Unveiling the Ultimate Transformations: Key Divergences Between Neon Genesis Evangelion & The Rebuild Films

The original Neon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking anime that revolutionized the industry. Fans who have watched both the original series and the more recent Rebuild of Evangelion movies might wonder about the differences between the two. Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime classic that defied traditional tropes and clichés, sparking immense anticipation when the Rebuild of Evangelion films were announced in 2006. However, it soon became clear that the movies were not simply a high-budget retelling, but a complete departure from the original storyline. So, what sets the films and the TV series apart?

It is widely known that the creator of Evangelion, Hideaki Anno, was grappling with intense depression during its production, and this bleak state of mind influenced the show. The characters in Evangelion are all haunted by their pasts and have little faith in the future, struggling each day just to survive. As the series reaches its infamous original ending, the consequences of their actions come crashing down, and chaos ensues. The perplexing conclusion of the TV anime was reimagined in the film End of Evangelion, which depicts the catastrophic downfall and deaths of numerous characters.

Rebuild of Evangelion's Differences Begin With The Second Movie's Ending

Starting to work at Rebuild more than 10 years later, Hideaki Anno was in a significantly altered mental state, which is evident in the final product. The differences between the films and the original series are numerous, ranging from major to minor. The pacing of the films is faster, compressing what took several episodes in the series into mere moments in the first film. While Shinji is still himself, he is slightly less contemplative. The characters as a whole seem to have a better understanding of themselves and their true problems compared to their counterparts in the TV series. Additionally, the Rebuild of Evangelion films introduce a new EVA pilot named Mari Maki, adding a complicating element to the existing dynamics. In the second movie, a pivotal moment involving Rei takes place, leading Shinji to make a distinctly different choice. This choice sets off a chain of events that drastically transform the final two films, rendering them almost unrecognizable.

The third Rebuild of Evangelion film takes a leap forward in time, skipping 14 years into the future, causing everything to change radically. During this period, Shinji is absent, resulting in a different unfolding of events. It is revealed that Eva pilots do not age, meaning Asuka and Rei, despite living through those 14 years, remain physically unchanged. The third film heavily focuses on the relationship between Shinji and Kaworu, a relationship that originally spanned just one episode in the series. The fourth Rebuild of Evangelion film is equally distinct from its series counterpart. A significant portion of the film depicts Shinji, Rei, and Asuka living a relatively ordinary life in a village, before escalating towards the finale, which features a long-awaited confrontation between Shinji and his father in a surreal realm called Minus Space.

Rebuild Of Evangelion Is Neither A Reboot Nor A Sequel

The impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion on anime is truly immeasurable. Beyond its flashy giant robot battles, the series delves into the depths of the human psyche and examines the significant aspects of human relationships. Its ability to captivate multiple generations of fans over the course of two decades is a testament to its lasting significance. The Rebuild films, serving as both a reboot and a sequel, hold a unique position in the franchise. While they offer a metafictional conclusion to the entire Neon Genesis Evangelion saga, they do not attempt to replace the original and are definitely worth watching in their own right.