Ultraman: Rising is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated animated movies of 2024, promising a mix of superhero action, family drama, and heartwarming moments. We had the pleasure of speaking with directors Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, who shared their experiences bringing this iconic character to life for a new generation. From their childhood love of Ultraman to balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling, they opened up about what made the process of directing Ultraman: Rising truly special.
A Labor of Love for Ultraman Fans
For both Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, Ultraman wasn’t just another superhero—it was the superhero they grew up idolizing. Their passion for the character deeply influenced how they approached Ultraman: Rising, and their goal was simple: create something that honored Ultraman’s legacy while making him accessible to a whole new generation of fans.
“Ultraman is my first superhero, right? Having a big IP like Ultraman and having my connection from that childhood and how it inspired me… this film can inspire the next generation and bring in more fans so we can see more Ultraman,” said John Aoshima.
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For Aoshima, directing this film was a personal milestone. The directors’ childhood memories became the foundation for crafting a story that balances epic kaiju action with a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics.
From Action Figures to Full-Fledged Adventure
Shannon Tindle’s passion for toys and action figures was also a driving force behind the film’s aesthetic and storyline. When asked if the possibility of merchandise influenced the way they approached the story, Shannon shared a candid perspective on how toys became part of the visual experience.
“I love toys and I wanted to see toys from this movie… We pitched the movie to a few different toy companies, but we never got a single note, we never got any pressure from Too Bright. It was like, ‘No, just tell a great story, and then if you do and people see it, we trust that they’ll buy the toys.'”
The creative team focused on telling an authentic story rather than making commercial decisions based on toy sales. However, they kept in mind how cool it would be to see elements from the movie turned into merchandise—specifically the kinds of action figures they themselves would have wanted as kids.
Facing the Unexpected: Thirst Traps and TikTok Fame
As Ultraman: Rising gained momentum, it quickly became a fan favorite, with many unexpected reactions from social media. Shannon and John talked about some surprising fan edits, including those that highlighted some of the film’s characters in ways they hadn’t imagined—like thirst trap videos that garnered significant attention on TikTok.
“I didn’t expect any of those videos at all. And then somebody drew my attention to them and they just kept rising in the numbers. It kind of blew me away… I never even was on TikTok until you should probably get on TikTok right now because Ken Sato and Emi are all over it,” Shannon laughed.
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The enthusiastic fan response showcased just how much of an impact Ultraman: Rising was already making—even before its official release. This was a testament to the power of Ultraman as a cultural icon and the film’s appeal to both old and new audiences.
Celebrating the Entire Team: What A Nomination Would Mean for the Team
Creating Ultraman: Rising was no small feat, especially during a time of immense challenge for the entertainment industry. Tindle and Aoshima reflected on what an award nomination for Best Animated Feature would mean to them—and the incredible team behind the movie.
“It would bring attention to the movie and maybe give us an opportunity to do more and to give more opportunity to the folks on our team… We could not have made this film without our incredible team. And that’s not just our artists, but our production team as well. I would love to see them be recognized for the work because they were a huge part of the movie,” Shannon Tindle emphasized.
Beyond personal achievement, an award would mean a chance to shine a light on the incredible efforts of the animators, production team, and everyone who poured their hearts into the film. For Shannon and John, Ultraman: Rising is more than just a film—it’s a project that embodies dedication, teamwork, and passion.
Ultraman Has a Plan, He Will Save Us in the End
Ultraman: Rising is more than an exciting new chapter for a beloved superhero—it’s a labor of love created by fans, for fans. Directors Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima have infused the film with their childhood memories, heartfelt storytelling, and a deep respect for the legacy of Ultraman. From the surprises on TikTok to the dream of action figures lining shelves, the journey of Ultraman: Rising has been full of unexpected delights. Ultraman: Rising is a film that resonates across generations, reminding us of the heroes we idolized and the stories that continue to inspire and is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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 ready to see how Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima bring their childhood hero Ultraman to life? What part of the movie are you most looking forward to—the action, the family story, or maybe just the nostalgia of Ultraman? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
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