Shin Ultraman
Premise. Japan is constantly being invaded by giant, unidentified lifeforms known as the "S-Class Species." In order to suppress these creatures, the Japanese Government formulates the S-Class Species Suppression Protocol (SSSP). As the threat of the "S-Class Species" grows, a silver giant appears from beyond the earth's atmosphere. Shortly thereafter, Analyst Hiroko Asami and Shinji Kaminaga are appointed to the SSSP. Production. The early production was dated as far as February 2019, but Hideaki Anno's participation in "Shin Ultraman" was a late addition as he was originally involved with the production of "". The  project was formally announced in August 2019, with Higuchi as the director and Anno as the screenwriter. Masami Nagasawa, Hidetoshi Nishijima and Takumi Saito were named to star in the film. The film would be co-produced between Tsuburaya Production, Toho and Khara, with an aim for a 2021 release. Higuchi commented, "A baton has been entrusted to me that has been shining ever since I was a small child. I will solemnly strive to fulfill my responsibility to pass on that heavy, radiant baton created by my seniors." The rest of the cast members were announced in September of  that same year. Design. Ultraman, the titular hero of the movie, had his design unveiled in Tsuburaya's 2019 convention Tsubucon. The concept is based on an Ultraman painting by the late Tohl Narita in 1983 called . The first concept art was made by Anno in October 3, 2018 under the likeness of Bin Furuya, the hero's original suit actor in the 1966 series. This redesign of the original hero was based on Hideaki Anno's desire to revisit Tohl Narita's original design, going as far as to seek permission from Narita's son, Kairi. The design in  question has the mask modeled after Akira Sasaki, body frame of Bin Furuya and eliminating elements such as the Color Timer, and the back fin and peepholes that were part of the actor's costume. Likewise, Anno also had experience in directing his own fan film of "Return of Ultraman" during his days as a filming student. A statue of the redesigned Ultraman in Spacium Beam pose was put on display in Sukagawa, Fukushima to commemorate Eiji Tsuburaya's birthplace. The official website of Bandai confirmed that the two monsters that appear in the first trailer were Neronga and Gabora  of "Ultraman". Release. Marketing. In February 2022, Toho, Khara, Toei Company, and Tsuburaya Productions announced a collaborative project titled "Shin Japan Heroes Universe" for merchandise, special events and tie-ins. The project will unite properties that Anno had worked on bearing the title "Shin", such as "Rebuild of Evangelion", "Shin Godzilla", "Shin Ultraman" and "Shin Kamen Rider". Theatrical. "Shin Ultraman" was previously scheduled for an early 2021 summer release, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021 Tsubucon (a fan convention held by Tsuburaya Productions), Tsuburaya Productions announced the new release date in Japan to be May  13, 2022, along with a new teaser trailer and a new poster.