"Have you become so fond of humans, Ultraman?"
- ―Movie tagline
"Fantasy and romance. And, friendship."
- ―Movie tagline
Shin Ultraman is a 2022 Japanese film co-produced by Tsuburaya Productions, Toho Company Ltd. and khara Inc. It is stated to be a film adaptation of the original Ultraman series.[1][2][3]
Commemorating the franchise's 55th anniversary, the film was first set to be released in early summer 2021, but was delayed due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.[4] During TSUBURAYA CONVENTION 2021 SPECIAL PROGRAM on December 13, 2021, the final release date was announced to be set on May 13, 2022.[5]
This film is one of the featured works of the Shin Japan Heroes Universe collaborative project along with Shin Godzilla, Shin Evangelion Theatrical Edition and Shin Kamen Rider.[6]
The film can be watched on Redbox, Vudu, and Apple TV.
Production[]
The film will be written and produced by Hideaki Anno, who is most well known for his work on the Evangelion franchise and more recently, Shin Godzilla. Anno will be fully attached to the project after completing his work on Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. Anno's long-time partner and colleague Shinji Higuchi, who also directed Shin Godzilla, will be the film's director.[7]
The first draft of the film's script was reportedly completed on February 5, 2019.[7]
Takumi Saitoh was cast as the film's main character who becomes Ultraman, and Masami Nagasawa has been cast as his partner.[8]
Additional cast members including Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, and Tetsuji Tanaka were later announced to have been added to the cast of the film.[9][10]
On November 23, 2019, Director Shinji Higuchi announced at the 2nd Atami Kaiju Film Festival that filming had already been completed.[11]
Ultraman's new design and the film's title card were revealed at TSUBURAYA CONVENTION 2019.[12] Being based on Tohl Narita's painting Incarnation of Truth, Justice, and Beauty, the design noticeably lacks the Color Timer, and is also missing the "dorsal fin" on the back which would normally be used to conceal the zipper the suit actor uses to enter the suit. The black dots on the eyes, which are the suit's eye holes, are also absent from the redesign.
On November 3, 2020, a 2-meter-tall statue of Ultraman was unveiled at the opening ceremony of the Sukagawa Tokusatsu Archive center in Fukushima, which was Eiji Tsuburaya's hometown. Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi and Katsuro Onoue were present for the event. They also announced the release date to be in early summer 2021.[1]
The first teaser trailer and two key visuals were revealed on January 29, 2021.[13][14]
The film was postponed in March 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic from its original summer 2021 release.[4]
A new trailer and release date were revealed at the TSUBURAYA CONVENTION 2021 SPECIAL PROGRAM held on December 13, 2021, where director Shinji Higuchi and cast member Takumi Saitoh made guest appearances.[5] Higuchi also revealed that the production of the film was also incomplete, which was another main contributor to its delaying from the initial premiere date.
A red carpet event was held on May 9, 2022, featuring the main cast and director Shinji Higuchi walking down the Shin Ultra Red Carpet , a 60-meter-long red carpet the height of Ultraman in the film.[15]
On May 12, 2022, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Marine Self-Defense Force tweeted in conjunction with the promotion for the film.[16][17]
Plot[]
The continued appearance of giant unidentified lifeforms known as "S-Class Species" has become commonplace in Japan.
Conventional weapons have no effect on them. Having exhausted all other options, the Japanese Government issued the S-Class Species Suppression Protocol and formed an enforcement unit, known as the SSSP.
The members chosen for the unit are Leader Kimio Tamura, Executive Strategist Shinji Kaminaga, Unparticle Physicist Taki Akihisa, and Universal Biologist Yume Funaberi.
As the threat of S-Class Species worsens, a silver giant appears from beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Analyst Hiroko Asami is newly appointed to the SSSP to deal with this giant and is partnered with Shinji Kaminaga.
In Hiroko's report, she writes...
