by A brand-new TV anime adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, originally created by Masamune Shirow, is officially set to premiere in July 2026. The series will stream on Amazon Prime Video, though it has not yet been confirmed whether the release will be exclusive to the platform.
The announcement was made during the “Prime Video Presents: International Originals” event held in London on the 12th (local time). The global showcase introduced upcoming international titles, with the new Ghost in the Shell anime highlighted as one of the major additions to Prime Video’s worldwide lineup.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video (July 2026)
- Exclusivity: Not yet announced
- Japanese TV Broadcast: Nationwide KTV/Fuji TV network
- Time Slot: Tuesdays at 11:00 PM (within the “Kaanibaru!!” programming block)
While the global streaming release has been confirmed, fans are still awaiting clarification on whether the series will also be available on other services.
A Fresh Creative Team from Science SARU
The new adaptation brings together a creative team known for visually bold and conceptually ambitious works.
Director
The series will be directed by Moko-chan (Shoma Kimura), a member of Science SARU and assistant director on Dandadan. His involvement suggests a dynamic visual approach while respecting the franchise’s philosophical depth.
Series Composition & Script
The screenplay and series composition will be handled by Toh Enjoe, an acclaimed novelist known for works such as Self-Reference Engine and Code Buddha. He previously worked on the anime Godzilla Singular Point, praised for its scientific and theoretical storytelling.
Character Design
Character design and chief animation direction will be led by Shuhei Handa, whose credits include Spriggan and Little Witch Academia.
Animation Production
Animation production will be handled by Science SARU, the studio behind internationally recognized works such as:
- Inu-Oh (Golden Globe nominee)
- Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!
- The Color of You
Science SARU’s reputation for creative visual experimentation suggests that this adaptation may offer a fresh artistic interpretation of the classic cyberpunk universe.
About Ghost in the Shell
First published in 1989 in a special issue of Young Magazine, Ghost in the Shell quickly became a landmark cyberpunk manga. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg who leads Public Security Section 9 in investigating high-tech crimes in a near-future society.
The franchise has inspired numerous adaptations, including the groundbreaking 1995 animated film Ghost in the Shell directed by Mamoru Oshii, which influenced global cinema and filmmakers worldwide.
Over the years, the series has explored themes such as:
- The fusion of humans and technology
- Artificial intelligence and consciousness
- Personal identity and memory
- Political cybercrime and digital surveillance
These philosophical questions remain strikingly relevant in today’s AI-driven society.
Why This New Adaptation Matters
With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and digital networks, Ghost in the Shell feels more timely than ever. A 2026 adaptation provides an opportunity to reinterpret its classic themes for a new generation.
Key expectations from fans include:
- A modernized visual style
- Deeper philosophical exploration
- Updated cyber-security and AI themes
- A faithful yet innovative portrayal of Major Kusanagi
Given Science SARU’s involvement and Enjoe’s conceptual writing background, this version may lean heavily into both visual experimentation and intellectual storytelling.
What We Still Don’t Know
While the streaming date and production team have been confirmed, several details remain undisclosed:
- Whether the series will be a direct adaptation of the original manga
- If it will connect to previous anime timelines
- Whether Amazon Prime Video holds global exclusivity
- The episode count and format
More updates are expected in the coming months as the July 2026 premiere approaches.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of a new Ghost in the Shell anime marks a major moment for cyberpunk anime fans worldwide. With an accomplished creative team and international streaming distribution via Amazon Prime Video, the project is positioned to reach a global audience.
As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: Major Motoko Kusanagi’s return to the digital battlefield will once again challenge viewers to question what it truly means to be human in a technologically evolving world.
