After the initial announcement of a sequel to indie Kaiju short film Daikaiju Bugon at G-FEST 2024, word on the follow-up has been fairly quiet. That is, up until a few days ago, when it was revealed that the sequel would receive a crowdfunding campaign that giant monster & indie film fans alike can support from around the world. Promising more action, epic thrills, and more, this time the Ultraman Blazar director is working with the legendary All Japan Pro Wrestling to bring some flair to the kaiju clashes.
For those uninitiated, the original Bugon short was developed to promote tourism to the local hot springs resort & historic movie theatre in Beppu as part of the Beppu Short Film Production Project. Through short films like Bugon, it is the goal to drive tourism and bring people out to visit these historic places again. The film went above and beyond, even staging a practical explosion effect in the lobby of the Suginoi Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in Beppu. After much praise beyond just the locals in Japan, the film screened at the G-FEST 2024 Film Festival, with director Taguchi in attendance.
The film will also see the return of Aoyagi Takaya, known for playing Jugglus Juggler in the beloved 2020 iteration of the Ultra franchise, Ultraman Z. In the previous short film, Takaya was turned to stone defending the Beppu Tower from destruction. The campaign page adds a statement about his return, jokingly remarking “Whether Aoyagi can turn from stone into a human being depends on this crowdfunding project!?!?”
Additionally, the Saito Brothers, who recently made their debut as singers and are active as top wrestlers in All Japan Pro Wrestling, and Anzai Yuuma, a young ace who is rapidly emerging as a star, will also be taking part in the short film. The producers added, “With these two in the lead roles, what kind of new monster movie will director Taguchi Kiyotaka, who has been leading the recent new generation of Ultraman films, create?”
Intriguingly, the page also remarks upon the predecessor’s screening at G-FEST and the fan demand to bring the sequel overseas. “The film [Dakaiju Bugon] has also received a love call from the American Godzilla Fest (a film festival for Godzilla fans) who said, “Please bring it over when it’s finished!!” The film will be sent to America in its freshly completed state so that overseas fans can enjoy it!”
The film’s campaign is live until June 8, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to pledge your support! There are ton of awesome rewards, including stretch goals that turn the guys from All Japan Pro Wrestling into giants to face Bugon! If you’re a supporter of the amazing independent side of Kaiju cinema, this is one project that needs your help.