"Ultraman (tentative name), identity unknown".[18][19]
Appearances[]
Protagonist[]
SSSP[]
Government of Japan[]
Ultras[]
Kaiju[]
Cast[]
| Character | Japanese | English Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Shinji Kaminaga | Takumi Saitoh [20] | Chris Hackney[21] |
| Hiroko Asami | Masami Nagasawa [20] | Dawn M. Bennett[22] |
| Akihisa Taki | Daiki Arioka [20] | Brandon McInnis |
| Yumi Funaberi | Akari Hayami [20] | Emily Frongillo[23] |
| Kimio Tamura | Hidetoshi Nishijima [20] | John Burgmeier |
| Tatsuhiko Munakata | Tetsushi Tanaka | Brook Chalmers |
| Mefilas | Koji Yamamoto | Jordan Woollen[24] |
| Hajime Komuro | Ryo Iwamatsu | Phil Parsons |
| Hayasaka | Keishi Nagatsuka | |
| Taishi Okuma | Kyusaku Shimada | Charlie Campbell |
| Kunihiko Kariba | Toru Masuoka | |
| Seiichi Nakanishi | Hajime Yamazaki | Kyle Hebert |
| Kagami | Soko Wada | Matt Shipman[25] |
| Government Official | Yutaka Takenouchi | Jim Foronda[26] |
| Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan | Masami Horiuchi | Frank Todaro |
| Minister Supplementary Officer of Japan | Go Riju |
Voice Actors[]
| Character | Japanese | English Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Ultraman | Issey Takahashi | Steven Kelly[27] |
| Alien Zarab | Kenjiro Tsuda [28] | Kellen Goff[29] |
| Zōffy | Koichi Yamadera | Theo Devaney |
| Extras | Landon McDonald Madeline Dorroh Yussef Benelbar Christian Thorsen Yung-I Chang Edward L. Holland Christopher Sabat |
Staff[]
- Producer/Writer: Hideaki Anno[30]
- Director: Shinji Higuchi[30]
- Executive Producers: Takayuki Tsukagoshi, Minami Ichikawa, Hideaki Anno[30]
- Co-Executive Producers: Masayuki Nagatake, Hiroyasu Matsuoka, Tomoyuki Ogata[30]
- Producers: Hisashi Usui, Katsura Kurosawa[30]
- Co-Producers: Kazutoshi Wadakura, Takehiko Aoki, Tomoya Nishino, Masanori Kawashima[30]
- Associate Director: Katsuro Onoue, Masayuki[30]
- Deputy Director: Ikki Todoroki[30]
- Line Producer: Kensei Mori[30]
- Cinematography: Osamu Ichikawa, Keizo Suzuki[30]
- Original Kaiju and Alien Design: Tohl Narita (posthumous)[31]
- VFX: Shirogumi Inc.
- VFX Director: Satoru Sasaki[30]
- VFX Supervisor: Atsuki Sato
- VFX Producers: Hiromasa Inoue, Masayo Ohno
- Optical Drawing: Sadao Iizuka[32]
- Music: Shiro Sagisu, Kunio Miyauchi (posthumous)[30]
- Shin Ultraman Production Committee : Tsuburaya Productions, Toho Company Ltd, Khara inc.
Music[]
- M87 [18][19]
- Artist: Kenshi Yonezu
Home Media[]
Quotes[]
"Why are you playing secret games with world governments?"
"To efficiently eliminate the native intelligent life forms. I plan to cause conflict between countries and have Homo sapiens wipe themselves out.
"Humans have wisdom. It won't be so easy."
"It will be easy if I use the existence of Ultraman."
"Why wipe out humans? I want to know why."
"Once a marker is discovered on a planet, intelligent life forms must be destroyed. That is what I do. Homo sapiens have destroyed species that they have considered harmful. From my perspective, it is no different. And while Homo sapiens possess sophisticated intellect and technology, they are a dangerous and unorganized species that breeds unnecessarily. They are worth wiping out."
"We agree to disagree then."
- ―Kaminaga and Zarab's conversation
"I'd rather not fight you. That's why I suggest you either work with me or stand down. The life and death of humanity is in my hands. I can use force at any time. Obviously, you can too. But you choose not to. Why?"
"As you said, for us to rule humans would be to take all hope form them. It would stifle their independent progress. I can't allow that."
