Hideaki Anno and Yutaka Izubuchi are officially co-directing a new feature film titled Cosmoship Yamato √2199 (pronounced "Root 2199"). This high-profile project marks the first time Studio khara and Production I.G will work together as joint production partners on a single title.
The announcement arrived on October 6, 2026, the 52nd anniversary of the original 1974 Space Battleship Yamato television series. The reveal confirms that two of the most influential directors in the medium are taking the helm of the legendary sci-fi franchise.
What We Know
The film is a feature-length theatrical anime production. Beyond his role as co-director, Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) is serving as the project's executive producer and handling planning and design works. Yutaka Izubuchi, who previously directed the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 remake series, is also contributing to the design works alongside Anno. Mitsuhisa Ishikawa of Production I.G is also listed as a planner for the film.
Studio khara secured the necessary license approvals from Voyager Holdings and Tohokushinsha Film Corporation back in October 2024. This legal foundation allowed the studio to begin producing new anime footage long before the public announcement. The film is being produced under the company Shin Office Academy, with the original creator credit going to Yoshinobu Nishizaki. A teaser visual released with the announcement depicts the Yamato launching from a devastated landscape, though specific plot details remain under wraps.
Why It Matters
This collaboration is a landmark event for sci-fi anime fans. Hideaki Anno is serving as director and executive producer, and he is paired with Yutaka Izubuchi, who directed the modern Space Battleship Yamato 2199 remake series. Their involvement suggests a project that honors the franchise's roots while potentially pushing it in a "different course" from the current remake continuity.
Specifically, this film appears to exist independently of the ongoing remake series, such as the recently released Yamato yo Towa ni - REBEL 3199. By focusing on a direction that may align more closely with the 1974 series or the 1975 manga, √2199 offers a fresh entry point for the franchise. The joint production between Production I.G and Studio khara is also significant; these studios represent the pinnacle of technical excellence, and their combined resources suggest a high-budget theatrical experience that matches the scale of the source material.
Where to Watch
Cosmoship Yamato √2199 is a theatrical production. No release date, international distributor or streaming home has been announced.
What Happens Next
No official release date has been announced for Cosmoship Yamato √2199. Future updates regarding the voice cast and international distribution are expected as production progresses. No cast members have been officially confirmed for the new film as of October 6, 2026.