Gainax will produce four animated theatrical features based on in its iconic 26-part TV series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" which was a major worldwide hit in the 1990s reports Variety.

The original show followed teenagers who pilot huge robot warriors against invading aliens while struggling with the issues of adolescence in a post-apocalyptic world.

The show was well-remembered for its use of complicated plots and mysteries, lots of heavy Judeo-Christian symbolism, and psychological study of its characters based on the director's own experiences in dealing with depression and psychotherapy.

The first, helmed by Gainax vet Shinji Higuchi, will be released in July, the second in January and the third and fourth on a double bill in June 2008. The first three pics will borrow some images from the TV show, but with new backgrounds and soundtracks.

The stories of the third and final will be brand-new, in response to the many fans who were dissatisfied with the ending of the two "Evangelion" pics directed by Hideaki Anno and released in 1997.

All four will incorporate far more 3-D animation technology than the original features and series.