The legacy of the classic space opera continues as Hideaki Anno and Yutaka Izubuchi have been tapped to co-direct the upcoming feature film, Cosmoship Yamato √2199. The project, which utilizes the "Root" symbol in its title, is a collaborative effort between Production I.G and Studio Khara. Beyond his directorial duties, Anno is credited with planning alongside Production I.G founder Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, who serves as the project's executive producer.
This announcement follows Anno’s 2024 reveal that his studio, Khara, had secured the necessary licensing from Voyager Holdings and Tohokushinsha Film Corporation to develop new animated content for the franchise. Anno, a self-described lifelong fan of the series, expressed that the project is a deeply personal endeavor intended to carry the spirit of the original work forward for future generations. Izubuchi, who previously served as chief director for the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 remake series, remains a central creative force in this new production.
The franchise is currently in the midst of the Yamato yo Towa ni: Rebel 3199 project, a seven-part film series that began its theatrical run in Japan this past July. With the final installment of that series scheduled to debut on October 30, this new film announcement signals a continued commitment to the Yamato universe. While the original 1974 series remains a cornerstone of anime history, the modern remakes have successfully introduced the saga to new audiences, consistently maintaining strong engagement across global databases.
Why it matters: The involvement of Anno—who previously storyboarded the opening for 2199—and Izubuchi suggests a bridge between the classic aesthetic and the modern remake era. However, with no release window or plot specifics provided, it remains to be seen how this feature will fit into the existing timeline of the recent remake projects.
