There were two excellent yet very different kaiju movies released in 2024, and whileGodzilla x Kongmight have attracted the most attention, Netflix’sUltraman: Risingwas arguably even better. The movie is an addition to theUltramanfranchise, which focuses on aliens called “ultras”.Ultraman: Risingcenters on Ken Sato,a professional baseball player who has inherited Ultraman’s powers from his father, and would rather play sports than be a superhero. WhileUltraman: Risingis agiant monster movie that has nothing to do withGodzilla, it contains a lot of kaiju action.
The Netflix movie sometimes has a similar tone toSon of Godzilla, as the reluctant Ken Sato a.k.a. Ultraman finds himself in charge of a mischievous baby kaiju. TheUltramanfranchise has fans of all ages andUltraman: Risingis a great pick for younger fans. That said,Ultraman: Risingis still the kind of movie that people of all ages can watch and enjoy, with some rave reviews even claiming thatUltraman: Risingdoes better than the Monsterversein terms of human characters. While the animated film references the extensiveUltramanfranchise, it also works as a standalone film for new viewers.
Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising Was A Very Fun Movie Not Only For Ultraman Fans
Ultraman: Rising Works For Everyone
Ultraman: Risingputs a modern superhero spin on a familiar storylinethat has been popular for decades, in which a reluctant person finds themselves responsible for a baby or animal. In this case, Ken Sato becomes an accidental parent to a cute and mischievous bird-like kaiju who goes on some mini-rampages around Tokyo. This story can appeal to audiences of all kinds, including people unfamiliar with theUltramanfranchise. The movie’s fun scenes, comedy moments, and happy ending make it perfect for a sequel, and a mid-credits scene suggests this is in the cards.
One of the big mysteries inUltraman: Risingis what happened to Ken Sato’s mother, Emiko.
One of the big mysteries inUltraman: Risingis what happened to Ken Sato’s mother, Emiko, who has recently gone missing. Ken was contending with his mixed feelings about being Ultraman and his concern for Emiko, but while he came to terms with his role as Ultraman by the end of the movie, Emiko had not reappeared. However,a mid-credits scene solved the mystery, showing Emiko calling Ken from Ultraman’s home planet, where she is trapped. ThisUltraman: Risingmid-credits cliffhangerperfectly sets up a sequel, with a potential trip to the famousUltramanlocation Nebula M78.
Ultraman: Rising Not Getting A Sequel Would Be A Shame For How Good It Was
The Director Of Ultraman: Rising Has Already Mapped Out A Sequel
Ultraman: Risinghas attracted excellent reviews and has a 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 86% critics rating. The movie dealt with themes like legacy, family, and responsibility while being extremely fun to watch.It feels likeUltraman: Risingneeds a sequelafter the mid-credits cliffhanger scene.Ultraman: Rising 2could have Emiko playing a greater role, Ken settling into his role as Ultraman, and even a new kaiju to wreak havoc and mischief. A sequel could also continue to explore the themes inUltraman: Risingin an exciting new setting.
Ultraman: Rising Directors On Reintroducing Classic Superhero & Franchise Easter Eggs
Ultraman: Rising directors Shannon Tindle & John Aoshima talk reintroducing the classic superhero for a modern audience and franchise Easter eggs.
One of theUltraman: Risingdirectors, Shannon Tindle, revealed that a sequel had already been mapped out. ToComic Book,Tindle revealed he had given the sequel the working title “Ultraman: Fallen.“He also indicated it would focus on Emiko and tackle some tough topics. While he did not confirm what the tough topics could be, it is possible that the movie could contain a theme of independence and fear, if Ken sets off alone on a rescue mission.Ultraman: Fallenhas yet to be confirmed, butUltraman: Risingdeserves a sequel.
