WILLE

WILLE is the resistance organisation that opposes NERV and Gendo Ikari in the Evangelion Rebuild film series. Founded by former NERV personnel in the aftermath of the Near Third Impact, WILLE’s primary mission was to prevent the Fourth Impact and halt Gendo’s pursuit of the Human Instrumentality Project.

Origins

WILLE was established by Misato Katsuragi and other former NERV members who defected after becoming disillusioned with Gendo’s true intentions. The organisation’s name — German for “will” — reflected its founding members’ determination to forge their own path rather than serve as instruments of SEELE or Gendo’s personal agenda.

Key founding members included Misato (who served as WILLE’s operational commander), Ritsuko Akagi (chief scientist), Maya Ibuki (technical operations), and Koji Fuyutsuki, who provided strategic counsel despite his complicated loyalties.

Military capabilities

WILLE’s most formidable asset was the AAA Wunder (Arq Adele Armored Battleship Wunder), a flying warship powered by an S² engine recovered from an Angel. The Wunder served as WILLE’s mobile headquarters and primary combat platform, equipped with heavy artillery and the capability to launch and support Evangelion units.

WILLE also developed its own EVA support systems, including restraint devices and modified pilot interfaces designed to override NERV’s control protocols. These systems reflected the organisation’s pragmatic approach: they needed every advantage against NERV’s superior resources.

Role in the Rebuild films

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Set fourteen years after the Near Third Impact, WILLE had spent the intervening years operating as a guerrilla force from the Wunder. The organisation had developed anti-EVA weaponry and trained its own pilots, including Mari Illustrious Makinami. WILLE’s relationship with Shinji — whom they held partly responsible for the Near Third Impact — was tense and distrustful, adding personal conflict to the already desperate military situation.

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

WILLE launched its final assault against NERV and Gendo, culminating in the battle at the Gates of Dogma. The organisation’s forces fought to prevent the Additional Impact that Gendo sought to trigger. In the end, the combined efforts of WILLE’s members and the EVA pilots allowed for a resolution that rejected Instrumentality and offered humanity a chance to rebuild.

Philosophy

Unlike NERV, which operated under the shadow of SEELE’s predetermined vision, WILLE was defined by its members’ belief that humanity’s future should be decided by living humans — not by ancient councils or the designs of a single commander. This philosophy placed them in direct opposition to both SEELE and Gendo, making them enemies of everyone who sought to control the Instrumentality process.

See also

• NERV – The organisation WILLE opposes
• SEELE – The secret council behind Instrumentality
• Misato Katsuragi – WILLE’s commander
• AAA Wunder – WILLE’s flagship
• Evangelion factions
• Evangelion portal
• About Evangelion