New Ghost in the Shell Anime Expands Cast for Eighth Episode: Chikahiro Kobayashi Joins the Cast
A new detail about the cast of the highly anticipated new Ghost in the Shell anime has emerged. According to the official announcement made on August 26, 2026, beloved voice actor Chikahiro Kobayashi will voice the character Lee in the series' eighth episode. The announcement shows that the project's production is continuing at full speed and that episode-based guest characters are gradually becoming clear.
This new anime is being brought to life by studio Science SARU and was announced under its official title Koukaku Kidoutai THE GHOST IN THE SHELL. The project was first announced by Bandai Namco Filmworks in May 2024, and it was stated that it would be released in 2026. With Mokochan, also known as Moko-chan, in the director's chair, the series aims to be the most faithful adaptation of the legendary science fiction manga by original creator Masamune Shirow, which began in 1989. It is regarded as one of the studio's most ambitious projects following modern hits such as Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and Dandadan.
Chikahiro Kobayashi, newly added to the cast, is one of the most prominent male voice actors of recent years. Known especially for roles such as Legoshi in Beastars, Askeladd in Vinland Saga, and Eugene Rantz in 86: Eighty Six, Kobayashi is recognized for both his calm, deep voice and his success in dramatic roles. No detailed information has yet been shared about Lee's role in the story, but it is thought that the name and casting choice indicate that the eighth episode will deal with a case linked to an international incident or cybercrime network for Public Security Section 9. Considering that even one-off characters in the Ghost in the Shell universe add important philosophical and political layers to the story, Lee is also expected to be a memorable character.
The new series is a very important turning point for the Ghost in the Shell legacy. Masamune Shirow's manga has so far inspired many different interpretations, including Mamoru Oshii's 1995 cult film, Kenji Kamiyama's Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002), and most recently Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, which aired on Netflix. The Science SARU version is expected to offer both a visually modern approach and reflect the humorous and more human aspects of Shirow's original manga. Although it has not yet been officially announced who will voice Major Motoko Kusanagi this time, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will be entrusted with the role following the death of Atsuko Tanaka.
The production team is preparing to share clearer information about the main cast and release date in the coming months. This guest voice actor announcement for the eighth episode also confirms that the series will maintain its episodic structure and focus on different cyberbrain cases in each episode. The new Ghost in the Shell anime is planned to be released in Japan and on international platforms in 2026, with the official trailer and exact broadcast schedule expected toward the end of the year.