"By the Code of the Planet of Light, yes? Then stay out of my affairs, Ultraman. I know this planet's value more than anyone in the multiverse. Surrendering this planet to me is the best option. Above all, I desire this beautiful planet to myself. I, too, love the human race, Ultraman."
"You have already made a secret agreement with this country."
"The natives of this planet sought the Beta System of their own accord. The Code of the Planet of Light that you are bound to prevents you from interfering with native species. You can't do anything about this. How will you respond to this perfect plan of mine, Ultraman?"
"With brute force if necessary. That's the will of the human inside me. The Code of the Planet of Light doesn't apply to him."
"I see. So that's why you fused with a native. A wise decision."
"That's not why. But I suppose that is the outcome."
"The Planet of Light is aware of your actions. You're going to end up dooming this planet."
"Even so, I want to protect these helpless, vulnerable little life forms."
"Are you sure that is your wish and not of the human inside you, Ultraman?"
- ―Mefilas and Kaminaga's conversation in a bar
"Ultraman. Open your eyes. Without the signal of your desire to survive, I could not have found you."
"The acceptance of death is the same as the desire of life. Thank you, Zōffy."
"So the acceptance of death and thirst for life is the core of human nature. Indeed, humans are fascinating. I respect humanity's bravery, intellect, and vitality that let you defeat Zetton. They are too precious to destroy. You are injured. I will bring you home and we can leave humans be. Let us return to the Planet of Light, Ultraman."
"Zōffy, I now coexist with a human. I will remain on Earth so that he may live."
"Ultraman, you now understand him well enough that you can sacrifice yourself for him. He must understand you as well. He will forgive you."
"By becoming one with a life form of this planet, I sought to understand him and his people. But I still feel like I know nothing about them. That is why I wish to become human and get to know them more. And humanity is running out of time. Fearing their ability to defeat Zetton, other intelligent life forms will continue to appear on Earth. But humanity is very young. In order to give them even the slightest fighting chance, I will remain on Earth."
"Ultraman, that is not possible. I must oversee your return to the Planet of Light. You shall face the consequences of breaking our Code."
"Zōffy, in that case, I give my life to him. I leave this body to the humans of the future."
"Even if it means your death?"
"I do not mind. To be human is to accept death. Compared to ours, the lives of humans are short. I want him to go on living. His friends and partners feel the same. This is my answer."
"Ultraman, have you become so fond of humans? Very well, I shall grant your wish."
"Thank you, Zōffy."
"I will now separate Kaminaga from your body."
- ―Ultraman and Zōffy's final conversation
Shin Ultra Fight[]
Shin Ultra Fight is a miniseries exclusive to TSUBURAYA IMAGINATION. Episodes consist of both reused footage from Shin Ultraman and new footage emulating the style of the original Ultra Fight, accompanied by a play-by-play commentary by Koichi Yamadera.[33]
Shin Ultra Fight TI ver. episodes are available to all Standard and Premium plan members,[33][34] while Shin Ultra Fight SP ver. was exclusive to moviegoers with advance movie tickets until June 27, 2022.[35]
| No. | Title | Description | Appearances | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP1 | Neronga Comes And Goes |
Footage of Ultraman vs. Neronga from Shin Ultraman | Neronga | May 14, 2022 |
| SP2 | The Death Blow To Gabora |
Footage of Ultraman vs. Gabora from Shin Ultraman | Gabora | May 14, 2022 |
| TI1 | Beware! Mefilas' Trap |
Footage of Ultraman vs. Mefilas from Shin Ultraman | Mefilas | May 19, 2022 |
| SP3 | Gather! Duelists Of The Canyon |
Ultraman fights Neronga and Gabora in a canyon | Neronga Gabora |
May 30, 2022 |
| TI2 | The Flashing Match Behind Closed Doors |
Ultraman vs. Imit-Ultraman in a pro-wrestling match | Imit-Ultraman Neronga Zarab |
June 6, 2022 |
| TI3 | Is The Planet Burning? |
A cat-and-mouse game between Ultraman and Zarab | Zarab | July 4, 2022 |
| TI4 | The 6-Dimensional Yakuza |
Grown tired of battle, Ultraman moves on from his duties...but is stopped by the four Yakuza brothers | Mefilas Neronga Gabora Zarab/Imit-Ultraman Zetton (voice) |
July 4, 2022 |
| TI5 | Fi-Fi-Fight Of White Sand And Green Pines |
Ultraman pleads with the four Yakuza brothers to assist him as Zetton slowly approaches | Zetton Mefilas Neronga Gabora Zarab/Imit-Ultraman |
July 4, 2022 |
| Zetton The Chariot Of Fire |
Ultraman vs. Zetton, in the style of the original episode | Zetton | ||
| Requiem Of The Waves |
With Ultraman dead, the four Yakuza brothers mourn as they carry him into the sunset, but then... | Zetton Mefilas Neronga Gabora Zarab/Imit-Ultraman |
Gallery[]
Images[]
Videos[]
Trivia[]
- The film's opening scene uses the same visuals and sound effects as the original series, but with the original Ultra Q title changed to Shin Godzilla. The film also incorporates unused footage and material from Shin Godzilla in certain scenes, images, and music.
