The iconic world of Ghost in the Shell is preparing for a bold return, and this time, it is doing something fans never expected. A brand new anime adaptation is in the works, produced by Science Saru, and it promises to deliver a version of Ghost in the Shell that is more faithful to the original manga than any adaptation before it. The first teaser was shown at Anime Expo 2025, giving fans just a glimpse of what is to come, but even that small preview was enough to spark excitement.


First introduced to the world as a manga by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell has been adapted into multiple forms over the decades, including the critically acclaimed 1995 anime film, various television series like Stand Alone Complex, and even a live action Hollywood version in 2017. Each adaptation has had its own interpretation of the story, often focusing on heavy cyberpunk themes, existential questions, and the philosophical weight of technology’s relationship with human identity.


But the manga was not entirely like that. While it certainly introduced those complex ideas, the tone was often more playful, quirky, and at times even absurd. Major Motoko Kusanagi was originally portrayed with a more eccentric and energetic personality, far from the stoic and brooding version seen in the film. The humor, strange tech concepts, and surreal touches were all part of the original charm, and now, for the first time in decades, a studio is ready to capture that spirit.

Science Saru feels like the perfect match for this vision. Known for its experimental visuals and boundary pushing storytelling in titles like Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Ping Pong the Animation, the studio has built a reputation for balancing chaos with craft. The new Ghost in the Shell reboot is expected to follow this pattern, embracing the manga’s lighter tone while still honoring the series’ legacy as one of anime’s most philosophical franchises.


The creative team behind the reboot adds even more reason to be hopeful. The director, credited as Moko chan, previously worked on the visually inventive Dandadan, and the series writer, Toh EnJoe, is known for his contributions to Space Dandy, an anime celebrated for its irreverent humor and genre bending structure. Their combined experience suggests the reboot will strike a delicate balance between the manga’s original whimsy and the visual depth that Ghost in the Shell is known for.

This reboot is more than just a nostalgic return. It is a deliberate shift back to the source material’s essence, offering something that feels fresh yet familiar. For longtime fans, it is a chance to reconnect with the story in a way that has rarely been explored. For new viewers, it could become a vibrant entry point into one of the most influential science fiction properties in anime history.

With a 2026 release window and more details expected in the coming months, Ghost in the Shell is once again positioning itself at the forefront of anime innovation. If Science Saru can deliver what the teaser has promised, this could be the most surprising and creatively charged version of the franchise yet.

For more updates on Ghost in the Shell and the anime titles you should be watching next, follow Anime Insider on Instagram and Facebook.