Rebuild of Evangelion rights and licensing: who owns and distributes it
Rebuild of Evangelion shows how a creator-controlled studio, khara, licenses a landmark franchise territory by territory while retaining artistic and commercial control.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: The Rebuild of Evangelion films are produced and owned by khara, Inc., the studio founded by director Hideaki Anno after he left Gainax. In North America, GKIDS acquired theatrical, home video, and EST rights to Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time in June 2022, and has also released the earlier Rebuild films on Blu-ray through Shout! Studios distribution.
Who owns the anime rights to Rebuild of Evangelion
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series was produced at Gainax, but creator Hideaki Anno founded khara, Inc. to produce the Rebuild film series. khara holds the copyright for the Rebuild films, which include Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance, Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo, and Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time.
Because khara is creator-controlled, licensing decisions for the Rebuild films flow through Anno's studio rather than a committee of publishers and broadcasters. This is different from the original series, whose rights history is more complicated.
North American distribution by GKIDS
GKIDS, a distributor of artist-driven animation, announced in June 2022 that it had acquired North American theatrical, home video, and EST rights to Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time. GKIDS also released the original Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series and the earlier Rebuild films on Blu-ray in North America.
In 2025, GKIDS confirmed Blu-ray re-releases of Evangelion: 1.11 and Evangelion: 2.22, with distribution handled by Shout! Studios. The 1.11 release was dated October 21, 2025.
Rebuild of Evangelion North American distribution by GKIDS.| Film | North American distributor | Format / window | Notable date |
|---|
| Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone | GKIDS / Shout! Studios | Blu-ray / digital | October 21, 2025 Blu-ray |
| Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance | GKIDS / Shout! Studios | Blu-ray / digital | October 21, 2025 Blu-ray |
| Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time | GKIDS | Theatrical / home video / EST | Acquired June 2022 |
Streaming rights and platform windows
The Rebuild films have appeared on major digital platforms through GKIDS' distribution. GKIDS' film page for Evangelion: 1.11 lists Apple TV as an on-demand option, indicating that digital streaming rights are part of the GKIDS license package.
However, streaming availability can change as platform deals expire. A title on Apple TV or another service today may move to a different outlet when the current license term ends.
Why the original series and Rebuild rights differ
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion series is tangled in Gainax's corporate history. GKIDS acquired North American rights to the TV series and The End of Evangelion from a different rights path than the Rebuild films.
The Rebuild films, by contrast, were created after Anno founded khara, so khara owns them cleanly. This separation matters for anyone researching sequels, remasters, or merchandise, because khara's approval is required for anything involving the Rebuild films.
Ownership uncertainty note: khara's ownership of the Rebuild films and GKIDS' North American distribution rights are documented. However, the exact terms of sublicenses for individual streaming platforms, dubbing, and non-North American territories are not fully public.
What this means for researchers
If you are researching ownership of the Rebuild films, khara is the controlling party. If you are looking for English-language distribution, GKIDS is the documented North American licensor, with Shout! Studios handling physical distribution.
For streaming, check the current GKIDS releases and major digital platforms, but remember that streaming windows are time-limited and may differ from home video rights.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the anime rights to Rebuild of Evangelion?
khara, Inc., the studio founded by Hideaki Anno, owns the Rebuild of Evangelion films.
Who licenses Rebuild of Evangelion in North America?
GKIDS acquired North American theatrical, home video, and EST rights to Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time and has released the earlier Rebuild films on Blu-ray through Shout! Studios distribution.
Where can I stream Rebuild of Evangelion?
Digital availability depends on current platform licenses tied to GKIDS' distribution. The films have appeared on services like Apple TV, but specific availability changes over time.
Does Gainax own Rebuild of Evangelion?
No. The Rebuild films were produced by khara after Hideaki Anno left Gainax. Gainax retains connections to the original TV series, but khara owns the Rebuild tetralogy.