At face value,Ghost in the Shellseems like one of themost successful anime franchisesof all time. The original 1995 film, directed by Mamoru Oshii, was an early global hit for theatrical anime, influencing a generation of science fiction films, includingThe Matrix. Over the decades, the franchise has expanded with numerous sequels and spin-offs, leading up to a newly announced series slated for release in 2026 from Science SARU (Devilman Crybaby.)
Director Mamoru Oshii’s original film, with its innovative blend of cyberpunk action and philosophical depth, helped establish the template for futureGhost in the Shellproductions. Despite directing only two entries—the 1995Ghost in the Shellmovie and its 2004 sequel,Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence—Oshii remains the most publicly recognized figure associated with the franchise. For years, fans have speculated about whether he would return to complete a trilogy.Now, new insights reveal whyGhost in the Shell 3hasn’t happened—and what it would take to make it a reality.
Oshii Teases a Third Film—With Conditions
Financial Struggles Stand in the Way
At a special screening in Tokyo on March 2, featuring 4K remastered versions ofGhost in the ShellandGhost in the Shell 2: Innocence, director Mamoru Oshii and voice actor Akio Otsuka (the voice of cyborg cop Batou) participated in a Q&A session.When asked if he would ever make anotherGhost in the Shellmovie, Oshii responded that he would—but only “under certain conditions.”He elaborated, “I do have an idea for a third film. There’s just one thing I feel I left unfinished. If I had the chance, I’d like to do it.”
Just weeks later, on March 15, the remasteredGhost in the Shell 2: Innocenceopened the Niigata Animation Film Festival. Although Oshii did not attend, Production I.G’s CEO Mitsuhisa Ishikawa—who produced bothGhost in the Shellfilms—spoke at the event. Ishikawa revealed a key obstacle preventing a third film: finances. He explained thatInnocencehad an enormous budget, estimated at around 2 billion yen (approximately $13 million), with profits reaching a similar figure. However, the film was planned with a ten-year financial recovery period, and even after 20 years, it has yet to break even.
This, Ishikawa stated, is the primary reason a thirdGhost in the Shellfilm has not been made. “Ghost in the Shell 3cannot be made unless the production costs ofInnocenceare recovered. This is something I want people to know and share. I want to see another sequel, too.”
The Revolutionary Vision of the Original Film
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence—A Departure from Expectations
Oshii’s firstGhost in the Shellfilm (1995) arrived following the success of Masamune Shirow’s popular manga, striking a careful balance between high-octane action and a visually rich, thought-provoking atmosphere. The film followed Major Motoko Kusanagi, a female cyborg, as she pursued the enigmatic hacker known as the Puppet Master—characters that fit well within the “girls with guns” trope of the era.
With its deep exploration of artificial intelligence, the expanding internet, and human consciousness, the film was truly groundbreaking.It was also a financial success, grossing $10 million on a budget of $3 million. Oshii’s adaptation helped define the cyberpunk genre, setting the stage for the franchise’s continued success with sequels and spin-offs, beginning with the 2002–2003 anime seriesGhost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
WhenGhost in the Shell 2: Innocencewas announced, audiences expected a continuation of Oshii’s signature blend of action and philosophy.However, the sequel took a very different approach.
Set years after the original, the story shifted focus to Major Kusanagi’s partner, Batou, as he investigated a dark, noir-tinged case involving murderous humanoid robots known as gynoids. Unlike its predecessor, which balanced action with thematic depth,Innocenceleaned heavily into a dreamlike atmosphere, emphasizing long, meditative sequences and dense dialogue. Batou and his partner Togusa often spoke in quotes from literature and classical philosophy. Most notably, Major Kusanagi—arguably the face of theGhost in the Shellfranchise—was reduced to a fleeting but significant cameo.Despite these changes,Innocenceremained a film deeply reflective of Oshii’s artistic vision.
A Divisive Reception Upon Release
A Film That Grows with Time
I remember seeingGhost in the Shell 2: Innocenceat a preview screening back in 2004. My fellow critics and I were blown away by its animation—even more technically ambitious than the original. However, we also found the film dense, overly talkative, and unfocused. As a fan of Oshii’s earlier art films likeAngel’s Egg, I appreciatedInnocencefor its dreamlike atmosphere and visual ambition.
Still, I couldn’t help but wish for more of what made the firstGhost in the Shella hit—a stronger balance between action and introspection. Despite an extensive publicity push, including a competition screening at Cannes,it wasn’t surprising thatInnocencestruggled to connect with mainstream audiences.
And yet, over the years, I kept coming back toInnocence. With each rewatch, its complex narrative and layered themes became more apparent. The film’s initial density eventually unraveled into a deep appreciation. I even picked up aMaking Ofart book and was stunned by the level of craftsmanship—so much of it painstakingly hand-drawn. The sheer attention to detail was staggering. Today,Innocenceis my favoriteGhost in the Shellfilm, simply because it represents the purest expression of Oshii’s artistic vision. I can only imagine what a third film, made on his terms, would look like.
Oshii’s Vision for a Third Film
WillGhost in the Shell 3Ever Happen?
Earlier this month, Mamoru Oshii speculated on the possible themes of athirdGhost in the Shellfilm. He suggested it might explore “the existence of the soul” and how, in anime, a character’s voice and their being are inherently separate. This idea of identity and fragmentation was also central toInnocence. “Even though they’re the same characters, their voices change (like inInnocence). With a flesh-and-blood person in live action, that’s difficult. Motoko and Batou only exist within the world of anime. In animation, it’s easier to infuse characters with emotion.”
Ghost in the Shell’s Creator Wants to Give the Anime One More Go
Mamoru Oshii hints at a potential Ghost in the Shell sequel, noting there is more to explore.
As much as Oshii may have ideas forGhost in the Shell 3, the reality is complicated. As Ishikawa pointed out, the financial losses ofInnocencemake another high-budget sequel a difficult proposition. Still, with theGhost in the Shellfranchise continuing to thrive and Oshii’s vision still lingering, there remains a possibility. If all the right pieces align, we may yet seeGhost in the Shell 3become a reality. Until then, fans can only wait and hope.
Source:Mantan Web
Ghost in the Shell
TheGhost in the Shellfranchise is a Japanese cyberpunk media series based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, first published in 1989. Set in a futuristic world where cybernetic enhancements and cyberbrains are common, the franchise explores complex themes of identity, consciousness, and artificial intelligence. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg and a high-ranking officer in Public Security Section 9, as she leads her team in combating cyberterrorism and uncovering political conspiracies. The series has had a significant influence on science fiction and cyberpunk genres, both in Japan and globally
