Just Anime

"  After re-watching both films, and considering the hints in the coda of The End Of Evangelion, a lot of evidence is definitely pointing in the directions you're mentioning here. I also wrote several posts regarding this, and it seems to compliment both. But rather I'd suggest that it is more likely a sort of looped scenario which has taken place several times before we catch up to Rebuild, hence the coffins on the Moon.

http://animediet.net/commentary/bridging-the-gap-reviews-evangelion-2-0

http://animediet.net/commentary/rebuild-revisited-another-version-of-the-truth

There are plenty of nods to the theory of recurrence laid about within 1.0, where we come back to the phantom train sequences within the first half hour. This is only bolstered further as the actions of characters such as Ayanami have now taken on the pro-active stance in 2.0, picking up where she left off at the end of the original continuity. There are even the cosmetic clues you have exhibited.

[Spoiler Warning]What seems to be happening is that the earth's damage has remained as human existence has reset itself numerous times due to Ikari's initial rejection of Instrumentality. Much like a typical time loop scenario, most of the memories of those within it are reset as well. But let us posit this...What if those latent memories slowly resurfaced within those closest to Instrumentality? Not pretending here to know all the answers (as for me, questions are far more interesting, esecially with EVA), but wouldn't it be interesting if we were in a lifetime version of Haruhi's Endless Eight with only some players becoming aware of their past renditions, even at a nagging subconscious level? In some manners, it sure feels like it.  "

Something I forgot to mention: The second impact came 20 years before Shinji was born...

I have some supporting food for thought. All of the Evas were destroyed in the tv series except for Eva01 and the 9 MP Evas. The 9 MP evas fell back to Earth in their cross poses just as the outline on the side of the hill in the opening scene. That would suggest that something was there and removed. Eva01 was left drifting in space with the original lance. Since in this timeline there is as unknown eva on the moon with the lance, It is possible that this eva is the original unit01 that was pulling into the moon after instrumentality failed. All of the other evas the the rebuild timeline, which there are now more of are possibly salvaged from the MP Evas left on earth. Including the MP eva that was cut in half at the waist...provisional unit 05? EvaUnit02 beast mode looks very similiar to a MP eva with its giant mouth and tounge where EOE bezerker unit02 had a very human like face expect for its eyes. Also Unit02's blood is now red just like the MP evas. In the tv series, Unit02's blood was blue. Now the flash backs of second impact no longer contain one glowing white giant but now four. It is possible that EOE third impact became what people became to remember as their Rebuild 2nd impact once emerging from the LCL. I'm assuming the multiple white giants are now the MP evas and Adam. Also the episode titles give a clue. "You are not alone"...Shinji rejecting instrumentality and being and individual. "You cannot advance"...until there is change. Like straying from the predestined path. Those two are stretches. Most likely we will never have our questions answered or theories proved. I think that is the reason this series still excited my curiosity decades later.

According to Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebuild_of_Evangelion ), the Rebuild movies are indeed a remake of the entire story, with original writer Hideaki Anno himself both writing and directing the Rebuild movies. The article states that he has specifically said that he is remaking the series into what he originally wanted it to be. New elements include new/deleted scenes and new characters, as well as a better retelling of many of the original plot elements.

We have also been told that the "Evangelion: Final" movie, when it comes out, is going to give us a different ending to the plot.

To any doubters: Like it or not, this is official.

@AceOfHearts: Yeah because Wikipedia has the final word on everything.

Hm, I always thought it was just a brighter retelling. The point about the red oceans is kind of interesting though. Frankly, I never got into the Rebuild. It just seems like it's been made to cash in and to cater to whiners who say the original series is too depressing but perhaps that's me being cynical. I like that it appears to focus on Rei more though. I always had a soft spot for Rei. Still, the original series and End of Evangelion is all I really need out of Eva.