Ride

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater style, known for its lavish costumes, stylized makeup, dramatic performances, and dance. Intriguingly, all roles, including the female ones, are portrayed by male actors. That creative choice promises a unique reinterpretation of Evangelion’s characters and themes.

No official images of the cast in costume have been revealed yet, but promotional art suggests the production is leaning into a bold, theatrical vision that could captivate both old and new fans.

More Than Just a Show, A Celebration

The Kabuki adaptation is just one part of a larger anniversary celebration. Fans in Japan can also check out the ongoing real-world exhibit titled “All of Evangelion”, featuring a life-sized EVA unit, original artworks, storyboards and more, a celebration of the series’ enduring legacy.

While there is no word yet on if or when the exhibit (or the kabuki performance) will tour outside Japan, the 2026 event is shaping up to be one of the most unusual and ambitious returns in Evangelion history.

What This Return Means for Fans

This unconventional return might disappoint some fans hoping for a new anime, but for many, it represents something deeper, a fresh cultural reinterpretation of Evangelion through one of Japan’s oldest performance arts.

Whether it’s nostalgia, curiosity, or love for the original series that draws you in, 2026 might be a perfect moment to rediscover Evangelion in a way the franchise has never done before.