The Canon Status of 'The End of Evangelion' in Neon Genesis Evangelion

The question of whether 'The End of Evangelion' is canonical in the context of Neon Genesis Evangelion has long been a topic of discussion among fans, critics, and scholars alike. To understand this issue thoroughly, it is important to break down the series' structure and explore the various interpretations and theories surrounding its continuity.

Chronology and Continuity

Technically, 'The End of Evangelion' is the third film in the Evangelion franchise, released on July 19, 1997. This movie picks up right where the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion left off after its 24 episodes. However, between the TV series and the film, there is a movie called 'Death and Rebirth' (also known as 'Rebuild of Evangelion Part 1'). This movie serves as a recap of the 24-episode series, including its two final episodes, which are often discussed in terms of their impact on the series.

Following 'Death and Rebirth', a 24-minute extension is included at the beginning of 'The End of Evangelion', which is essentially a prelude to the film itself. Thus, 'The End of Evangelion' provides a more definitive closure to the story, both psychologically and narratively.

Rebuild of Evangelion Films

The 'Rebuild of Evangelion' films are a more recent release that revisits the original story but with updated graphics and animations. Unlike the original 1997 film, these movies aim to clarify certain plot points and provide a more coherent narrative experience for contemporary audiences. Each of the 'Rebuild' films is a standalone story that retells the Evangelion saga in a new format, with improved visual aesthetics and a focus on resolving inconsistencies from the original series.

Theorizing Continuity: The Sequel Theory

Some fans and analysts have proposed the Sequel Theory, which questions the continuity of 'Rebuild of Evangelion' with the original Neon Genesis Evangelion. This theory posits that the 'Rebuild' films are not a separate continuity but rather a follow-up in a more spiritual or thematic sense. For a deeper dive into this theory and its counter-evidence, please refer to the corresponding article that explores these nuances in greater detail.

Canon Status of 'The End of Evangelion'

Considering the continuity and structure of the Evangelion franchise, it is clear that 'The End of Evangelion' is indeed canon to the original story. Both Neon Genesis Evangelion and 'The End of Evangelion' are part of the overall canon, although the 'Rebuild' films offer a new perspective on the story with enhanced animation and narrative clarity.

The ending of 'The End of Evangelion' has two layers of significance. Episodes 25 and 26 provide the definitive psychological and mental ending, while 'The End of Evangelion' itself introduces the events that unfold in reality. It is understandable that the 'Rebuild' series will introduce its own ending, but this will be an entirely new series with its own unique narrative.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Neon Genesis Evangelion boasts a rich and ever-evolving canon, including the original series, the 'End of Evangelion' film, and the 'Rebuild' series. While each of these works adds its own layer to the overall narrative, 'The End of Evangelion' is often cited as the most widely recognized ending to the original series. The 'Rebuild' films, which were produced most recently, are perhaps the most 'canon' as they serve as the last official entry in the Evangelion narrative.

Understanding the canon status of each work in the Evangelion series is crucial for fans, as it helps clarify the continuity of the franchise and the meaning behind each ending. Fans and analysts should continue to explore and debate these theories to gain a deeper appreciation of the complex and rich universe of Neon Genesis Evangelion.