The world of anime has long been shaped by visionaries who push creative boundaries, and few have left a mark quite likeNeon Genesis Evangelion’sHideaki Anno. Best known as the mastermind behindNeon Genesis Evangelion, Anno has built a legacy centered on deep psychological stories, intricate world-building, and a unique take on mecha anime. However, his latest project sees him stepping into a universe created by another legendary franchise,Mobile Suit Gundam. With theGQuuuuuux -Beginning-officially released, Anno has revealed the personal motivations behind his involvement, describing it as his way of giving back to a longtime collaborator and mentor.
Anno’s recent comments, published via@khara_incc2on X, provide an extensive timeline of his contributions to the newGundamfilm’s pre-production. While he juggled multiple projects, includingShin Kamen RiderandShin Ultraman, he still found time to help shapeGQuuuuuux, offering both creative input and structural refinements to the script. His dedication to the project goes beyond mere professional involvement.It is a personal tribute to Director Kazuya Tsurumaki, a fellow anime veteran who has been instrumental in Anno’s careersince the early days ofNadia: The Secret of Blue Water.
Anno’s Role in GQuuuuuux’s Development
A Legendary Creator Steps Into the Gundam Universe
Anno’s involvement inGQuuuuuux -Beginning-was far from superficial, because he played an important role in refining the project’s script and narrative framework. The idea for the film first emerged in 2018,when Producer Sugitani approached Sunrise with the proposal for aGundamseries under Tsurumaki’s direction.By late 2019, Anno had already submitted his own memo outlining ideas for the project, signaling his early creative investment.
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His major contributions began in mid-2021, when he suggested expanding the prequel portion of the film, leading him to draft a plot memo filled with evocative imagery. Scenes such as birds flying inside a space colony and the refugee crisis stemming from the decline of the Federation were among his initial concepts. Over the next year, Anno worked through multiple script drafts whilesimultaneously balancing his commitments toShin Kamen RiderandEvangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time.Despite his packed schedule, he was still very dedication toGQuuuuuux, which ended in his final script revisions in 2023.
A Tribute to a Longtime Collaborator
Neon Genesis' Creator Wanted to Pay Back His Mentor
WhileAnno is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work inEvangelion, his involvement inGQuuuuuuxis deeply personal. At the heart of his motivation is a desire to support Kazuya Tsurumaki, a close friend and creative partner who has been by his side for decades. Tsurumaki was an animator on the very first episode ofNadia: The Secret of Blue Water, a series that played a foundational role in Anno’s rise as a director. Over the years, the two have continued to collaborate, with Tsurumaki playing a large role in theRebuild of Evangelionfilms.
For Anno,GQuuuuuuxis much more than just another anime project; it is an opportunity to repay a mentorwho has contributed immensely to his own success. His willingness to step into the world ofGundamand lend his expertise to its storytelling process speaks volumes about the camaraderie and mutual respect shared between these two industry veterans. This sense of gratitude and professional loyalty has fueled Anno’s creative input, shapingGQuuuuuuxinto a film that honors bothGundam’slegacy and Tsurumaki’s directorial vision.
Juggling Multiple Projects While Refining Gundam’s Story
GQuuuuuux Was Not the Only Project Anno Was Working On
Anno’s schedule duringGQuuuuuux’sdevelopment was nothing short of fully packed. While working on theGundamfilm, he was also deeply involved in post-production forShin Kamen RiderandShin Ultraman, two major projects that required his constant attention. Additionally, he was overseeing bonus footage for theRebuild of Evangelionseries and even offering input on a newSpace Battleship Yamatoproject.
His expertise in mecha storytelling brought a unique perspective toGundam’salready rich lore, making sure that the film balanced action with deep thematic resonance.
Despite these demanding responsibilities, Anno remained committed to refining theGQuuuuuuxscript.He revised the prequel’s structure, suggested additional world-building elements, and worked on key battle sequences, including the pivotal Second Battle of Solomon.His expertise in mecha storytelling brought a unique perspective toGundam’salready rich lore, making sure that the film balanced action with deep thematic resonance. This ability to juggle multiple high-profile projects while still making meaningful contributions toGQuuuuuuxproves Anno’s dedication not only to the craft of anime but also to the people he works with.
A New Chapter for Gundam and Anno
Gundam and Neon Genesis' Creator Are The Perfect Pair
With the recent release ofGQuuuuuux -Beginning-, Anno’s contributions to the project stand as a testament to his enduring passion for mecha anime stories. His involvement inGundammarks a rare crossover between two of anime’s most influential franchises,blending the psychological depth ofEvangelionwith the military-political intrigue ofMobile Suit Gundam.While his primary motivation was to support Tsurumaki, his work onGQuuuuuuxalso proved his ability to adapt to different storytelling styles while leaving his unique creative mark.
For fans of bothGundamandNeon GenesisEvangelion, Anno’s role in this film adds an extra layer of excitement. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with his deep understanding of mecha stories, promises to makeGQuuuuuuxinto something special. Whether this will lead to further collaborations between Anno and theGundamfranchise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, and that is that his contributions to the project are a heartfelt tribute to the industry that shaped him and the people who supported him along the way.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-
Cast
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- is a theatrical compilation of the early episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. It follows high-school student Amate Yuzuriha, who resides in a space colony, as she becomes entangled in the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle after meeting a war refugee named Nyaan.
