Let’s get one thing out of the way: no, this is not another attempt to recreate Mamoru Oshii’s legendary 1995 Ghost in the Shell. That masterpiece can rest easy. Instead, Science SARU is taking the franchise somewhere it has not been in a long time—back to where it all began.
The newly announced The Ghost in the Shell anime draws much of its inspiration from Masamune Shirow’s original manga. If the trailer is anything to go by, expect a livelier Major Motoko Kusanagi, more expressive character designs, and animation bursting with the energy that has become Science SARU’s calling card.
Rather than following the philosophical tone of Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film or the procedural style of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the new series appears to embrace the energy and personality of Masamune Shirow’s original manga. The cyberpunk themes remain firmly intact, but the teaser also hints at more expressive characters, playful moments, and fast-paced action.
The story once again follows Public Security Section 9 as it tackles cybercrime in a future where the line between humans and machines has become increasingly blurred. In other words, plenty of hacking, gunfights, philosophical questions, and enough cybernetic upgrades to make your next smartphone feel embarrassingly outdated.
For longtime fans, this is shaping up to be less of a reboot and more of a homecoming. After decades of reinterpretations, Ghost in the Shell may finally be returning to the spirit of the manga that started it all. If Science SARU sticks the landing, this could become one of the most exciting entries in the franchise in years.
Now for the good news. The wait won’t be long, either. The Ghost in the Shell premieres on July 7, 2026, anchoring Fuji TV and Kansai TV’s new ‘Ka-Anival!!’ block in Japan, while Amazon Prime Video will stream it in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Meanwhile, you can check out the exciting trailer below.
Images: Ghost In The Shell Anime [JP].
