Brandon Fletcher
For three decades, Neon Genesis Evangelion has defied all attempts to clarify or summarize its overarching themes and intricate plot. This complexity arises from creator Hideaki Anno’s ongoing revisions, retellings, and retcons. To celebrate this enigmatic legacy, GKids is bringing back two alternate ending films, Evangelion:Death (True)² & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion, to theaters for a limited two-night engagement.
The original anime series, which aired for 26 episodes from 1995 to 1996, follows the journey of Shinji Ikari, a teenager enlisted by the secretive organization Nerv to pilot a colossal mech and combat entities known as Angels. The last two episodes of the series are notoriously perplexing, prompting a strong demand for an alternative conclusion. This need is what Evangelion:Death (True)² & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion strive to fulfill.
Evangelion:Death (True)² & Rebirth, as stated in a GKids press release, consists of Evangelion:Death, which compiles episodes 1-24 from the original series, alongside Evangelion:Rebirth, which features a segment of the alternative ending for episode 25, titled ‘Air.’ This segment also serves as the initial part of The End of Evangelion, which premiered just four months after Rebirth.
Following this, The End of Evangelion embarks on a separate narrative path. In the words of GKids, “This concluding film was crafted as an alternate ending to the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, reimagining the final two episodes. After the failure to orchestrate a man-made Third Impact, SEELE launches an assault on NERV. Asuka, having come to terms with her own existence and that of her mother amidst despair, returns to initiate a counteroffensive. new adversaries descend from the skies. Simultaneously, Shinji confronts the devastating remains of Asuka’s EVA-02 while piloting EVA-01. He is encircled by mass production models, which perform a somber ceremony. What does it truly mean to complete a human heart?”
This intricate narrative will likely bewilder anyone who hasn’t experienced the original anime series, and even those who have may find themselves puzzled. To embrace Evangelion is to accept that full comprehension may forever elude you, and that is perfectly acceptable.
If you’re eager to see Evangelion on the big screen, mark your calendars for its 30th Movie Fest. Evangelion:Death (True)² & Rebirth will hit theaters on July 21, followed by The End of Evangelion on July 22. Tickets and participating theater information can be found here.
Interested in more io9 news? Discover when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, explore what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and stay informed about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
