The Ghost in the Shell is a new anime series from studio Science SARU that reimagines Masamune Shirow’s classic cyberpunk manga. It premiered in July 2026 and is the first new Ghost in the Shell TV anime since Netflix’s SAC_2045. Here is what to know.
What Is the Story About?
The series follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg who leads a counter-cybercrime unit. Daisuke Aramaki of the Ministry of Internal Affairs recruits her team. It is based on Shirow’s manga, which ran from 1989 to 1991, and is described as an aesthetic reinvention rather than a continuation of earlier anime.
Release Date and Where to Watch
The anime premiered on July 7, 2026. It streams worldwide on Prime Video, which has an early window before the Japanese broadcast on Kansai TV and Fuji TV. The first two episodes were also screened at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June. The coverage reviewed does not give a total episode count.
Who Is Making It?
Science SARU, known for Dandadan and Devilman Crybaby, produces the series. Mokochan directs, Toh EnJoe handles series composition and scripts, and Shuhei Handa designs the characters. The music director is Taisei Iwasaki. A committee that includes Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha and Production I.G backs the project.
Cast
In the English dub, Suzie Yeung voices Kusanagi and Bill Butts voices Batou. One review of the first two episodes describes a Major who is more quick-tempered and multifaceted than in recent versions, and praises a premiere that is mostly free of action.
How It Differs From Earlier Versions
Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film set the franchise’s austere tone, and later adaptations followed it closely. This series aims for a looser, more character-driven feel while keeping the cyberpunk setting. For the character’s wider legacy, see our list of the most iconic female characters in anime.
Sources: Gizmodo, Anime.com, Digital Trends, Oricon.