Netflix has brought fans some incredible anime adaptations and original films, like Ultraman: Rising, but not every hit gets the continuation it deserves. One of the biggest heartbreaks of 2024 is the confirmation that Ultraman: Rising will not be getting a sequel. Despite its stunning animation, enjoyable story, and a cliffhanger that left audiences eager for more, the film’s future has been cut short. Fans had high hopes that the movie’s success would lead to a follow-up, but sadly, that is not the case.

The news comes straight from the film’s creator, @ShannonTindle_1 on X, who expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the story but admitted that a sequel is not in the cards. While the decision may be disappointing, Tindle reᴀssured fans that he has other exciting projects in the works. Though it is a bittersweet moment, the impact of Ultraman: Rising will still be felt by anime fans and newcomers alike. But this raises the queastion of why Netflix is not moving forward with another installment, because there were many different possibilities for a sequel.

Why Is Ultraman: Rising Not Getting a Sequel?

Even After All of Its Success and Love From Fans, No Sequel Will Be Released

Despite receiving a lot of positive reception and sparking excitement among fans, Ultraman: Rising has not secured a sequel. The exact reasons remain unclear, but Netflix’s pattern with animated projects suggests that financial and strategic considerations play a major role. Even successful projects sometimes do not align with Netflix’s evolving content strategy, especially in animation, where the streaming giant has been known to cancel fan-favorite series unexpectedly.

The film’s ending had also left the door open for future exploration, but it was not a guaranteed setup for a franchise. While many fans were eager to see where the story could go next, Netflix may not have been confident in the film’s long-term potential. This uncertainty is frustrating for viewers who fell in love with the world Ultraman: Rising created, especially given the pᴀssion of its creative team.

What Could Ultraman Rising’s Sequel Have Been?

Exploring The Possibilities of an Ultraman Rising Sequel

The cliffhanger at the end of Ultraman: Rising left audiences craving more, setting up the possibility of deeper world-building and character development. The film introduced fresh ideas into the Ultraman lore, modernizing the legendary hero for a new audience while keeping its core themes intact. A sequel could have expanded on this vision, further exploring the relationships between Ken Sato and his bird-like kaiju baby, while also raising the stakes of its story.

Beyond just the story, the film’s animation style and direction made it stand out among Netflix’s anime offerings. A second installment of Ultraman: Rising would have been a great opportuinity to refine and make the animation even better. While it is disappointing that the journey ends here, fans can at least take solace in knowing that Tindle has another project on the horizon that may capture the same creative magic that made Ultraman: Rising so special.

Source: @ShannonTindle_1/X