When it comes to bringing larger-than-life heroes like Ultraman to the screen, it’s not just about visuals and special effects; music plays a crucial role in storytelling. For Ultraman: Rising, Netflix’s highly anticipated animated feature releasing on June 14, 2024, Scott Stafford—composer and Emmy-winning music producer—took on the challenge of crafting an eclectic score that would complement epic battles, tender moments, and everything in between.
Stafford has previously composed for animated favorites like Lost Ollie and Trash Truck, and he brought all that experience to create the heart-pounding, emotionally resonant score for Ultraman: Rising. In our conversation with him, Stafford shared his inspirations, the challenges he faced, and what makes this score one of his most ambitious yet.
A Score as Eclectic as Ultraman’s Journey
Scott Stafford described his approach to scoring Ultraman: Rising as an exploration of diverse emotional textures. He crafted a soundscape that fluidly moves from the colossal clash of giant monsters to the intimate moments between the film’s main characters, particularly Ken Sato and his adopted baby kaiju.
“It’s an incredibly eclectic score in terms of instrumentation and tone. We go from massive battles to the most intimate scenes; from epic Japanese [Taiko] percussion with a full orchestra, to vintage 8-bit sounds, to a solo harp, and it turns on a dime. But at the same time, and this was the hardest balance to achieve, it had to be culturally authentic and have some real emotional depth to it,” Stafford explained.
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This versatility captures the essence of Ultraman’s story—a hero navigating not only epic battles with kaiju but also the challenges of parenthood. Stafford’s dedication to honoring the Japanese roots of the character is evident in the use of Taiko drumming and other culturally significant elements, which play a key role in grounding the emotional landscape of the film.
Finding the Emotional Core Through Music
Stafford highlighted the personal impact of the film’s storyline on his process. In Ultraman: Rising, Ken Sato, a cocky baseball star, has to return home to become Ultraman and raise a fire-breathing baby kaiju. The relationship between Ultraman and his adopted kaiju mirrors many aspects of real parenthood—its highs and lows, its moments of wonder, and its struggles.
“That’s something that you absolutely feel in the story. These are real emotions, and the stakes are very high. That was probably one of the biggest challenges of my career. When I read the script, the first thing I noticed as both a sound and music person is that Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, the film’s writers, wrote a lot of sound into the script, which is amazing and rarely happens so early on,” Stafford noted.
Director Shannon Tindle had a deeply personal connection to the story, as shared in the press notes. His own journey into fatherhood inspired the heartfelt moments between Ken and the baby kaiju, and Stafford tapped into this emotional energy, making sure the music added depth to every scene.
Balancing Between Epic and Personal
Stafford had the monumental task of creating music that matched the film’s epic scope while maintaining a sense of intimacy during quieter scenes. The animation and story of Ultraman: Rising lean into parenthood in a way the Ultraman legacy hasn’t explored before, and Stafford’s music plays a crucial role in reflecting that.
“The stakes are very high in this story. There’s a balance between the epic nature of Ultraman battling kaiju and the softer, personal dynamics between Ken, his family, and the baby kaiju. This challenge pushed me creatively and emotionally—combining massive, explosive orchestral cues with more stripped-down, vulnerable instrumentation. This delicate interplay is the soul of Ultraman: Rising,” Stafford shared.
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The score underscores not just the superhero’s struggle with city-sized threats but also his personal growth in learning what it means to be a parent. This duality is beautifully captured in Stafford’s compositions, which range from adrenaline-pumping battle tracks to introspective moments scored with delicate harp and vintage synths.
Crafting A Hero’s Theme for a Modern Audience
Stafford and the Ultraman: Rising team, including Shannon Tindle and co-director John Aoshima, aimed to create a film that appeals to audiences of all ages—honoring the Ultraman legacy while also creating something fresh and modern. Tindle emphasized that the emotional honesty behind family dynamics is what he hoped would resonate with audiences of all ages.
With the help of cultural consultants and the visionary production team from Tsuburaya Productions, Stafford’s score became an integral part of delivering an authentic, emotionally rich, and culturally relevant experience for both long-time Ultraman fans and new viewers.
The film also features original songs by Diplo and Oliver Tree, adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the soundtrack. As Ultraman: Rising takes viewers on an unforgettable journey, Stafford’s score ensures that each note hits home, making the audience feel the triumphs, struggles, and the love that defines Ultraman’s character.
Sounds Great
With the release of Ultraman: Rising just around the corner, audiences are eagerly waiting to see how this beloved character has been reimagined for a modern audience. The score by Scott Stafford, infused with cultural authenticity, eclectic instrumentation, and emotional depth, promises to make this a standout entry in the Ultraman legacy.
Whether it’s through explosive action or tender moments of growth, Stafford’s music is a key pillar of what makes Ultraman Rising such a compelling story. Ultraman: Rising is now streaming exclusively on Netflix, experience firsthand how music can elevate a superhero story beyond the typical genre boundaries.
About Ultraman: Rising
Premiere: June 14, 2024
Director: Shannon Tindle
Co-director: John Aoshima
Written by: Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes
Produced by: Tom Knott and Lisa M. Poole
Original Songs by: Diplo and Oliver Tree, Alicia Creti
Cast: Christopher Sean (Ken Sato/Ultraman), Gedde Watanabe (Professor Sato), Tamlyn Tomita (Emiko), Keone Young (Dr. Onda), Julia Harriman (Ami)
Synopsis
With Tokyo under siege from rising monster attacks, baseball star Ken Sato returns home to take on the mantle of Ultraman. But the titanic superhero meets his match when he reluctantly adopts a 35-foot-tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju. Sato must rise above his ego to balance work and parenthood while protecting the baby from forces bent on exploiting her for their own dark plans. In partnership with Netflix, Tsuburaya Productions, and Industrial Light & Magic, Ultraman: Rising is written by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, directed by Shannon Tindle, and co-directed by John Aoshima.
Are you excited to experience Ultraman’s emotional journey like never before? Which part of Ultraman: Rising are you most eager to see—his epic battles or his tender moments as a guardian? How do you think Scott Stafford’s score will impact your viewing experience? Let us know your thoughts on social media.
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