The ULTRAMAN anime series comes to Netflix next April. Image courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

Source: Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: anime.heros-ultraman.com (Japan), netflix.com/ultraman (US) Official Twitter Account:@ heros_ultraman

New key art, courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya, Tokyo. President and CEO: Takayuki Tsukagoshi) will exclusively release their new animation series ULTRAMAN (??????, Urutoraman) worldwide on April 1, 2019. All 13 episodes will exclusively stream on Netflix in over 200 countries, including the United States and Japan. The series is based on the Ultraman manga by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi, which depicts a new Ultraman with a physical appearance distinct from all previous versions. The comic has been serialized in the Japanese monthly magazine HERO’S since 2011, with the English language edition available in North America from VIZ Media. Featuring full 3DCG animation, ULTRAMAN is being produced at the hands of extraordinary creators from around the world. Kenji Kamiyama, known for directing GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX (????? S.A.C, Kookaku Kidootai Sutando Aroon Konpurekkusu), 009 RE:CYBORG (??????? ???????, Zero-Zero-Nine Re: Cyborg, 2012) and NAPPING PRINCESS (???? ????????????, Hirune Hime ?Shiranai Watashi no Monogatari?, 2017), has teamed up with Shinji Aramaki, the director of APPLESEED (???????, Appurushiido, 2004), HARLOCK: SPACE PIRATE (??????????, Kyaputen Haarokku, 2013) and STARSHIP TROOPERS: TRAITOR OF MARS (?????????????? ????????, Sutaashippu Touruupaazu Reddo Puranetto, 2017), to co-direct this series. Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, EDEN OF THE EAST) and SOLA DIGITAL ARTS (STARSHIP TROOPERS: TRAITOR OF MARS) are working together as the production team. On November 27, Tsuburaya Productions released new new key artwork for ULTRAMAN, focusing on three key concepts of the series: “the protagonist is the original Ultraman’s son”, “the fate of father and son”, and "a human-sized hero”. A new preview video is now being streamed on Tsuburaya Productions’ official YouTube “Ultra Channel”. It reveals the liveliness of the anime, using the 3DCG to depict small details and the lighting for the ULTRAMAN suit. Also, the hero`s transformation scenes and Spacium Beam are shown for the first time. Stay tuned as our superhero ULTRAMAN will step up to a new level with the newest animation!

? Story "I want you to become Ultraman..." There once was a Giant of Light called Ultraman who protected the Earth from monsters and alien invasions. To maintain his existence on Earth, Ultraman merged his life to Shin Hayata, a member of the international research and defense organization Science Special Search Party (SSSP). Eventually Ultraman completed his mission of combating these threats and returned to his homeland far across the universe. Hayata returned to his former life, with no memory of his time bonded to Ultraman. Humanity has lived in peace for many years. The existence of Ultraman became a thing of the past. and the headquarters of the Japanese branch of SSSP became a memorial hall to the Giant of Light.

Image courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

Shin Hayata`s son Shinjiro is now a high school student. Shinjiro becomes increasingly aware that he possesses abilities that separate him from ordinary people. One day, he discovers that his father was once Ultraman, and that other aliens have been coming to Earth in Ultraman`s absence. Earth once again needs the power of the Giant of Light. Having inherited those genes, Shinjiro is one of the few who can wear and operate a metallic Ultraman suit developed by Mitsuhiro Ide, Shin Hayata`s former SSSP teammate. A new hero has risen. However, this hero is not a giant, but a teenager in powered armor. The story of Shinjiro Hayata -- the son of Shin Hayata, and teenager who strives and struggles to become the next generation Ultraman -- now begins! ? Ultraman 17 year old high school student Shinjiro Hayata is the son of Shin Hayata, the lead hero of the original ULTRAMAN (???????????????, Urutoraman: Kuso Tokusatsu Shirizu, 1966-1967) television series. Because he inherited the Ultraman Factor that remained in his father`s body, Shinjiro has some superhuman powers. In order to help his father and fight Earth`s enemies, Shinjiro has decided to take up the mantle of Ultraman in a high tech battle suit. Shinjiro Hayata Stats Height: 176cm (5 feet, 8 inches) Weight: 63kg (139 pounds) Ultraman Stats Height: 190cm (6 feet, 2 inches) Weight: 126kg (306 pounds) ? Main Cast The amazing voice cast features Ryohei Kimura, who will be playing Shinjiro Hayata, Takuya Eguchi as Shin Hayata, and Megumi Han who will be playing Seiji Hokuto. Additional cast members will be announced soon.

Ryohei Kimura. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions.

Shinjiro Hayata (Ultraman): Ryohei Kimura "I have been playing Shinjiro in the online motion comics, but with the new team for this upcoming series, I hope to play out a new Ultraman. I think everyone will be surprised by the music, action and, of course, the story. I know for sure everyone will enjoy the series, and cannot wait for everyone to see it!" Ryohei Kimura has provided the voices for Akira Takizawa in EDEN OF THE EAST (?????, Higashi no Eden, 2009), Ryota Kise in KUROKO’S BASKETBALL (??????, Kuroko no Basuke) and Slay in TALES OF ZESTIRIA (???? ?? ??????, Teiruzu Obu Zesutiria).

