Netflix’s Newest Animated Gem: Superheroes, Baby Kaiju, and Baseball!
The animated film Ultraman: Rising is now available on Netflix starting this Friday, June 14th! We had the opportunity to sit down with the directors, Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
In the works for over twenty years and officially announced in 2021, the animated film Ultraman: Rising is finally out on Netflix this Friday after a successful premiere at the Annecy Animated Film Festival 2024. Set in a futuristic Japan plagued by Kaiju attacks, the giant Ultraman struggles to protect the population. Beneath his iron mask, a young and self-centered promising baseball player dreams of freeing himself from the superhero responsibilities inherited from his father. As if his double life wasn’t complicated enough, the arrival of a baby kaiju could further disrupt it. This family saga makes you reflect on the role of a parent, a hero, on grief, and resilience. Packed with action, humor, and emotions, this film will delight both parents and children. During a special screening at Annecy, we had the chance to meet the directors Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima. We discussed the project’s origins and their love for the original saga.
Ultraman is a franchise that has been around since 1966, with numerous spin-offs. What inspired you to create a film based on Ultraman?
Shannon Tindle: Initially, the film wasn’t supposed to be about Ultraman. I came up with the idea for this project back in 2001, and Ultraman was just an inspiration because I loved the series as a kid. When I left Los Angeles, the series was my only reference to the franchise. That’s when I started buying the DVDs and developing the idea. My goal was to take this beloved character that I adored and introduce him to a wider audience. I integrated him into a story that appeals to both children and parents.
John Aoshima: I’ve known Shannon for a long time, and his love for Japanese culture quickly drew us closer. As roommates, he showed me a sketch of what he wanted to create. I was thrilled about the project because I was born in Japan and grew up with Ultraman. When I moved to the US, I had completely forgotten about it. Seeing Shannon’s enthusiasm brought back memories, and I joined him in the studio.
The film is set in Japan, where the Ultraman license originated. Was it important to keep Japan as the story’s main backdrop?
Shannon Tindle: The initial plan was always to base the film in Japan, like the original work. However, as the project progressed and the main character, Ken Sato, evolved, we began to see beyond Japan. John shared his story of growing up in Japan and then moving to the US. Faced with Ken’s ego and confidence, he thought, “This feels more American. What if we had him immigrate to the US?” It resonated with his own experience, and I loved that idea.
John Aoshima: I talked about my adaptation to life in the US, not speaking the language and looking different. On my first day of school, I had a bento lunch, and the kids made fun of me because they didn’t know what I was eating. To fit in, I asked my mom for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a paper bag like everyone else for the next day. Shannon absorbed these personal anecdotes and integrated them into Ken Sato’s character.
The film explores different categories of “superheroes,” including fathers. Was this approach what made it a family film?
Shannon Tindle: Yes, that has always been the heart of the story. It’s a family film with Ultraman in it. Every choice we made in the story revolved around the main plot of a child who idolized his father as Ultraman. Over time, he develops resentment towards his father and Ultraman. He is forced to become someone he doesn’t want to be. What brings them together is the baby kaiju they are supposed to fight. That’s the essence of the project. When people come to see the film, they expect a lot of action, a superhero movie, and of course, we deliver that, but there’s more. The most important scenes for us are the conversations between Ken and his father, the absence of his mother, and the constant struggle as an overwhelmed parent.
John Aoshima: Yes, it’s about a reluctant hero who didn’t want this legacy but must follow in his father’s footsteps. A man who didn’t want to be a father but is forced to care for a baby. He is called to engage with a population and an innocent Kaiju. I believe this theme of commitment is part of the Ultraman spirit: identifying the situation, challenging oneself to assume responsibility, and always striving for more. This concept forms the basis of Ultraman.
The character is also the hero of his baseball team. Did your love for the sport influence its integration into the story?
Shannon Tindle: I enjoy baseball, but I’m not the biggest fan, so I relied on John and our editor, Brett, a huge Dodgers fan. Tony Fucile, our animation director, who worked on The Iron Giant and The Incredibles 2, loves baseball. His father played professionally, so they ensured we had the right information, from movements to stadium dimensions.
John Aoshima: I grew up playing baseball until my first year of high school, thanks to my older brother. He was a great player in the Japanese minor league. My brother spoke with Shannon about what it’s like to be a Japanese-American returning to play in Japan, which influenced Ken Sato’s character.
A post-credit scene mentions the M78 Nebula, a key element from the original work. Can we expect a sequel that explores Ultraman’s mythology further?
Shannon Tindle: Our primary goal is for people to enjoy the film as a standalone work, and I think everyone can. Ultraman fans will catch the nod to the original work, and others will be curious. I do have enough ideas for two more films, and I would love to make them. So if the audience watches Ultraman: Rising and it’s successful, I hope we can have a sequel.
John Aoshima: Shannon has shared some of these ideas, and I’m very excited. We want to continue exploring these characters we’ve worked on for so long. I even have some story leads for some of them.
The film is now available on Netflix. Is there a different approach to working on a film released on a streaming platform rather than in theaters?
Shannon Tindle: No, the production process was the same as for a theatrical release. In fact, we’re doing a limited theatrical release. While it looks fantastic on the big screen, it’s equally great for home viewing.
John Aoshima: It’s great on the big screen because our heroes are giants, and at the cinema, you feel that grand scale. But we worked with the amazing folks at Skywalker Sound, who produced an excellent Dolby Atmos mix. So no matter the size of your screen, you can enjoy Ultraman: Rising.
In conclusion, Ultraman: Rising offers a unique blend of action, emotion, and family dynamics that will captivate audiences of all ages. With its rich storytelling and engaging characters, this animated gem on Netflix promises an unforgettable viewing experience. Don’t miss out on this superhero baby kaiju baseball movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression!