Mari Makinami's role explained

Summary

This video script delves into the character of Mari Illustrious Makinami from the 'Rebuild of Evangelion' series, exploring her creation, thematic significance, and narrative role. Despite initial challenges in integrating her into the story, Mari emerges as a key figure, contrasting the series' serious tone with her carefree demeanor. Her backstory, hinted at through the series, suggests a deeper connection to the Evangelion project and a pivotal role in its conclusion, symbolizing a fresh start and triumph over past adversities.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Mari Illustrious Makinami is a crucial character in the 'Rebuild' series of 'Evangelion', significantly influencing the story's tone and theme.
• 🔍 Despite being one of the most underdeveloped characters in 'Evangelion', Mari's role is pivotal to the conclusion of the series.
• 🎨 Mari's creation was prompted by an executive producer's request for a new female character to generate interest in the film.
• 👓 Mari's distinctive design, including her eyeglasses, was inspired by British school uniforms and aimed to stand out among other Eva pilots.
• 🤔 Mari's integration into the plot was challenging for the creators, leading to her inconsistent characterization and late inclusion in the narrative.
• 💡 Mari's personality was developed to contrast with the serious tone of the series, bringing a carefree and exuberant attitude to the story.
• 🕊️ Mari's role in 'Evangelion 3.0' is to create dissonance, being both a source of comic relief and a holder of critical information about the plot.
• 🧩 In 'Evangelion 3.0 Plus 1.0', Mari plays a key role in the final battle and the conclusion of the series, symbolizing a fresh start.
• 🔮 Mari's deep knowledge of the series' intricate plot points suggests a consequential origin story that ties her closely to the series' original researchers.
• 🚀 Mari's actions in the series, particularly her ability to navigate minus space and assist Shinji, demonstrate her importance in the final victory against Gendo.
• 💔 Mari's backstory hints at a deep sense of guilt and a personal mission to honor the memory of a lost colleague, driving her actions throughout the series.

Q & A

Who is Mari Illustrious Makinami and what is her significance in the Rebuild series?

Mari Illustrious Makinami is a character introduced in the Rebuild series of Evangelion. She plays a crucial role in the narrative, influencing the tone and theme of the story. Despite being underdeveloped and having limited appearances, her presence is vital for the conclusion of the Evangelion story, bringing a new element to the series.

Why was Mari Illustrious Makinami created for the Rebuild series?

Mari was created during the early stages of Evangelion 2.0's production after the executive producer requested a new female character to generate more interest. Her inclusion was intended to differentiate the Rebuild films from the original series and to attract new audiences with her unique features.

What is the origin of Mari's surname, Makinami?

Mari's surname, Makinami, is a reference to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and a destroyer of the same name. It follows the naming conventions used for other characters in the series, such as Ayanami.

How did the design of Mari's character come to be?

Mari's design was inspired by British school uniforms and Christian missionary school style, as requested by Hideaki Anno. This design direction was given to Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who created her iconic uniform and plug suit based on British private school attire.

Why does Mari wear glasses in the series?

Mari's glasses were a design choice to make her stand out from other Eva pilots and to appeal to fans of the 'meganekko' trope, which refers to female characters whose appeal is wearing glasses. This was considered a unique feature since glasses were difficult to animate in action sequences in the original series.

How did Mari's personality development in the Rebuild series?

Mari's personality was developed with the intention of making her different from other female characters. Her undefined characterization led to multiple iterations throughout the drafts of Evangelion 2.0. Her final characterization portrays her as carefree yet competent, someone who finds happiness in piloting their Eva.

What role does Mari play in the final film of the Rebuild series?

In the final film, Mari plays a pivotal role in concluding the Evangelion story. She is involved in key battles, provides crucial exposition about the events and characters, and ultimately helps Shinji confront Gendo in the anti-universe.

What is the significance of the name 'Maria Iscariot' mentioned in the script?

The name 'Maria Iscariot' alludes to biblical characters Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot, suggesting a subtext of Mari's past relationships with characters like Fuyutsuki and Gendo. It implies a sense of betrayal and a deeper backstory for Mari, hinting at her origins and importance in the plot.

How does Mari's role in the series contribute to Shinji's character development?

Mari serves as a source of support and a tether to the real world for Shinji, helping him confront his past and move towards a new beginning. Her presence in the final scenes symbolizes Shinji's ability to connect with others and overcome his loneliness.

Is there any evidence to suggest that Mari's character is based on Hideaki Anno's wife, Moyoko Anno?

While there are speculations and similarities, Hideaki Anno and the official Evangelion Twitter page have denied that Mari's character is based on Moyoko Anno. Mari's role in the series is a creation of the director's hand and is not a direct representation of any individual.