Prime Video's The Ghost in the Shell Anime: A Risky Directorial Debut

12 hours ago 8

Published Apr 11, 2026, 5:01 PM EDT

Dani Kessel Odom (they/them) is an autistic lead writer and TV critic who frequently covers sci-fi shows like Doctor Who and Pluribus, fantasy shows like The Magicians and Percy Jackson, horror, and superheroes. Their specialty is onscreen book adaptations.

They have covered events, such as the Denver Fan Expo. Their articles have also been shared by professionals in the field, such as Damien Leone and Lucy Hale. Their review for Ponies was quoted in the show's TV trailer.

In university, they majored in English Writing with a minor in psychology. They have always had a passion for analyzing TV and movies, even taking filmography and scriptwriting classes in university. They also studied and participated in onstage and onscreen acting extensively from the ages of 7 to 18.

Aside from working at Screen Rant, Dani has worked as a freelance editor and writer over the past decade, often in a ghostwriting capacity.

Prime Video will release a highly anticipated cyberpunk sci-fi show this year, and it will take a massive risk that could pay off in a big way. The cyberpunk genre has three major TV shows coming out this year. The big focus has been on Apple TV’s Neuromancer adaptation and Prime Video’s Blade Runner 2099.

The story has been transformed for the screen multiple times. However, the upcoming The Ghost in the Shell anime takes a big risk that none of the other onscreen adaptations have taken. Rather than using an established director, Science SARU hired Touma Kimura, who uses the name Mokochan professionally, for the job.

Previously, he was the director of the opening sequence of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. He directed one-off episodes of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Dandadan, Tatami Time Machine Blues, and The Heike Story. He also served as the assistant director on Dandadan and Ride Your Wave.

However, Mokochan has never served as the director of an entire series, which is extremely different from an episode director. He’ll carry the weight of the creative direction, tone, and style. The Ghost in the Shell’s creative choice is a massive risk, but it could also pay off.

Mokochan’s Directorial Debut Will Have Impossibly High Expectations

Fans of The Ghost in the Shell have expressed skepticism about Mokochan leading the project. The legacy of The Ghost in the Shell is irrefutable. The cyberpunk franchise is absolutely beloved, and past animated adaptations are held up as peak sci-fi. This is the equivalent of putting a green director on a franchise like Marvel or Star Wars. It’s unthinkable.

Science SARU’s decision to select a debut director for such an iconic IP was, quite frankly, insane. One would think they’d choose someone with a huge portfolio that proves themselves capable. Prime Video’s decision to distribute the anime, knowing Mokochan has only ever worked as an AD, is also unhinged. They are not exactly known for taking risks.

All things considered, the director’s debut could make or break his career. However, the risk could also really pay off for Mokochan, the fans, and the streaming platform.

The Ghost In The Shell’s Debut Director Can Offer A Fresh Perspective To An Iconic Story

Major Motoko Kusanagi in a promotional image for 2026's The Ghost in the Shell anime series.

Mokochan will have to walk a thin line between loyalty to the original manga and creativity. A one-to-one translation isn't likely going to work. However, it needs to lean into the source material. The best way to handle this would be for him to lean into the original story and art style while bringing a fresh editing style.

The way he cuts it together could enhance the already existing storyline. He could take fan criticisms of past adaptations into account when creating the panels. Mokochan can feature different angles, panels, or visual cues to lift up the punk themes. There are just so many creative directions that he can go, which would keep things fresh.

The Ghost In The Shell Could Put Prime Video On The Map As A Streamer Willing To Take Risks

Ghost In The Shell 25th Anniversary Film Special Edition Cover

Almost every streaming platform is risk-averse, including Prime Video. They only invest in things that they know will succeed, and they cut and run if there’s a question mark about whether something will succeed. This has become extremely irritating. They might not be quite as bad as Netflix, but Prime Video frequently cancels great shows, like The Wheel of Time.

The success of the anime could encourage them to continue taking risks, at least with stuff they acquire. The company might take more chances on newer creatives. Over time, The Ghost in the Shell could help Prime Video regain its reputation as a streamer that takes risks.