Photo/Illutration Hideaki Anno, left, and Shinji Higuchi (Provided by Toho Co.)

Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, who together created the critically acclaimed live-action film “Shin Godzilla,” are teaming up again to produce “Shin Ultraman.”

The film, which is also live-action, is due to hit Toho Co.-affiliated theaters in 2021.

The man who transforms into the gigantic superhero to fight monsters will be played by Takumi Saito. Masami Nagasawa and Hidetoshi Nishijima will also appear in the project.

The latest film goes back to basics of “Ultraman,” a “tokusatsu” live-action special effects superhero TV series that started in 1966. Set in modern society, it will offer the audience a chance to experience a world where there is an Ultraman like no one has seen before.

“Shin Ultraman” is a pet project for Anno, who is also writing the screenplay. Best known for his “Neon Genesis Evangelion” anime series, he is a self-proclaimed fan of the “Ultraman” franchise.

Higuchi, who serves as director for the movie, also collaborated with Anno for “Evangelion.”

“Shin Godzilla” won the main seven awards at the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize awards in 2017, receiving the best film, best director and other prizes.

Saito is no stranger to the pair’s work, making a brief appearance in “Shin Godzilla.” Actress Nagasawa will play the protagonist’s partner.

* * *

To learn more about the latest developments in Japanese anime, visit the official site of Anime Anime (http://animeanime.jp/).