Ultraman Returns to Tokyo in 3DCG-Animated Film “Ultraman: Rising”
Dubai is buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated 3DCG-animated feature film “Ultraman: Rising” is set to hit Netflix on June 14. The film follows baseball star Ken Sato as he returns home to Tokyo, only to find the city under threat from a wave of monstrous attacks. Taking on the mantle of Ultraman, Sato must rise to the occasion and save the day.
Ultraman has been a beloved international pop-culture icon since his debut in the Japanese television series “Ultra Q” back in 1966. With numerous reboots and sequels across various mediums over the years, the superhero has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Emmy-winning artist and filmmaker Shannon Tindle, in an exclusive statement to Arab News in the Middle East, reveals how his childhood memories played a pivotal role in the creation of “Ultraman: Rising.”
Reflecting on his childhood, Tindle shared, “I grew up watching kung fu movies, Godzilla, and, most importantly, Ultraman with my parents. The image of a towering superhero battling monsters left a lasting impression on me and inspired the making of this film.”
In this latest installment, Ultraman faces a new challenge as he befriends a 35-foot-tall fire-breathing baby kaiju and must protect it from sinister forces. Tindle delves into the theme of parenthood, exploring the emotional and humorous aspects of balancing superhuman abilities with the responsibilities of raising a child.
Acknowledging the immense cultural significance of Ultraman in Japan, Tindle emphasized the importance of staying true to the franchise’s roots. Collaborating with cultural consultant Mayumi Yoshida and a diverse team of Japanese and Japanese-American creators, the film aims to authentically represent Japanese culture and values.
VFX supervisor Hayden Jones and animation supervisor Mathieu Vig drew inspiration from manga and anime styles to create visually stunning sequences in the film. Critic Rafael Motamayor from The Wrap praised the film for its captivating visuals and dynamic action scenes.