Ultraman CGI Feature Film Coming Soon From Netflix

A new CGI Ultraman film starring a new protagonist is in the works at Netflix.

Tsuburaya Productions has announced a new Ultraman feature film being developed in partnership with Netflix. This new CGI film will star a new protagonist to become the giant of light known as Ultraman and is being co-produced by Tsuburaya and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilm geared towards motion picture visual effects.

The film’s story according to Tsuburaya is as follows:

“Baseball superstar Ken Sato returns to his home country of Japan to pick up the mantle of Earth-defending superhero Ultraman, but quickly finds more than he bargained for when he’s forced to raise the offspring of his greatest foe, a newborn Kaiju. Struggling to balance the roles of teammate and new father, Ken must confront his own ego, his estranged father, and the conniving Kaiju Defense Force to rise up and discover what it truly means to be Ultraman.”

The film’s story, charting new territory for the series with a new main character, started life as being merely “inspired” by Ultraman as explained in the below quote from director Shannon Tindle.

“Making this film is a dream come true. What began as an original story inspired by my love for Eiji Tsuburaya’s Ultraman somehow became an actual Ultraman film thanks to the incredible trust of the team at Tsuburaya Productions, and the support of the folks at Netflix Animation. We’ve assembled an all-star team and I can’t wait to share our unique take on Ultraman with the rest of the world.”

While this isn’t the first Ultraman film production to be produced outside of Japan, it is the first in many years. Following the success of Marvel’s The Rise of Ultraman and The Trials of Ultraman comic books, Takayuki Tsukagoshi (CEO/Chairman Tsuburaya Productions) is confident in this American team’s ability to deliver on a new vision for the iconic hero.

Tsukagoshi provided this comment:

“Ultraman was born in Japan 55 years ago. This partnership with Netflix will be the first full-scale endeavor to reach the global market for Tsuburaya Productions. Ultraman, since it was created, has charmed many people around the world. And Shannon Tindle is one of those people. He was greatly influenced by Ultraman as a child, and he grew up to become a creator himself. I am delighted that families around the world will be able to watch Shannon and his team’s vision for Ultraman on Netflix and foster feelings of courage, hope and kindness.”

Aram Yacoubian (Director of Original Animated Film at Netflix) mirrored those sentiments in his own comment.

“Having the opportunity to partner with our friends at Tsuburaya Productions to bring this beloved character to our members around the world is an honor. We’re thrilled to be working with Shannon, John and an incredibly talented team of artists and lovers of Ultraman from around the world. We can’t wait to share our film with fans of this iconic Japanese hero and introduce a new generation to what’s sure to become their new favorite superhero.”

As of now, the official title of the film and release window has not been announced. This new Ultraman film is being directed by Shannon Tindle with co-director John Aoshima, written by Tindle and Marc Haimes, produced by Tom Knott, and co-produced by Lisa Poole.

Source: Tsuburaya Productions