The classic sci-fi anime franchise Space Battleship Yamato is returning with an all-new feature-length film, Space Battleship Yamato √2199 (Route 2199). The project was first announced during a screening event celebrating the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2024.
Hideaki Anno, best known for the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, will serve as director, planner, and executive producer. Yutaka Izubuchi is joining him as co-director, while Production I.G and Studio Khara will handle animation production. This marks the first animated collaboration between the two studios. Further details, including the film's release date, will be announced at a later time.
News of the new anime project actually dates back to the Space Battleship Yamato 50th Anniversary Screening event held in October 2024, where Hideaki Anno personally made the announcement. At the time, he explained:
"Studio Khara has been granted the rights by Shoji Nishizaki, representative director of Voyager Holdings Co., Ltd., to produce new animated footage based on Space Battleship Yamato. We have also received permission from Tohokushinsha Film Corporation to use the copyright." Anno then put it more plainly: "In short, I can finally make a new Yamato."
He continued: "This is something I forced my way into making happen. If I hadn't encountered Yamato 50 years ago, I don't think I would be where I am today. Being able to take part in creating Yamato means showing gratitude and respect to everyone who worked on and performed in the series, and giving something back. I want to carry Yamato forward for future generations."
Born in 1960, Hideaki Anno has been captivated by the Space Battleship Yamato franchise since his second year of junior high school. The new production aims to give longtime fans another chance to experience the series while launching a new voyage under its newly revealed title, Space Battleship Yamato √2199.
Anno said, "This isn't only about fulfilling a childhood dream. We want to keep creating a Yamato that carries the hopes and wishes of the next generation, as well as those of our own generation. That is the spirit guiding this production."
The newly unveiled teaser concept visual shows the Yamato preparing to lift off from a devastated landscape and launch into space.
Also worth noting: while this is the first anime jointly produced by Production I.G and Studio Khara, the partnership has a straightforward connection. Hideaki Anno joined Production I.G's board of directors in August 2025, a relationship that likely helped pave the way for the collaboration.
STUFF
Original Creator: Yoshinobu Nishizaki
Planning and Executive Production: Hideaki Anno
Planning: Mitsuhisa Ishikawa
Director and Design Works: Yutaka Izubuchi
Director and Design Works: Hideaki Anno
Animation Production: Production I.G × Studio Khara
Production: SHIN OFFICE ACADEMY