The first installment of Toei's new special effects series, "PROJECT RED," "Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" (TV Asahi, Sundays at 9:30 AM), will begin airing on February 15th. This much-anticipated Sunday morning series follows on from the beloved "Super Sentai Series" that has been around for half a century. This article explains the highlights of this new hero born in the Reiwa era, inheriting the name of "Space Sheriff Gavan," which was popular when it aired from 1982 to 1983.
◇What is the new series “PROJECT RED”?
First of all, what kind of project is "PROJECT RED"? "RED" is an abbreviation for "Records of Extraordinary Dimensions," and the story revolves around a "red hero" who intersects with various worlds and dimensions. Toei's Chief Producer, Kuji Reijin, revealed the concept at the production announcement press conference, saying, "We will create various heroes centered around the 'red hero.' Heroes from each work will cross over one after another within the TV series."
The first of these memorable works is "Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity," which inherits the name of the legendary Showa era work "Space Sheriff Gavan." While inheriting the visuals and sci-fi elements set in space from "Space Sheriff Gavan," it is a completely new "Gavan" reconstructed with the latest visual expression and direction. Set in the worldview of "multiverse theory," which holds that there is not just one universe, the story unfolds on a grand scale, set in different universes.
Due to the setting of the "multiverse," there is not just one Space Sheriff Gavan; it has been revealed that there are different Gavans in each universe, including the red combat suit-wearing Gavan Infinity, the silver Gavan Bushido, and the golden Gavan Luminous.
The story is about Gavan Infinity/Doki Reiji, an investigator with the Galactic Federation Police who is pursuing criminals who are abusing a newly discovered energy life form called "Emolgy," who crosses dimensions to meet Gavans from another universe, and despite misunderstandings and conflicts, they work together to solve the case and form a strong friendship. Considering the story's setting, there is a high possibility that new Gavans will appear in addition to the three Gavans, and expectations are high for the series to expand.
◇The main cast is a talented actor who has been active on stage
The protagonist, Gavan Infinity/Noshiro Reiji, is played by Kohei Nagata, a talented actor who has played the role of Kagemitsu Koryu in the musical "Touken Ranbu" and Rin Itoshi in the stage play "Blue Lock 2nd STAGE".
Toei Tokusatsu is known as a stepping stone for new actors, but this film deliberately cast actors with experience. In an interview with the producers published on Toei's YouTube channel, "Toei Tokusatsu YouTube Official," they explained the aim of the casting, saying, "(Reiji) is not so much a rookie detective, but rather someone who has had some experience, so we chose an actor who could convey the persuasiveness of someone who has had experience."
Reiji is filled with a passionate sense of justice and is a people-pleaser. On the other hand, Gavan Bushido/Aikoin Setsuna (played by Akabane Ryuga) is an android who cannot cry, and Gavan Luminous/Shikiki Shuku (played by Kaku Shinna) is an eccentric detective with a geeky personality.
Each character has a different personality and background, and the characters surrounding them in their respective universes are also depicted, creating a rich human drama. In an interview with the producers, they said, "The story becomes more interesting the more we dig into the characters. Even people who haven't seen much special effects before can enjoy it."
This new series will be the successor to the Super Sentai series that has been running for half a century. How will this first step be taken? We look forward to seeing the start of a new special effects series.
