According to Takeshi Honda, an animation director on the Rebuild of Evangelion films, Evangelion 4.0 is being worked on. Production was halted for the film for four years, officially titled Evangelion 3.0+1.0, or Evangelion Shin Gekijōban :||. It is Honda’s hope that the film is released before he has to retire, as drawing has gotten increasingly difficult as he’s gotten older.
“We’re actually working on the new Evangelion film right now.
“We’re working hard and it’ll come out eventually, so thanks for all of your patience – please continue to be patient, because it’s going to be the last episode.”
Months ago director Hideaki Anno came out and stated that he was working on his crowning achievement, so this is no surprise. Still, it’s nice to get confirmation that the film is in production from someone other than Anno himself.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a classic anime series, and the Rebuild films have been fantastic. Hopefully Evangelion 4.0 (Evangelion 3.0+1.0) is released in the next year or two, as fans have been waiting for so long. Anno even went as far as to apologize to fans. It’s a relief that Evangelion 4.0 is being worked on.
The film series has been in development for 10 years and the last film, 3.33, was crazy (in a good way) in how it altered the source material. The anime world’s eyes will be on Anno and his team as they work to finish the final installment in the quatrology and see how much it differs from the original version of events.