The upcoming Mazinger Z that’s in production to celebrate its 45th anniversary this year has been a bit quiet as expected since its showcase at AnimeJapan 2017. That’s now changed a bit with the debut of a more formal teaser trailer for it that made an appearance at the Annecy festival. It’s definitely a slick looking work that’s going to make a lot of fans of the original property very happy. The project is tentatively called Gekijouban Mazinger Z and it was revealed that Junji Shimizu is directing it based on the screenplay by Takahiro Ozawa. With Toei Animation handling the production, Hiroya Iijima is on board as the character designer.
The Japanese cast includes:
- Showtaro Morikubo as Kouji Kabuto
- Ai Kayano as Sayaka Yumi
Based on the original work by Go Nagai, there was a 92-episode TV series that began in 1972 that was picked up by Discotek Media. There have been several other TV and OVA series over the years and movies as well.
Plot Concept: It has been 10 years since then. Humanity awaits a new fate.
Once humanity was on the verge of destruction at the hands of the evil scientist Dr. Hell and his underground empire. Kōji Kabuto, his Mazinger Z super robot, and his friends at the photon power laboratory put an end to Dr. Hell’s evil ambitions and returned peace to the world.
It has been 10 years since then. Kōji has followed his father and grandfather and now walks the path of a scientist. He encounters a mysterious life form buried in a giant structure buried deep below Mt. Fuji. A new encounter, a new threat, and a new fate await humanity. And Kōji, who was once a hero, makes a decision for the future.
It can be a god or a demon.
Once again the future is entrusted to Mazinger Z.
Previous teaser:
Toei Animation Shares Exclusive Details On The MAZINGER Z Feature Film
At Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Official Synopsis, First Footage, And More Revealed!
ANNECY, FRANCE – Toei Animation gave the world a first-look at its highly-anticipated Mazinger Z feature film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the largest animation festival in the world. First announced in February with only an image, fans across the globe have waited eagerly for key details on how the big screen will adapt the revered anime series. Now – for the first time since 1974 – Mazinger Z is finally back!
With an introduction from Mazinger Z’s original creator, Go Nagai, and producers Ichinao Nagai and Yu Kanemaru, attendees at the Annecy International Film Festival on June 14 were treated to an exclusive look at what the talented team at Toei Animation has been working on these many months. With gasps of surprise and applause from the audience – which included famed director Guillermo Del Toro, who counts the series as a major source of inspiration – three major revelations were revealed.
Not An Adaptation, But A Sequel!
The film’s brand-new story takes place ten years after the final episode of the TV series.
Complete Synopsis
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!
Toshiyuki Watanabe Will Score The Film!
He’s the son of Chumei Watanabe, giant of the Tokusatsu music world, known for being on the front lines of creating opening songs for Showa-era anime and hero shows, including the very Mazinger Z opening theme that Mizuki sings. A composer of music for many movies in his own right, as well as a producer for a variety of artists, ears are open and waiting for the music Toshiyuki Watanabe creates! The torch of “Z” has been passed from father to son!
Ichiro Mizuki Joins To Sing The Opening Theme!
The beloved opening theme of the series returns with a sweeping orchestral version sung by Ichiro Mizuki. After 45 years, everyone’s powered up big bro is coming back to Mazinger Z’s stage.
