Studio Trigger Teases New Anime Project With Gurren Lagann Creators

Studio Trigger, the anime studio behind some of the most recognizable modern titles, is reportedly back in the production pipeline with a brand-new project. The excitement is understandable: the creative team connected to this announcement includes two of the industry’s most celebrated names, and their track record stretches across fan-favorite series and movies that helped define Trigger’s identity over the last decade.

Studio Trigger was founded by former Gainax staffer Hiroyuki Imaishi following the major success of the 2007 coming-of-age adventure Gurren Lagann. The company officially formed in 2011, and it quickly became known for punchy visuals and distinctive storytelling. Its first original release, the action-comedy Kill la Kill, arrived in 2013 and drew positive attention for its inventive take on the magical girl genre, alongside its animation style and soundtrack. Since then, Trigger has continued to put out widely discussed hits, and fans are reportedly not facing a long wait for whatever comes next.

Crunchyroll’s anime lineup keeps expanding, and this guide is focused on the best series viewers can watch right now in 2026.

Studio Trigger Announces New Project from Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima

Studio Trigger’s panel at Anime Expo 2026, held on July 4, brought the update fans were waiting for: a new project is in production. Director Hiroyuki Imaishi and screenwriter Kazuki Nakashima will be collaborating for the fourth time. Their previous joint work includes major projects such as Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and the 2019 sci-fi action film Promare.

In a short interview, the pair said they originally planned to move to a new project soon after Promare wrapped up, but they were pulled into other commitments for much of the next seven years. That timeline is now shifting: the script for the new work has been finished, and storyboards are currently being developed. While additional details are expected later, the key point for fans is that production has officially begun.

Imaishi’s 2007 hit Gurren Lagann has remained a favorite for nearly two decades. The series currently carries a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers and critics continue to highlight its mix of action, comedy, drama, adventure, and sci-fi, paired with animation that feels energetic and consistently bold. Often described as a modern classic, Gurren Lagann shows up on many “best anime of all time” lists—plus, it’s credited as the spark that helped lead to Studio Trigger’s creation.

On the feature film side, 2019’s Promare has proven it can last beyond its initial release window. The movie won Best Work at the 2020 Newtype Anime Awards, and it also received the Audience Prize for Best Feature Film at the Bucheon International Animation Film Festival in the same year. On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at a 97% rating, and fans have pointed to its blend of 2D and 3D animation, its gripping story, and its memorable cast. During its run in theaters, Promare reportedly earned nearly $14 million at the Japanese box office and $17 million worldwide.

Guess the anime from the emojis.

More Trigger Content on the Horizon

While the new project is still short on specifics, Studio Trigger’s broader schedule already includes major titles that can keep fans busy. One of the studio’s most popular recent works, the fantasy series Delicious in Dungeon, is set to receive a second season in October 2027. On top of that, the standalone sequel to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners—which has been highly anticipated—will be available to stream sometime in Fall 2026. Together, these announcements suggest Trigger isn’t just planning a single release, but building multiple points of momentum across different genres.

Gurren Lagann

Cast

  • Takako Honda — Leite Jokin
  • Tetsuya Kakihara — Simon
  • Katsuyuki Konishi — Kamina
  • Nobuyuki Hiyama — Viral

Marcus Chen is a gaming journalist and industry reporter with more than 10 years of experience. He covers releases, announcements, and trends across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, and keeps a close eye on the indie scene and esports. Previously an editor at several gaming publications, he now writes news, reviews, and breakdowns of major industry moments—from big showcases to updates on popular titles. His work is aimed at players who want a clear, fast read on what happened and why it matters.