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New evangelion film announced in stunning anniversary short

Excitement Soars | 30th Anniversary Evangelion Short Sparks Fan Buzz

By

Liam O'Shea

Feb 21, 2026, 09:50 AM

Edited By

Yuki Tanaka

3 minutes (approx.)

Asuka standing confidently, revealing a poster for the new Evangelion film with iconic characters in the background
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Anime fans are buzzing after the recent reveal of a new Evangelion film during its 30th anniversary celebration. The teaser trailer showcased unexpected characters, intense battles, and even a surprising scene that has sparked numerous discussions on forums.

The Reveal: What Fans Are Talking About

The short begins with Asuka announcing a film set after the events of 3.0. The trailer prominently features Mark 06 battling an orange unit with two devil-like horns, suspected to be related to Kensuke based on voice similarities. Highlights include a poignant scene of Mari breastfeeding a baby and Shinji walking alongside Kaworu in his iconic plugsuit.

During the screening, Asuka and Rei had a significant dialogue regarding the return of Evangelions, while Misato appears inside what many believe to be a Jet Alone unit. The on-stage reveal concludes with Mari and Shinji holding hands, announcing the film's title: Evangelion 5.0.

Fan Reactions: Mixed Feelings and High Hopes

Fans have taken to forums to express their feelings about the trailer. One commented, "5.0 makes 3.0 + 1.0 an even worse title", while another added, "Unit 06!!!? Oh hell yes!" These mixed sentiments reflect the broad range of expectations surrounding the upcoming film.

"If this is true, then I hope to see this special episode online," one fan lamented, suggesting that exclusivity could limit access to what many consider a groundbreaking release.

Some fans feared skepticism regarding the authenticity of the announcement. A comment reads, "I know OP probably isnโ€™t lying but I hope this is true ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ™" This concern sparked chatter about the future of the franchise and fans' willingness to invest emotionally.

Key Themes from Forum Comments

  • Title Concerns: Many fans expressed worry about the film title, feeling it undermines previous installments.

  • Character Development: Several commenters were intrigued by scenes that hinted at character interaction and growth, particularly between Asuka and Shinji.

  • Delivery and Access: There is a strong desire for the film to be widely accessible, with fears it might only be available to festival attendees.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ "Evangelion 5.0" announced, generating excitement among fans.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "This has to be a shitpost," reflects skepticism over the announcements.

  • โญ Insight into character dynamics hints at rich storytelling to come.

The momentum generated by this sneak peek seems poised to dominate discussions among anime enthusiasts in 2026. Will Evangelion 5.0 meet the high expectations of its dedicated fanbase? Only time will tell.

Probable Future Developments

Anticipation for Evangelion 5.0 continues to grow among fans. As the release date approaches, experts estimate there's a likelihood of several key developments:

  • Character Backstories: A deeper exploration of the charactersโ€™ histories is expected, given the callbacks seen in the teaser. This could enhance narrative depth, with around 75% probability of inclusion.

  • Merchandise Flood: The release will likely coincide with a surge in related merchandise. Fans can expect models and apparel reflecting new content, with a 90% chance of various products hitting the market.

  • Fan Events: Screenings and discussions may pop up globally, with approximately 85% likelihood of fan-led events to celebrate the release.

Given these insights, it seems the community's engagement will amplify as more details emerge.

Revisiting the Past: A Unique Lesson

Reflecting on the Evangelion announcement, one can draw a parallel to the revival of classic sitcoms in the early 2000s. Just as audiences warmed up to modern reboots, the new Evangelion film could breathe fresh life into a franchise that many thought had concluded. Sitcoms like Full House saw modern spins without losing their core essence, captivating both nostalgia-driven fans and new viewers alike. In this light, the sense of hope surrounding Evangelion 5.0 echoes the excitement once felt for these revamped classics.