Tokusatsu fans are reeling from recent news: the beloved Super Sentai series is reportedly set to conclude its heroic legacy, spanning nearly half a century, after the finale of "First Sentai Go-Vengers."
Yesterday (November 3), Japanese media outlet Weekly Women PRIME reported that, according to a TV station insider, plans are already in motion for the successor to "First Sentai Go-Vengers." The new series is said to take a "detective drama" route, while still maintaining its tokusatsu production style.
The report indicates that while "Go-Vengers" may be the final Sentai installment, the flame of "tokusatsu heroes" won't be extinguished. Sources close to the production suggest that Toei and TV Asahi are already developing a new program, slated to premiere next February, with casting currently underway.
This new project, while continuing the "tokusatsu hero" theme, will feature a significant shift in its premise. The protagonist will be a detective in their twenties, and the overall style will lean heavily into a detective drama, moving away from the traditional multi-member team format. Filming is reportedly set to begin in late November, with casting in its final stages.
However, this direction of a 20-something detective drama immediately brings to mind the 80s "Space Sheriff Series" for many netizens. That series had a much shorter run, and while it saw 21st-century revivals and crossovers with Super Sentai and Kamen Rider in films, this rumored new approach might leave many scratching their heads.
Meanwhile, entertainment industry insiders point to stagnant merchandise sales as the primary reason for the potential end of the Super Sentai series. Compared to "Kamen Rider" and "Ultraman," Sentai's toy and apparel sales have seen a noticeable decline in recent years, suggesting that the "multi-person team hero" concept is struggling to capture the modern children's market.
On the flip side, TV Asahi is well-known for its successful detective-themed programs, making this new series a perceived attempt at a "transformative reboot."
Regarding the potential conclusion of the Super Sentai series, Toei has only responded, "There have been no official announcements at this time, so we cannot comment on the program's ending or future works." Nevertheless, since the Japanese media reports broke, many fans, both young and old, have expressed their sadness. Everyone is now eagerly awaiting official information from the company.
via： 週刊女性PRIME