Grandpa’s back. Tell a friend.
A new trailer for the upcomingMazinger Zanime film was recently added to theofficial websitefor the movie. The new trailer contained footage that was shown off at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. A new key visual was also shown off as well.
The website has also been updated with a brief summary of the films story, which appears to be taking a different approach from mostMazinger Zreboots and spinoffs by skipping the events with Dr. Hell, effectively moving past origin story territory.
Humanity was once in danger of its downfall at the hands of the Underground Empire, which was led by the evil scientist Dr. Hell. Koji Kabuto piloted the super robot Mazinger Z, and with help from his friends at the Photon Power Laboratory, he thwarted Dr. Hell’s evil ambitions and returned peace to the world.It’s been ten years since then… No longer a pilot, Koji Kabuto has taken after his father and grandfather by starting down the path of the scientist. He encounters a gigantic structure buried deep beneath Mt. Fuji, along with a mysterious indication of life…New encounters, new threats, and a new fate await mankind. The former hero Koji Kabuto has a decision to make about the future: whether to be a god or a demon…This grand action film depicts the fierce battle fought by the people and Mazinger Z–once again entrusted with the future of mankind!
The hero of the movie, Koji Kabuto, will be played by Showtaro Morikubo, who is the Japanese voice actor for Yosuke fromPersona 4, Jak fromJak and Daxter, and Megaman X inMegaman X5toX8. The heroine, Sayaka Yumi, will be played by Ai Kayano, who is the voice actress for Ayaha Oribi inTokyo Mirage Sessionsand Y’shtola inFinal Fantasy XIV. The movie will be directed by Junji Shimizu, know for his work on numerousOne Pieceepisodes and movies. The mechanic designs are being handled by Takayuki Yanase, whose was the mecha designer forMetal Gear Solid 4,Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, andXenoblade Chronicles X.
Ichiro Mizuki, who sung the theme song for the original show, will be returning to the franchise for the film’s opening theme song. The film’s music will be composed by Toshiyuki Watanabe, who worked on the music forShenmue IIandSailor Moon R.
Mazinger Z: The Movieis being created in order to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original manga and anime. Since it’s debut, the series, which introduced and popularized the concept of putting the pilot in the mech, has gone on to become a massive influence in anime and the mecha genre as a whole, where it’s influence is still felt to this day in works such asPacific Rim. The series also has a constant spot in the roster of Bandai Namco’sSuper Robot Warsfranchise,where it’sShinandZeroincarnations appeared this year inSuper Robot Wars V.
The film will have a worldwide premiere outside of Japan, before it premieres in Japan. The date and location of the premiere will be announced at a later date.
