The official Evangelion Shin Gekijouban 2.0 web site was relaunched, and with it comes the new poster of the new movie. Due in early 2009, it’s titled “Evangelion Shin Gekijouban: Ha” (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:ç ´) aka “Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance”. In it, we see the new female character, who is rumoured to be named “Mari” (マリ) based on her appearance in the Nintendo DS game, Petit Eva: Evangelion@Game (ぷちえう゛ぁ～EVANGELION@GAME～ Puchi Eva ~Evangelion@Game~).

Well what can I say? I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. The title might be directed to Asuka, as she found out whatever she does, she can’t really beat Shinji for the title of the best pilot, thus she can’t “advance” from her current skills. As the preview show the movie being at least up to the 18th episode of the series, maybe Shinji and Asuka’s interaction would be the main backbone for this one.

The addition of Mari makes it a little interesting. Who is she and how would her relationship with Shinji be. Also as Kaworu is making an earlier than expected appearance, maybe their interaction with Shinji would shape up for the latter movies, especially “Kyu”. Kaworu shaped how Shinji became in the few last episodes. His death was why he went emo a the end, and tried to end the world, thus their friendship, no matter if gay or not, does play a pivotal part.

That said, we must not forget that Asuka also plays one of the most important role in Shinji’s life. She is the exact opposite of him, but yet, they are just the same. Both missing their mothers, and both are piloting an Eva powered by their mom. Their interaction/infatuation with each other shapes how the story goes in the series, and it was only after Asuka’s mind attack and her missing was Shinji goes with Kaworu.

If we take the non-canon series, like Girlfriend of Steel series, Asuka might have to fight Kaworu for Shinji’s affection. And this might lead to a different ending in the 4th movie. In the end, we have to see what will happen, but we can be sure it would be awesome.