WIT Studio, known for its work on major franchises such as "Attack on Titan" and "Vinland Saga," is set to release a new original anime titled "LONA." The series is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027 and will delve into a neuroscience-focused mystery.
"LONA," an acronym for "Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis," centers on a team of researchers investigating individuals who commit attacks despite being deceased. This premise offers a unique thematic direction, diverging from the prevalent fantasy and cyberpunk genres often seen in anime. Instead of exploring themes of artificial intelligence or dystopian futures, "LONA" appears poised to examine the nature of consciousness, the survival of memories after death, and the ethical implications of such research. The narrative seems to blend hard science with philosophical and metaphysical inquiries, drawing comparisons to "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "3 Body Problem" for its exploration of complex ideas, albeit without aliens or giant robots.
The studio released the first footage of "LONA" on June 28, showcasing WIT Studio's signature visual quality. The trailer highlights cinematic lighting, detailed environments, nuanced character animations, and mature color palettes. These elements, combined with meticulous animation, are hallmarks of WIT Studio's previous high-profile productions. The visual presentation emphasizes atmosphere and scale, reinforcing the studio's reputation as a premier visual storyteller in the anime industry. Promotional posters also reflect this aesthetic, featuring a distinctive blend of colors, dynamic camera angles, and intriguing character designs within a setting reminiscent of CERN.
WIT Studio has built a strong reputation over the last decade with acclaimed series like "Attack on Titan," "Vinland Saga," "Ranking of Kings," and co-producing "Spy x Family." While these projects demonstrate the studio's capability with ambitious adaptations, WIT has also consistently pursued original content. This commitment to original projects, including "Bubble," "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress," "Great Pretender," and "Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song," signifies a strategic effort to foster new ideas and narratives within an industry increasingly reliant on established intellectual properties.
The creative team behind "LONA" further underscores this original vision. Akiko Nogi, whose background is primarily in acclaimed live-action dramas, is responsible for the original story and screenplay. Her work on "Inu-Oh" demonstrated her ability to translate her sensibilities to animation while retaining emotional depth. "LONA" marks an opportunity to merge her grounded dramatic instincts with a speculative science fiction premise. The series will be directed by Takashi Katagiri, who previously worked on "Spy x Family Code: White." This original project will allow him to develop a unique visual language from its inception, distinct from adapting existing franchises.
"LONA" represents WIT Studio's commitment to original storytelling in a medium often dominated by adaptations. The lack of pre-existing source material means the narrative’s direction remains unpredictable, offering a fresh experience for audiences. By investing in an original neuroscience mystery with high production values, WIT Studio aims to create a compelling and surprising new series for spring 2027.