Unveiled in December 2024, the ambitious khara x Sunrise collaboration has sparked both excitement and heated debate among Gundam fans. With the legendary Ikuto Yamashita—famed for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion—leading the mecha design, the project reimagines Gundam mobile suits with a bold, EVA-inspired aesthetic. Adding to the star-studded team, Kazuya Tsurumaki takes the director’s chair, while Hideaki Anno crafts the scripts, promising a fresh and daring take on the Gundam universe.
This groundbreaking partnership unites two iconic creative forces: Sunrise, the studio behind Gundam, and khara, synonymous with Evangelion. The result is a lineup of mobile suits that feel like tributes to EVA designs. A standout example is the striking Red Gundam, piloted by Shuji Ito. With its vivid red color scheme and multiple eye-like cameras on its faceplate, the design is unmistakably evocative of EVA Unit-02.
A newly released trailer showcased more of the Red Gundam, this time equipped with funnel bits reminiscent of those used by the Mobile Armor, Elmeth, sparking intrigue and questions among longtime Gundam fans. Adding to the excitement, the trailer also features a familiar face: Char Aznable, also, now being voiced by Yuuki Shin.
The Story: When an “Ordinary” High School Girl Encounters War
Set in U.C. 0085, five years after the One Year War, the series follows Amate Yuzuriha, a high school girl living in the Izuma Colony on Side 6. Amate’s quiet life is upended when she meets Nyaan, a mysterious courier delivering a device tied to mobile suit combat. This fateful encounter thrusts Amate into the heart of a battle involving the Red Gundam, the cutting-edge GQuuuuuuX, and the lingering shadows of Zeon.
Amate’s journey begins when she impulsively commandeers a Zaku to protect her home from reckless military police. Her actions lead her to discover the GQuuuuuuX, and as she pilots it for the first time, a strange phenomenon she calls the "sparkle" awakens her latent abilities.
Gundam Rising
Several online leaks have surfaced, showcasing footage comparing the iconic Gundam rising sequence to scenes featuring the GQuuuuuuX. However, in this version, it’s none other than Char Aznable himself who activates the Gundam. The leak also unveils the GQuuuuuuX reimagining of the RX-78-2 Gundam, now officially known as the RX-78-02 White Gundam, offering fans a fresh yet nostalgic take on the legendary mobile suit.
Fan Theory
Some fans have theorized that the main character, Machu, might embody Haman Karn, while Nyaan could be a reimagined Lalah Sune, and Shuji Ito may channel aspects of Paptimus Scirocco. However, these theories remain unconfirmed and are purely speculative. With the GQuuuuuuX title set in an alternate UC timeline, the series promises to deliver unpredictable twists and fresh interpretations that keep fans on their toes.
As fans, we can't help but ask: could this be the “What If…?” of the Gundam universe?
International Film Debut
On January 17, 2025, fans in Japan got an early glimpse of the anime through -Beginning-, a pre-edited compilation of the first few episodes. This event not only introduced the characters and mecha but also set the stage for the story's unique blend of grounded realism and high-concept sci-fi.
Fans outside Japan won’t have to wait long. The film version of the series is set to premiere internationally, with GKIDS acquiring the license for North America. The film will debut in the U.S. on February 28, 2025, while select Asian regions will begin screenings earlier in the month. Check your local listings for availability!
Actually was my first thought when I saw the same leaked footage mentioned in the article. This is gonna be interesting.
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