Hideaki Anno to Helm Brand-New 'Space Battleship Yamato √2199' Anime Film Alongside Yutaka Izubuchi

The production of a brand-new theatrical animated feature, Space Battleship Yamato √2199 (pronounced “Root 2199”), based on the timeless sci-fi classic Space Battleship Yamato, has been officially announced, sending waves of excitement throughout the global anime community.

Renowned director Hideaki Anno, acclaimed for visionary blockbusters such as Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time and Shin Kamen Rider, serves as the project’s planner, executive producer, and director. Joining him as co-director is Yutaka Izubuchi, who previously led the celebrated 2012 reboot Space Battleship Yamato 2199 as chief director. The film marks an unprecedented first-time animation co-production between Production I.G and Anno’s Studio Khara.

Anno has never been shy about the profound creative impact Yamato had on his youth and career, regularly weaving homages and references to the seminal series into his own masterpieces. The announcement sparked passionate reactions online, with fans expressing ecstatic disbelief: “Anno is finally directing the real-deal Yamato!” and “This duo is an absolute dream team.”

Alongside the production announcement, a teaser visual depicting the Yamato preparing to launch into the vastness of space was released. Observers on social media quickly noted subtle support lines and wire-like markings rendered beneath the ship’s hull—a distinct aesthetic nod reminiscent of classic miniature tokusatsu (practical special effects) rigs, reflecting both directors' deep affection for practical filmmaking heritage.

The mathematical radical symbol “√” (root) in the title has also ignited intense fan speculation. Viewers are actively debating whether it signals a return to the franchise's “roots” (as in square root) or denotes an alternate timeline “route” that diverges from previous remake continuity.

As one of the crowning achievements of Japanese animation history prepares to be reimagined by two of the modern industry's most influential auteurs, anticipation for the legendary warship’s next voyage continues to mount.

The Context

Originally broadcast in 1974 under the direction of Leiji Matsumoto and producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki, Space Battleship Yamato (localized in the West as Star Blazers) revolutionized Japanese television. It is widely credited with establishing serious, serialized space opera in anime and giving birth to Japan’s first dedicated generation of anime subculture (otaku). For Hideaki Anno, watching Yamato in high school was the catalyst that propelled him into the anime industry; he even storyboarded the iconic opening sequence for the 2012 reboot Yamato 2199. Entrusting the venerable franchise to Anno and Izubuchi represents a momentous generational milestone for Japanese science-fiction animation.