- Shin Ultraman is not Anno's first project relating to the Ultraman Series; in fact, one of the first productions by what would eventually become GAINAX (Anno's production studio), then called Daicon Film, was Return of Ultraman: MAT Arrow 1 Takeoff Order, a short fan-made film produced in 1983.
- The film's tagline is taken from a line of dialogue spoken by Zoffy to Ultraman in the final episode of the original series.
- Models of FAB 1 and Thunderbird 2 from Thunderbirds appear in the background of a shot of Daiki Arioka's character. This series influenced Ultraseven and subsequent entries in the Ultraman Series.
- Instead of using the word 怪獣 for Kaiju or even referring to them as such, the term used in the film is, specifically, "S-Class Species" . Likewise, the defense team uses the same acronym as its original counterpart, but the words forming it are different, being 禍威獣特設対策室 instead. It is also shortened to "SSSP" , read exactly the same as its template.[18][19] Similarly, the term used to refer to aliens is "Extraterrestrial" instead of "Alien" .
External Links[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://m-78.jp/news/post-5688/
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-5190/
- ↑ https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1397
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/2546
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/3778
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-6227
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://www.khara.co.jp/2019/08/01/01/
- ↑ https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/341956
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-5251/
- ↑ https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1470
- ↑ https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20191123-00010005-encount-movi
- ↑ https://mantan-web.jp/article/20191214dog00m200002000c.html
- ↑ https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/2495
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-5776
- ↑ https://youtu.be/9wbooZesdhs
- ↑ https://twitter.com/JGSDF_pr/status/1524585518029508609?t=G2BwJdS54wrWyZfBI6AlXA
- ↑ https://twitter.com/JMSDF_PAO/status/1524677535686021121?t=G2BwJdS54wrWyZfBI6AlXA
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/4377
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 https://m-78.jp/news/post-6296
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 https://twitter.com/shin_ultraman/status/1509093073556369410?cxt=HHwWhMCj5fSJsPEpAAAA
- ↑ https://twitter.com/ChrisHackneyGGK/status/1603599596701110272
- ↑ https://twitter.com/DawnMBennettVA/status/1603616406116843520
- ↑ https://twitter.com/frongi_voice/status/1603555763309662209
- ↑ https://twitter.com/JordanWoollenVO/status/1603815973659693056
- ↑ https://twitter.com/MattShipmanVO/status/1603585774359924737
- ↑ https://twitter.com/JimForonda/status/1603599685079416839
- ↑ https://twitter.com/Sarifus/status/1612657472639991809
- ↑ https://twitter.com/shin_ultraman/status/1518500058404036608
- ↑ https://twitter.com/kellengoff/status/1603812200048738335?cxt=HHwWvoC-5dqs8cEsAAAA
- ↑ 30.00 30.01 30.02 30.03 30.04 30.05 30.06 30.07 30.08 30.09 30.10 30.11 https://web.archive.org/web/20220707151927/https://www.toho.co.jp/movie/lineup/shin-ultraman.html
- ↑ https://www.pen-online.jp/article/010622.html
- ↑ https://twitter.com/shin_ultraman/status/1470589359598407681
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 https://m-78.jp/news/post-6337
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-6332
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-6288