It’s no secret that since Go Nagai shared the news last year, fans have been buzzing about the official announcement of a new animated series for Goldorak! Titled “Goldorak U” (originally called “Grendizer U”), this exciting project is set to hit screens in 2024 under the careful eye of its original creator. With financial backing from Saudi Arabia, it’s shaping up to be an epic undertaking involving top talents from the Japanese animation scene. Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, renowned for his work on “Evangelion” and “Summer Wars,” has taken charge of character designs, but his take on Actarus has sparked some debate among Goldorak enthusiasts who feel it doesn’t quite fit the classic style they know and love. For the story, the brilliant Ichirō Ōkouchi (behind works like “Gundam: The Witch from Mercury” and “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion”) has crafted a compelling script. And don’t forget about Mitsuo Fukuda, creator of “Gundam SEED,” who is producing this new series. To top it all off, Kohei Tanaka, known for his enchanting scores in “One Piece” and “Sakura Wars,” will compose the music. This ambitious project aims to breathe new life into a 45-year-old character beloved in France, Italy, and the Middle East but perhaps overlooked in Japan—a venture that truly promises to be an unforgettable journey!
Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, shared his excitement with this announcement: “We’re thrilled to partner with Dynamic Planning to breathe new life into the beloved Goldorak series and introduce it to both longtime fans and a whole new generation of anime and manga lovers—more than 40 years since its original broadcast! With such a massive global fanbase, Goldorak is recognized as one of the most cherished anime and manga series in the world. This project is not only a testament to the creativity and dedication of Saudi youth but also an incredible opportunity for us at Manga Productions to support and invest in their promising talent.”
Engineer Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Director of Distribution, Marketing, and Commercial Development at Manga Productions, shared his excitement: “The comeback of ‘Grendizer’ is not just a win for our fans but also a huge milestone in global distribution and licensing. It shows the world that Saudi talent can lead the charge in the creative sector with innovative ideas and hard work. We’re thrilled to see how our efforts have put Saudi Arabia on the map as a powerhouse of creativity!”