After successfully reinventing the Godzilla franchise, Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi are lending their creative expertise to another beloved Japanese sci-fi property. Via io9, the filmmakers are teaming up with Tsuburaya Productions and Toho to develop a new Shin Ultraman movie.
Anno and Higuchi previously co-directed Shin Godzilla, which debuted in Japan in 2016. Anno also penned the film’s screenplay and Higuchi designed the special effects. The movie was critically acclaimed and went on to sweep the annual Japan Academy Prize awards in 2017, including wins for Picture of the Year and Director of the Year. Higuchi will direct Shin Ultraman from a script written by Anno, who will also produce the venture.
RELATED: Netflix Releases the New Ultraman Animated Series Trailer
Netflix introduced Ultraman to a new generation of American viewers when they released a new CG anime series earlier this year. That show is based on the manga series of the same name, which centers on Shinjiro Hayata, the son of the original Ultraman who takes up his father’s mantle. It was announced last month that a second season is in the works. But in Japan, the Ultraman franchise has been going since 1966. The latest series, Ultraman Taiga, premiered in the country this summer.
Anno is also the creator of the popular anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. He’s currently working on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0, the final entry in the series of films based on the series. Shin Ultraman’s official press release notes that Anno will “fully join the project” after his work on that movie is completed. Anno’s animation studio, Khara, Inc., will also play a role in Shin Ultraman’s development.
Shin Ultraman is targeting a 2021 release date. Are you excited to see Anno and Higuchi’s take on the Ultraman franchise? Give us your impressions in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Ultraman, Vol. 1
