When it comes to popular anime series, few are more complicated than Hideaki Anno’s iconic idea, Neon Genesis Evangelion. The beloved franchise features a dense narrative, intensely psychological themes, and enough religious iconography to base an entire college class on. That said, these ambitious concepts are only the tip of the road. Evangelion iceberg.

In addition to the original Neon Genesis Evangelionthere are many WITH-related impacts, including Rebuilding Evangelion film series released from 2007 to 2021. Officially, these films are a reboot of Evangelion which present their own independent story; however, a small line of Evangelion: 1.0 You are (not) alone completely challenges this idea, suggesting an even more breathtaking reality to Shinji Ikari’s journey.

Kaworu’s Easy-to-Miss Line in First Reconstruction Suggests a Strange Reality

For the most part, Evangelion: 1.0 You are (not) alone is a shot-for-shot remake of Neon Genesis EvangelionThe first six episodes of, even the dialogue in most scenes remains largely the same. However, in the second half of the film, several differences begin to emerge that distinguish its narrative from the original series, including a surprise appearance from Kaworu Nagisa, who does not appear until episode 24 of the original series.

In his film debut, Kaworu emerges from one of the many mysterious coffins on Earth’s Moon, at which point he speaks a line that brings back the entire timeline of the story. Evangelion franchise in question. Rather than waiting for orders or acting with the same level of dramatic irony as in the original film, Neon Genesis EvangelionKaworu looks at the Earth with tenderness before saying:

Although Kaworu does not explicitly name Shinji Ikari (the only character referred to as the third child in the franchise), the Angel clearly demonstrates a level of familiarity with Shinji and his general situation that goes beyond what should be possible. Certainly, Angels are capable of inconceivable feats, but given Kaworu’s human presentation, it seems more like he woke up with Shinji’s knowledge than he used his abilities to deduce the state of things on Earth.

Perhaps more interestingly, Kaworu’s language – particularly his use of the words “again” and the phrase “You never change” – suggests that he has memories of Shinji Ikari predating the events of the first one. Rebuild movie. For this to be true, Kaworu would have to have lived the story of Evangelion at least once before, and as difficult as it may seem, several clues suggest that this may indeed be the case.

Kaworu’s dialogue suggests the Rebuild films are a direct sequel to NGE

Although the Evangelion franchises Rebuild the films are often referred to as a reboot of the original franchise, nothing in canon indicates that this must be the case. In fact, there is ample evidence to suggest that Rebuild the films take place after the events of WITH And End of Evangelionincluding the aforementioned quote from Kaworu during the events of Evangelion: 1.0 You are (not) alone.

According to Kaworu Nagisa, this is not the only time the Angel utters a phrase suggesting he is remembering his experience in the original. Neon Genesis Evangelion. During Evangelion: 2.0, you can (not) move forwardKaworu prepares for the potential preparation for Third Impact, leading him to say:

Again, Kaworu’s language suggests that this is not the first time he has experienced these events, eliminating any possibility that his similar quote in the first Rebuild the film was a case of unclear language or odd phrasing. Against all odds, it seems that Kaworu is as aware that his story has taken over as the audience is – a theory that is supported by several other details throughout the film. Rebuild movies.

In addition to Kaworu’s line, the chalk outlines of mass-produced EVAs and the bloodstain on the Moon that appear in End of Evangelion can be observed in the events of Rebuild franchise. All these details combined suggest a causal relationship between the nucleus WITH history and the “reboot” Rebuild films, making it more of a direct sequel than fans expected going into the franchise.

While the implications of these timeline/time loop shenanigans are incredibly complex, they create a fascinating connection between the events of Shinji Ikari’s twisty journey. By the conclusion of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Three Times Upon a Timethe pilot of EVA-01 learned everything from his experiences in the Rebuild films – and, if Kaworu is to be believed, also the events of WITH And EoE.