Japan's iconic tokusatsu hero, "Ultraman," is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, an official documentary film, "THE ORIGIN OF ULTRAMAN," executive produced by acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-eda, has been announced.
The documentary, "THE ORIGIN OF ULTRAMAN," is slated for a July 3rd release, and on the 14th, the official team dropped its trailer and a list of participating theaters.
This film, executive produced by Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for works like "Air Doll," "Shoplifters," and "Monster," brings together figures from various fields to delve into the very essence of the classic "Ultraman" IP.
The official team also unveiled the main visual poster, featuring Ultraman staring directly into the camera, perfectly echoing the film's central question: "What exactly IS Ultraman?"
The trailer kicks off with Hirokazu Kore-eda and Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-winning director of "The Shape of Water," reminiscing about their childhoods and chatting about "Ultraman."
Following suit, a lineup of acclaimed domestic and international directors and creators, including Hideo Kojima, Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi, and Nicolas Winding Refn, share their personal memories and perspectives on "Ultraman."
The documentary also dives into the creative philosophy behind Ultraman and monster designs, exploring art director Toru Narita's unwavering principle of "giving children genuine works of art," and why "Ultraman" continues to captivate creators worldwide to this day.
Through extensive interviews and invaluable archival footage, the film gradually uncovers the origins of "Ultraman" and how it transcended eras and borders to become an enduring classic.
■ Key Interviewees (Partial List)
Guillermo del Toro ("Pacific Rim")
Hirokazu Kore-eda ("Shoplifters," "Monster")
Hideo Kojima (Games: "Metal Gear Solid," "Death Stranding")
Hideaki Anno ("Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Shin Godzilla," "Shin Ultraman")
Shinji Higuchi ("Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," "Shin Godzilla," "Shin Ultraman")
Nicolas Winding Refn ("Pusher," "Drive")
Shannon Tindle ("ULTRAMAN: RISING")
John Aoshima ("ULTRAMAN: RISING")
Plus numerous film critics, scholars, and original cast members, including:
Susumu Kurobe (Officer Shin Hayata)
Hiroko Sakurai (Officer Akiko Fuji)
Mamushi Sandayu (Officer Daisuke Arashi)
The official team also announced the launch of MoviTicket online advance tickets. Purchasers will snag exclusive "Ultraman" original mobile wallpapers (3 types in total).
What's more, after buying a ticket and watching the film, you'll also receive a "MoviTicket Digital Card" with your viewing record, serving as a limited 60th-anniversary commemorative perk.
"THE ORIGIN OF ULTRAMAN" isn't just a fan-focused retrospective; it's a deep dive into the cultural, creative, and industrial layers of the franchise. However, with a somewhat limited theatrical release planned in Japan, fans might need to hunt for an opportunity to catch this 60th-anniversary documentary.
via： 円谷プロダクション