Netflix unveils aggressive anime expansion

SVOD platform Netflix has used the Anime Expo event to unveil two new anime series – Ultraman and Kengan Ashura, along with the renewal of popular series Aggretsuko for a second season.

Ultraman is an action drama from Production I.G and Sola Digital. It centres around a man possessing the spirit and DNA of the legendary hero Ultraman as he wears a metallic ultra suit and fights against evil.

Kengan Ashura, from Larx Entertainment, is about a 56 year-old man who one day is summoned by the chairman of his company and hired as a gladiator. He learns that these hired gladiators engage in battles to protect the corporate rights of the businesses they represent.

Netflix director of content for Japan & Anime John Derderian commented: “As Netflix has grown around the world we have been astounded by the broad reach and great depth of anime fandom. We are partnering with the best global creators to produce a diverse slate of shows that we hope will excite the passion of anime fans and make Netflix a premier destination for this beloved art form.”

Netflix also announced a series of key programme launch dates, with season two of Castlevania primed to drop on October 26, 2018.