The purpose of NGE was to encourage the audience to face their reality and avoid escapism.

I believe that the rebuilds further criticize the audience for still being ‘obsessed’ with Neon Genesis Evangelion.

The second movie is all the fan service the fans would want without any of the depth. Because Anno wants to criticize us for trying to ‘revive’ Evangelion, which is analogue to when Shinji tried to revive Rei (2.0).

People use Evangelion, no entertainment in general as a form of escapism.

Anno criticizes the audience by telling them that they’re still trying to live in this ‘fake world’ called Evangelion (entertainment).

They’re just causing a stagnant state of emptiness and anxiety for themselves. It’s once again like the original tv series ending and the EOE. A wake up call. That’s the purpose of the rebuild films, there is no other message. It’s the same message Anno had been telling us.

Indulging escapism is normal, it’s okay and can be a fun outlet every once in a while.

Being consumed by it allowing it to be center of your life isn’t.