Back in 2024, anime studio Science SARU announced they would produce an anime adaptation of Shirow Masamune’s Ghost in The Shell. Their version of the cyberpunk action series will be based on the mangaka’s original 1989 manga. The project has now reappeared at the Los Angeles Anime Expo 2025 (AX 2025) with a 2nd teaser trailer.
Concept Art and 2nd Teaser at AX Expo 2025
On July 3, 2025, the LA Anime Expo hosted Bandai Namco Filmworks’ panel with a special trailer for The Ghost in the Shell. It featured exclusive concept art drawn by anime artist Hajime Sorayama. He’s mostly known for his cover art for Aerosmith’s Just Push Play album. The artwork featured a younger Major Mokoto Kusanagi, Section 9 head Daisuke Aramaki, and her entrusted partner, Batou. Other works include a handgun, cyberpunk Japan, and the Ghost labs.
Bandai Namco Filmworks also shared the official 2nd image teaser. Visitors saw The Major is portrayed in linings and colors that replicated the early 1990s. Her arms could be described as a prototype design for their exposed robotic limbs. Covering her torso is a long white haori jacket. In Kusanagi’s trailer concept, she wears a pair of army cargo pants, a puff jacket, and cyclops goggles. The Ghost in the Shell could be hinting at the return of the adorable arachnoid bot, Fuchikoma.
Science Saru’s Ghost in the Shell Plot
Ghost in the Shell first gained traction in 2004 with GitS: Stand Alone Complex. Viewers followed the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi and Public Security Section 9. The Major specializes in investigating cases involving cybernetic lifeforms and illegal enhancements across Japan. GitS: Stand Alone had her searching for clues revolving around the mysterious cybercriminal, The Laughing Man.
Director Mokochan (Toma Kimura) and scriptwriter Enjoe Toh decided to reintroduce Masamune’s critically acclaimed futuristic sleuth with the story before it. Ghost in the Shell‘s original 1989 manga adaptation has an updated title, The Ghost in the Shell. Its synopsis became the foundation of its 1995 anime film adaptation:
“Deep into the 21st century, the line between man and machine has been inexorably blurred as humans rely on the enhancements of mechanical implants and robots are upgraded with human tissue. In this rapidly converging landscape, cyborg superagent Major Motoko Kusanagi is charged to track down the craftiest and most dangerous terrorists and cybercriminals, including “ghost hackers”, who are capable of exploiting the human/machine interface and reprogramming humans to become puppets to carry out the hackers’ activities.”
GitS Predicted a Tech-Dominant Society
After reopening his art exhibit in Setagaya-ku, The Yomiuri Shimbun released an exclusive written interview with Shirow Masamune. The Ghost in the Shell is an early literary piece that predicted the rapid rise of technology converging into the social norm. The series’ future foretold how humanity would be affected in the 2030s.
The sci-fi legacy reflected on his 36-year cyberpunk masterpiece that portrayed the dangers people face today. He first commented about artificial intelligence and parasocialism:
“There are many challenges, such as the misuse of AI by malicious intent and security concerns. The world is becoming more interconnected than before and therefore smaller. At the same time, it is becoming more divided and fragmented, increasing the distance between us. I think today’s society is in a state in which people can’t communicate through language. […] I hope the undesirable aspects of computerization don’t become too influential.”
Masamune added that technology acts as two sides of a coin. As shown in Ghost in the Shell, cyborg agents like Major Kusanagi are designed to detain criminal activity. While their human functionality can perceive threats, their mechanisms are vulnerable to hackers and computer viruses. He also believes that if people further research technology, its proper use will lead society to make better decisions.
Even when worried about society, Masamune is very thankful for creating Ghost in the Shell. “I’ve created very few works, and have had so many of them suspended, unpublished or rejected for various reasons. I feel very fortunate to have been able to continue with my career this long.” The Ghost in the Shell is set to release in 2026.
