Science SARU is developing a new anime project based on the Ghost in the Shell franchise, titled Koukaku Kidoutai: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL. The announcement was made on October 23, 2026, through the project's official X account and at the "OPEN HOUSE" event held at Dover Street Market Ginza in Tokyo. This new production follows the conclusion of the studio's 10-episode television adaptation, which aired earlier in 2026.
While the specific format—whether a second television season, a feature film, or an original video animation (OVA)—has not been confirmed, the project is officially moving forward under a multi-company production committee. The reveal has sparked interest following the studio's recent success with high-profile titles and its unique take on Masamune Shirow's original source material from the late 1980s.
What We Know
The new project is being produced by a committee consisting of Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science SARU, and Production I.G. The reveal included a teaser visual and the working title Koukaku Kidoutai: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL. While staff for the new project have not been formally named, Science SARU is confirmed to return as the animation studio.
The previous 2026 television series featured a creative team led by director Mokochan, with series composition and scripts by EnJoe Toh. Character designs and chief animation direction were handled by Shuhei Handa, while the music was composed by Taisei Iwasaki, Ryo Konishi, and Yuki Kanesaka. The visual identity of that series also featured a title logo designed by Hajime Sorayama. The 2026 series also featured art director Emi Katanosaka, art supervisor Osamu Masuyama, and color designer Satoshi Hashimoto. The technical team included compositing director Hikari Itoh, editor Kiyoshi Hirose, sound director Yuji Tange, and sound effects artist Shota Yaso.
The voice cast for the 2026 series included Maaya Sakamoto as Motoko Kusanagi, Kazuhiro Yamaji as Daisuke Aramaki, Hiroki Yasumoto as Batou, and Yuichi Nakamura as Togusa. Ishikawa and Saito were voiced by Kosuke Goto and Toru Nara, respectively. It is currently unconfirmed if this staff or cast will return for the new project, though the studio's involvement is secured.
Why It Matters
Science SARU has maintained a high profile in the industry following the success of Dandadan and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. This new project marks a quick return to the Ghost in the Shell universe after the studio's 10-episode run that aired from July 7 to September 8, 2026. That adaptation was notable for being a more faithful representation of Masamune Shirow's original manga compared to previous iterations, specifically focusing on the "Puppeteer" hacker storyline.
The timing of the announcement, occurring shortly after the first project's conclusion, suggests a robust production pipeline at Science SARU. Fans are currently searching for details on which story arc will be adapted next, with speculation centering on the manga sequels Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor or Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface. However, no official source has confirmed these specific plot details as of yet.
Where to Watch
The previous 10-episode Ghost in the Shell television series produced by Science SARU is available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video. As of July 2026, the series is accessible in over 240 countries and regions, excluding mainland China, Russia, and Vietnam. Other recent Science SARU productions, such as Dandadan, are available on Netflix and Crunchyroll, while Scott Pilgrim Takes Off remains a Netflix exclusive.
What Happens Next
No release date for the new Ghost in the Shell project has been confirmed as of October 24, 2026. The production committee has not yet specified whether the work will be a direct continuation or a standalone entry.