U.S. Adaptation of Japanese Superhero ULTRAMAN in the Works

U.S. transmedia producer Starlight Runner Entertainment is set to reboot Japanese superhero Ultraman, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Tokyo-based Tsuburaya Productions has tapped Starlight Runner to build out the Ultraman mythology for the digital age outside of Japan, to include a possible live action streaming TV series.

The original series that launched in 1966 featured a high-tech police force and their silver superhero Ultraman battling to save the Earth from invading aliens and giant monsters.

Many sequel TV series, movies, video games and other spinoff content followed, including movies like Ultraman X the Movie, Ultraman Orb the Movie and Ultraman Geed the Movie, the 29th installment of the franchise.

Starlight Runner will partner with The Licensing Group to reboot the superhero property across multiple platforms, with story-driven licensing and merchandising programs for the U.S. and international markets.

"Ultraman is one of my greatest childhood heroes. We're honored to be embarking on this mission to bring this family of characters back to the world stage," Starlight Runner CEO Jeff Gomez said in a statement.

The Ultraman licensing program will be supported by new content distributed on cable, streaming and SVOD platforms.

Read the original article on The Hollywood Reporter.