‘The Ghost in the Shell’ Returns To Its Classic Aesthetic In New Trailer: Series To Debut In July

Nearly four decades after Masamune Shirow’s seminal cyberpunk manga first reshaped modern sci-fi storytelling, Ghost in the Shell is returning to screens later this year with a new adaptation from Japanese studio Science Saru titled, simply, The Ghost in the Shell.

Today, Bandai Namco unveiled a teaser for the new adaptation, scheduled to debut in July, showing off a sure-to-be-welcome return to the 2D aesthetics that defined the franchise’s earlier anime entries.

Early footage recalls the moodier, hand-drawn aesthetic that has influenced science fiction animation worldwide for more than three decades, marking a sharp contrast with Netflix’s fully CG Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 (2020–2022), whose animation style proved divisive among fans and critics alike. A new key visual released today shows that this version will also remain faithful to the original’s… thirstier aspects. It features Motoko Kusanagi in an original illustration by Handa, the show’s character designer and chief animation director.

The series marks the directorial debut of longtime Saru collaborator Toma “Mokochan” Kimura (Dan Da Dan, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), with scripts by sci-fi author EnJoe Toh and character design and chief animation direction by Shuhei Handa. Newly released visuals spotlight Major Motoko Kusanagi alongside the iconic Fuchikoma units, reinforcing the project’s connection to the franchise’s roots.

“Anime adaptation-wise, this new The Ghost in the Shell marks the fourth version following those by Oshii, Kamiyama, and Kise,” said Shirow when the series was teased in April of last year. “Alternatively, if we separate Ghost in the Shell and Innocence, categorize the S.A.C. series into Seasons 1, 2, and Solid State Society, divide Arise into its own series along with The New Movie, and split SAC_2045 into Seasons 1 and 2, this would be the tenth adaptation overall.”

“Considering the shift in production staff, one could even consider this the first installment of a second generation. The original manga is quite old, so I ask for your understanding on that point (sorry!). That said, I sincerely hope this will once again be an enjoyable visual experience in some form.”

With Science Saru producing and a renewed visual direction more loyal to the franchise’s roots, the 2026 series aims to reconnect audiences with one of anime’s most enduring cyberpunk worlds.