Science SARU's The Ghost in the Shell is getting more. Bandai Namco Filmworks announced on October 23 that a new anime project is in production for the 2026 TV series, with Science SARU animating again. The news broke at a Dover Street Market Ginza press preview for a "Geeks Rule" apparel launch, alongside a new announcement visual. The format (second season, film, or something else) wasn't stated.
Quick answer
The Ghost in the Shell (2026) is Science SARU's 10-episode adaptation of Masamune Shirow's manga, directed by Mokochan and written by Toh Enjoe. It premiered July 7, 2026 and streams worldwide on Amazon Prime Video (excluding mainland China, Russia and Vietnam). A new anime project was announced on October 23, 2026, with no format or date yet. According to SenpaiRanks, the franchise's top entries are Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG (8.24), Stand Alone Complex (8.11) and the 1995 film (8.02), while the 2026 series' board is still filling up with votes.
What we know, and what we don't
Confirmed: Science SARU is back as the studio, and Bandai Namco Filmworks is driving the project. Not confirmed: whether it continues the 2026 story, whether Mokochan and Enjoe return, and when it airs. The production committee for the first run was Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science SARU and Production I.G. That last name matters, because I.G made every Ghost in the Shell anime before this one.
Why a follow-up makes sense
The 2026 series was a bet. A storyboarder making his directorial debut, a novelist writing the scripts, character designs by Shūhei Handa (*Little Witch Academia*, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), and a King Gnu opening ("Go Ghost") built to reach people who never saw Oshii's film. A global Prime Video simulcast gave it reach, and a quick follow-up announcement tells you the committee liked what it saw. Maaya Sakamoto (Motoko) and Hiroki Yasumoto (Batou) leading the cast also kept longtime fans on board.
Where it sits in the franchise
The bar here is very high. On SenpaiRanks, Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG is the franchise peak at 8.24, and SAC_2045, the last big Netflix-era swing, sits much lower at 6.86. Wherever the Science SARU version lands will show whether the reboot worked. If you watched it, rate The Ghost in the Shell (2026). New to the franchise? Our Ghost in the Shell watch order sorts the film and SAC continuities, and the best cyberpunk anime ranking puts it next to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, whose sequel just added a Hideo Kojima cameo.
What to watch for next
The format reveal first, then staff. If Mokochan stays on, expect the same stylized, fast-cut look. For more classic sci-fi to rank while you wait, see the best sci-fi anime and the best anime films of the 2000s, which includes Innocence.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is The Ghost in the Shell (2026) getting a Season 2?
A: A new anime project from Science SARU was announced on October 23, 2026. Bandai Namco Filmworks hasn't said yet whether it's a second season, a film or another format.
Q: Where can I watch The Ghost in the Shell 2026 anime?
A: Amazon Prime Video streams all 10 episodes worldwide, except in mainland China, Russia and Vietnam.
Q: Who made the 2026 Ghost in the Shell anime?
A: Science SARU, with director Mokochan, scripts by Toh Enjoe and character designs by Shūhei Handa.
Q: What is the best Ghost in the Shell anime?
A: According to SenpaiRanks, Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG leads at 8.24, followed by Stand Alone Complex at 8.11 and the 1995 film at 8.02.
Q: Do I need to watch the old Ghost in the Shell before the 2026 series?
A: No. The Science SARU series is a fresh adaptation of Shirow's manga and works as an entry point.