Promotional art. Image courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © Go Nagai/Dynamic Planning - MZ Film Partners
Promotional art. Image courtesy of Toei Co., Ltd. © Go Nagai/Dynamic Planning - MZ Film PartnersOfficial Synopsis, First Footage, And More Revealed! Source: Toei Animation Co., Ltd. press release Official Site: mazingerz-world.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Syatt Toei Animation gave the world a first-look at its highly-anticipated MAZINGER Z feature film (?????????, Gekijooban Majingaa Z) 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. ...And Finally! Previously exclusive only to Annecy attendees, the film’s complete teaser trailer is now available...
About Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
Toei Animation Co., Ltd. (Jasdaq:4816) ranks amongst the world’s most prolific animation production studios. The company’s operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing with sales offices in Paris, Hong Kong and representative office in Shanghai. Since its founding in 1956, Toei Animation Co., Ltd. has produced more than 11,000 episodes of TV series (more than 200 titles) and more than 215 long feature films. For more information, please visit toei-anim.co.jp.
For more information on MAZINGER Z THE MOVIE, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: