The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise is once again dominating headlines in Japan. With the surprise success of the Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-movie, which surpassed one billion yen in box office revenue in Japan, and the global streaming release of the series on Amazon Prime, the long-running mecha franchise is gaining fresh momentum. The hype for GQuuuuuuX is also being driven by the involvement of Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno as a co-writer. This crossover of creative forces between Sunrise and Studio Khara has fans speculating about the influence Anno might have on the new direction Gundam is heading in.
That speculation boiled over with the broadcast of Episode 8, which aired in Japan on May 28, 2025. The episode featured imagery and scenes that immediately drew comparisons to Neon Genesis Evangelion. A purple and green mobile suit evoked Eva Unit-01, and a climactic moment involving an unmanned Gundam protecting the character Nyaan sent social media into a frenzy. Fans dubbed the episode “Eva-like” and began theorizing about Anno’s deeper involvement. But in a post shared by Studio Khara’s official X account, Anno broke his silence and clarified: “There are a few cuts that look like Evangelion, but I barely helped on this.”
A New Generation of Gundam Heroes
A Studio Khara and Sunrise Alliance Forges Ahead With Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuux
Gundam GQuuuuuuX follows a new cast of characters operating outside the main Universal Century timeline. Leading the show is Amate Yuzuriha, a passionate, hot-headed student pilot, and Nyaan, a mysterious refugee from a war-torn background. Their relationship and the emotional stakes of the story have been praised for making the series more accessible to newcomers. The show maintains the usual focus on mobile suit battles and political intrigue, but injects it with a modern visual style and coming-of-age themes. This balance has allowed GQuuuuuuX to appeal to both longtime fans and younger audiences.
Hideaki Anno’s role as a Gundam fanboy turned collaborator added to the mystique surrounding GQuuuuuuX.
The project is being co-produced by Sunrise and Studio Khara, with longtime Evangelion collaborator Kazuya Tsurumaki serving as director. Anno’s official title is co-screenwriter, but his name and reputation loom large over the anime industry. Given his legendary status and history with mecha anime, fans naturally assumed Anno’s influence would be strongly felt. His role as a Gundam fanboy turned collaborator added to the mystique surrounding GQuuuuuuX. Anno has referenced Gundam in his previous works and has spoken about how Yoshiyuki Tomino inspired him to pursue animation in the first place.
GQuuuuuuX’s Controversial Episode
Hideaki Anno Denies Direct Involvement in the Decisions for Episode #8
Episode 8 of GQuuuuuuX, titled “Falling to the Moon,” triggered the most speculation yet. The mobile suit GQuuuuuuX Unit-02 appears with a color scheme nearly identical to Eva Unit-01. It then activates on its own and shields Nyaan from harm without a pilot onboard. The framing, tension, and animation immediately reminded fans of classic Evangelion sequences. Japanese social media users began posting side-by-side screenshots comparing the episode to scenes from Evangelion and even Anno’s earlier anime Gunbuster. Some praised the apparent homage, while others wondered if Anno had directed or storyboarded the episode himself without credit.
To clear the air, Studio Khara issued an official clarification. The account posted a quote from Anno, attributed as “the company president,” that read: “GQ Episode 8, Part B. There are some cuts that look like Evangelion, but I barely helped on this. It’s a misunderstanding to say it was my doing.” In a separate follow-up, Anno also denied responsibility for sequences in Part A of the episode that were said to resemble his earlier work on Gunbuster, stating simply: “Those parts weren’t mine either. That was Director Tsurumaki.” Fans responded positively, appreciating the transparency and humor.
The Gunbuster connection is worth noting. Released in 1988, the Gunbuster anime OVA marked Anno’s directorial debut and blended space opera with emotional drama. Many of the visual hallmarks of Episode 8, such as moody lighting, bold perspective shots, and dramatic pacing, seem to reflect that same lineage. Tsurumaki, who worked closely with Anno on both Gunbuster and later Evangelion installments, likely channeled that shared aesthetic. Rather than evidence of Anno’s secret involvement, Episode 8 stands as a testament to how closely aligned these creators have become over the years in terms of visual storytelling and tone.
Fans Are Still Hoping for Evangelion Energy
The Future of GQuuuuuuX and Beyond
Despite Anno’s minimal input, some fans hoped that GQuuuuuuX would evolve into a full-fledged spiritual successor to Evangelion, complete with psychological turmoil and surrealism. The presence of young pilots, inner conflict, and large-scale destruction seemed to lay the groundwork for something deeper. But so far, GQuuuuuuX remains firmly within the narrative boundaries of classic Gundam. Its tone is more hopeful than despairing, and its characters fight for ideals rather than wrestle with metaphysical dread. While nods to Evangelion exist, the show is carving its own identity.
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Anno’s love for Gundam has always been sincere. He once remarked that watching Tomino’s original series as a teenager was what sparked his initial interest in anime. Over the years, he has made references to Gundam in Evangelion, participated in official tributes, and expressed admiration for the franchise’s complex themes. Anno’s decision to keep a light touch on GQuuuuuuX may reflect a desire to preserve Tomino’s vision. Rather than reshaping the series in his own image, Anno appears content to lend support while letting a new generation of creators take center stage.
Looking forward, Gundam GQuuuuuuX seems poised to continue a strong run. With its international distribution and growing online discussion, the series may yet become the most globally visible Gundam in years. Episode 8 proved that Gundam can evolve while still honoring its roots, and the playful back-and-forth between Anno and fans added an extra layer of fun. Whether or not future episodes continue to draw comparisons to Evangelion, the show’s future looks bright. And knowing Anno’s history, there may still be more surprises waiting in the wings.
