This year marks the 55th anniversary of "Kamen Rider," and we've already heard about "Kamen Rider Agito's" 25th-anniversary project, "Agito - Psychic War," a brand-new theatrical film.
But wait, there's more! Today (4/3), the official word dropped that "Kamen Rider Kabuto," also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is getting a V-Cinema release! Titled "Kamen Rider Kabuto 20th: Heir to the Heavens" (tentative translation, 仮面ライダーカブト 20th 天を継ぐもの), it's set to hit Japanese theaters for a limited run starting November 6th, with the Blu-ray & DVD dropping on February 10, 2027. They've even unleashed the first teaser trailer and a killer key visual!
"Kamen Rider Kabuto," which first aired in 2006, stars Souji Tendou (played by Hiro Mizushima), a man who famously declares himself "the one who walks the path of heaven, ruling over all." The series revolves around the battle between the alien lifeforms known as "Worms," who can mimic humans, and ZECT, the secret organization fighting against them.
The show took a classic approach to character development, often featuring cooking battles and gourmet food tasting as recurring plot points. Fun fact: the official website even uploaded weekly recipes, which was a pretty unique touch!
Get this: back in January, during the "Kamen Rider Movie Project" popularity poll for the franchise's 55th anniversary, "Kamen Rider Kabuto" absolutely crushed it, taking the #1 spot! So it's no surprise that this new project is officially adopting the much-talked-about title "Heir to the Heavens."
This 20th-anniversary special is penned by Shoji Yonemura and directed by Hidenori Ishida. And guess what? Most of the original cast is back! We're talking Yuki Sato as Arata Kagami/Kamen Rider Gatack, Hidenori Tokuyama as Sou Yaguruma/Kamen Rider Zabee, Kazuki Kato as Daisuke Kazama/Kamen Rider Drake, Tomohisa Yuge as Masato Mishima, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi as Shuichi Tadokoro, and Hirotaro Honda as Riku Kagami. Talk about a reunion!
Of course... with one notable exception: Hiro Mizushima, who played the main character Souji Tendou. Fans familiar with the series probably already know why, and their reactions to the announcement pretty much sum it up.
The 15-second teaser trailer, released simultaneously, kicks off with Kabuto's iconic "pointing to the heavens" pose. Besides Kagami, Yaguruma, and Kazama, we also catch a glimpse of Masato Mishima sporting an unfamiliar belt. And get this – beyond Gatack, Zabee, Drake, and KickHopper, the official announcement teases two brand-new original Riders! What will the world of Kabuto look like 20 years later? We're seriously hyped to find out!
■ Synopsis
The strongest Kamen Rider returns! After 20 years, those men gather once more, and the legend marches into the future. The war between humanity and the Worms, which should have ended, isn't over yet...? In a world where humans and Worms coexist, what exactly is the reactivated ZECT planning? Who are the new Riders? And who truly is the "Heir to the Heavens?"
"Kamen Rider Kabuto: Heir to the Heavens" is slated for a limited theatrical release in Japan this November, with the Blu-ray & DVD following in 2027. Fans, keep those eyes peeled for more updates!