In an ambiguous move from Tsuburaya Productions, a teaser trailer titled “Ultraman_n/a” (not available?) was released last night. Unlike traditional Ultra projects, this teaser's live action effects were CG dominant. Take a look:
The Ultraman design is based on the original “Type A” look. (There was Type B and C in the original series. Each featured minor tweaks to the design, but the most noticable difference between each were the face masks.) The monster Ultraman is fighting looks like some variation of Zaragas, who first appeared in Ultraman episode 36, “Don't Shoot Arashi!”
Tokusatsu historian August Ragone notes from his personal Facebook that the teaser looks like it is one of two 50th Anniversary Ultraman series that were proposed for next year. (July 7th according to the teaser.) One is for younger audiences and the other will be aimed at adults-- This teaser is likely the one geared for the older demographic.
As of now this is the most information available on the footage. Although I'm stoked about this new visual take on the original hero some fans are split on going full CG. While the CG effects most certainly bring Ultraman to life in a new way it also completely abandons the traditions Tsuburaya Productions has excelled at. On the other hand, if anyone's going to do it, it might as well be them! (Admittedly, I don't particularly care for Ultraman's mouth moving. I prefer the mask aesthetic.)
It's also worth noting that the Ultraman Festival 2015 takes place in the Ikebukuro district of Toshima, Tokyo, July 24th. It's possible fans may hear an announcement there if nothing crops up beforehand. Stay tuned!
In the meantime you can watch this year's iteration, Ultraman X, currently airing world wide on Crunchyroll.
The 50th Anniversary Ultraman series is projected for July, 7th 2016.
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Sources:
August Ragone (facebook)