Takuya Eguchi. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions.

Dan Moroboshi (Seven): Takuya Eguchi "I was so happy when I found out I was going to play the role of Seven. When I was a child, I used to watch the tokusatsu videos whenever I could, and play with the little figures. Remembering my feelings as a little child, I will give all my love for Ultraman to this role! The animation is terrific, so please have a look. Thank you!" Takuya Eguchi`s voice credits include Takeo Gouda in MY LOVE STORY!! (???!!, Ore Monogatari!!, 2015), Nagi Rokuya in IDOLiSH 7 (??????????, Aidorisshu Sebun, 2015) and Kogoro Katsura in BAKUMATSU (2018).

Megumi Han. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions.

Seiji Hokuto (Ace): Megumi Han "This is the last Ultraman series of the Heisei era. I’m very grateful to be a part of this ULTRAMAN since I have looked up to this Giant of Light since I was a child. I had given up my dream of becoming Ultraman, and am so happy to have it come true now. I will grasp the weight, history, and love of the character Seiji Hokuto, and play him out as best as possible." "I am confident that we will deliver you a new type of Ultraman which will make the world shake with excitement! Please stay tuned!" Megumi Han has voiced Gon Freecss in HUNTER × HUNTER (????×????, Hantaa Hantaa, 2011), Kagari Atsuko in LITTLE WITCH ACADEMIA (????????????, Ritoru Witchii Akademia, 2017), Snow White/Cure Princess in HAPPINESSCHARGE PRETTY CURE! (??????????????, Hapinesuchaaji PuriKyua!, 2014-2015) and Alien Pegassa Pega in ULTRAMAN GEED (?????????, Urutoraman Jiido, 2017).

Hideyuki Tanaka. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions.

Shin Hayata: Hideyuki Tanaka "Ultraman is very memorable for me. It is a work I have been watching since I was young, and I also used to play the voice of Zoffy in the live-action films." "In this anime version of ULTRAMAN, I am sure the audience can enjoy a different take on the franchise. It is packed with must-see stories, including the conflict between Shinjiro and his parents. Please stay tuned." Hideyuki Tanaka has provided the voices for Donquixote Doflamingo in ONE PIECE (?????, Wan Piisu), BackBeard in GEGEGE NO KITARO (???????), Ultraman The Next in ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT (??????, Urutoraman, 2004) and Zoffy in numerous Ultraman shows and movies. He is also the narrator for TBS` THE KING`S BRUNCH (???????, Osama no Buranchi). ? Music by Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnouchi The music for ULTRAMAN is created by Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnouchi, film score composers who work mainly in Japan and Los Angeles. After establishing FILM SCORE LLC, a music production company specializing in soundtracks, the duo has contributed to more than sixty film, television and video game projects, providing original scores with high quality music production. Their works include the METAL GEAR SOLID series, HALO 5, FINAL FANTASY XIV DEFENDERS OF EORZEA (???????????XIV???????), UZUMASA LIMELIGHT (????????, Uzumasa Raimuraito, 2014) and TIME SCOOP HUNTER (???????????, Taimu Sukuupu Hantaa, 2013). They have also provided music production support for composers and artists. In addition, Toda hasworked on many projects as orchestrator and music producer. Over the years, Toda and Jinnouchi have received numerous awards and honors worldwide including Outstanding Achievement in Original Music at Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Awards (D.I.C.E.,) and British Academy Games Awards. Their ULTRAMAN anime music expresses the fast movement of the must-see battle scenes as well as the emotions of the main character as he struggles with being Ultraman.

Image courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

? ULTRAMAN Anime Details Worldwide Release Date: Monday, April 1, 2019 Episodes: 13 Cast Shinjiro Hayata: Ryohei Kimura Dan Moroboshi: Takuya Eguchi Seiji Hokuto: Megumi Han Shin Hayata: Hideyuki Tanaka Staff Directors: Kenji Kamiyama, Shinji Aramaki Original Story: Tsuburaya Productions, Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi (Serialized on HERO’S monthly magazine) Music: Nobuko Toda, Kazuma Jinnouchi Studio: Production I.G. × SOLA DIGITAL ARTS Distributor: Netflix ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

Image courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

About Tsuburaya Productions

Tsuburaya Productions, creator and copyrights owner of the superhero ULTRAMAN series was founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, world-renowned special effects wizard also known for his special effects work on the Godzilla series. With more than fifty years` experience, it is one of Japan`s oldest and most respected independent film and television production houses. Its popular Ultraman TV and film series which premiered in 1966 has been seen in over 100 territories worldwide and has spawned over 3,000 licensed products. In addition to production, the company also handles character licensing and program distribution and staging live stage shows both domestically and internationally.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with 125 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

For more information on the ULTRAMAN (2019) anime, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• Tsuburaya Pro to Release ULTRAMAN Anime Film in 2019
• ULTRAMAN Anime Gets Worldwide Release on Netflix in Spring 2019