The film Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, directed by Hideaki Anno, is released in Japan as part of the Rebuild of Evangelion film series.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance is screened at various international film festivals, increasing its global exposure.
The film is released on Blu-ray, allowing for higher quality viewing and reaching a wider audience outside theaters.
A new pilot, Mari Illustrious Makinami, is introduced and arrives at NERV to pilot Evangelion Unit-05 during a test operation.
After a traumatic battle in the previous film, Shinji Ikari initially refuses to pilot his Evangelion again, leading to tension among NERV staff.
NERV conducts a battle against the fourth Angel, Shamshel. Shinji reluctantly pilots Evangelion Unit-01 to defeat the Angel with the help of Rei and Mari.
NERV prepares for and ultimately engages the fifth Angel, Sahaquiel, in an aerial battle involving coordinated efforts of multiple Evangelion units.
Mari demonstrates her piloting skills and aggressively battles the Angel, showcasing her unique fighting style and synchronization.
The Mass Production Evangelions are introduced and deployed as part of SEELE’s plan, posing a new and overwhelming threat to NERV and humanity.
The climactic confrontation occurs where Shinji battles the Mass Production Evangelions, triggering deeper psychological and metaphysical events related to human instrumentality.
The true objectives of SEELE and their shadowy plans for human evolution and Instrumentality are unveiled, increasing the stakes of the conflict.
After internal struggles and reflections, Shinji decides to embrace his role as an Eva pilot and confront the challenges ahead, marking significant personal development.
