New “Ultraman: Rising” Film Brings Earthly Challenges and Heartfelt Themes

After more than two decades in development, the new “Ultraman: Rising” film reimagines the beloved superhero with grounded, Earthly responsibilities. This Japanese-American co-production, written by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, aims to make Ultraman relatable while honoring the franchise’s rich legacy.

Ultraman, a character born from a 1960s Japanese television series, is known for his red and silver suit and alien powers used to protect Earth from monstrous threats. In “Ultraman: Rising,” which Tindle first pitched in 2001, the superhero faces not only external dangers but also the challenges of fatherhood. The story follows U.S.-based baseball star Ken Sato, who reluctantly returns to Tokyo to assume the mantle of Ultraman. Alongside defending the city, Sato encounters a 10-meter tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju (giant monster) that he must protect and raise.

For Tindle, who also directed the film, “Ultraman: Rising” is a personal story reflecting his own experiences as both a father and a son. “It’s a story that I experienced myself when I became a father for the first time, understanding my mom and dad and the choices they made,” Tindle explained. He believes this narrative can connect with a broader audience, even those unfamiliar with Ultraman’s heroics.

The film incorporates traditional Ultraman mythology, focusing on the character’s core qualities. “He’s a unique hero,” said John Aoshima, who co-directed the movie. “When you face a conflict, there’s a lot of grey area. Ultraman will look at both sides and find the right balance to find peace within the two.”

Both Tindle and Aoshima drew from their own life experiences to shape the film. Aoshima, who is Japanese-American, related to the character of Ken Sato through his personal stories of growing up in Japan and adapting to life in the U.S., often feeling different from those around him. Tindle shared that the recent loss of several family members influenced his contributions to the film. “A lot of my experiences in learning from their wisdom have been put into the film,” he said. “Those are common universal experiences, so I hope it will bring families closer together and they’ll have a lot of fun watching this family come together.”

“Ultraman: Rising” starts streaming globally on Netflix on Friday. This new film promises to deliver action, heart, and a deeper understanding of the iconic hero, appealing to both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

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