The Origin of Ultraman, a new documentary film commemorating the 60th anniversary of Tsuburaya Productions' iconic tokusatsu franchise, is set to premiere in Japan on July 3. The film's website released a trailer showcasing the upcoming release.
The documentary delves into the creation of the original Ultraman series, incorporating behind-the-scenes footage of its filming and archival interviews with key figures. Among those featured are visual artist Tōru "Tohl" Narita, actors Susumu Kurobe and Hiroko Sakurai, and director Eiji Tsuburaya.
Adding to its scope, The Origin of Ultraman includes interviews with a diverse range of creative professionals and critics who have been influenced by the franchise. This includes notable figures such as Guillermo del Toro, Hideaki Anno, Hideo Kojima, and Nicolas Winding Refn, alongside writers and critics like Pat Cadigan and Noi Sawaragi.
Acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for live-action films like Air Doll and Shoplifters, is credited with the film's planning and also appears as an interviewee. The documentary promises a comprehensive look at the franchise's origins and its lasting impact. Source: Anime News Network(https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-05-13/ultraman-franchise-gets-60th-anniversary-documentary-film-on-july-3/.237338)
