“THE GHOST IN THE SHELL” Selected in Annecy 2026 Official Selection World Premiere Screening featuring “Special Events”
It has been officially announced that the all-new TV anime series THE GHOST IN THE SHELL (Animation Production: Science SARU), scheduled for broadcast in 2026, has been officially selected for the prestigious “Special Events” program at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.
The “Special Events” program at Annecy is a highly esteemed section renowned for offering early, behind-the-scenes looks at the production processes of highly anticipated feature films.
For a yet-to-be-broadcast TV series to receive a special invitation to this cinematic category alongside major feature films is a testament to the extraordinary global expectations and the world-class visual quality delivered by Science SARU.
Under the ultimate theatrical environment with a massive screen and premium sound, the monumental first and second episodes of the new THE GHOST IN THE SHELL will be unveiled to the world for the very first time. We are thrilled to deliver this moment of absolute excitement—where Japan’s legendary sci-fi franchise intersects with Science SARU’s innovative expression—from Annecy to the rest of the world.
About Annecy International Animation Film Festival & “Special Events”:
Held annually in Annecy, France, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival was established in 1960 and stands as the world’s oldest and largest animation festival. Often referred to as the “”Cannes of Animation,”” it attracts tens of thousands of passionate fans and top industry creators.
Future Announcements:
Further details regarding the exact date and time of the screening, as well as the attending guests at the festival, will be announced in due course via the official website and social media channels. Please look forward to the global launch and further updates on this monumental series as it gears up for its 2026 broadcast.
“THE GHOST IN THE SHELL” is set to begin its global streaming journey on Prime Video in July 2026.
The upcoming anime series THE GHOST IN THE SHELL will be directed by Mokochan, making his directorial debut after serving as assistant director on titles like DAN DA DAN. The script is being handled by acclaimed science fiction author EnJoe Toh, known for works like Self-Reference ENGINE and for his work on Godzilla Singular Point. Character design and executive animation direction are handled by Shuhei Handa, known for SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF (Netflix) and Spriggan. The music direction for this project will be led by Taisei Iwasaki, winner of the Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music for BELLE. The soundtrack will be a collaborative creation featuring Iwasaki alongside Ryo Konishi, who served as Music Director for the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, and YUKI KANESAKA, a U.S.-based composer recently known for his work on the TV anime Dr. STONE. Animation production is by Science SARU, known for internationally acclaimed works such as the Golden Globe-nominated film Inu-Oh, the Shanghai International Film Festival Best Animation Award-winning The Colors Within, and the TV anime DAN DA DAN.
◆Project Details
Title: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL
Format: TV Animation
Based on the manga “The Ghost in the Shell” by Shirow Masamune, originally serialized in YOUNG MAGAZINE published by KODANSHA Ltd.
Director: Mokochan
Script: EnJoe Toh
Character Design and Executive Animation Director: Shuhei Handa
Music Director & Music: Taisei Iwasaki
Music: Ryo Konishi YUKI KANESAKA
Music Production: FlyingDog
Animation Production: Science SARU
Release Date: Scheduled for July 2026
◆Official Site & Social media
Official Teaser Site: theghostintheshell-anime.jp
X (Japan): @thegits_anime
X (Global): @thegits_animeEN
Instagram: @thegits_anime