Classic Japanese superhero Kamen Rider rides into Malaysian cinemas next month (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Known for his bug-like helmet, cool Honda bike and flying karate kicks, Japanese superhero Kamen Rider was a staple of most Malaysians’ childhood.

On July 6, in TGV cinemas nationwide, the suited crimefighter will return in Shin Kamen Rider otherwise known as Shin-Masked Rider in Malaysia.

Directed by Shin Ultraman writer and Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno, the film is set to be a modern and darker reimagining of the original 1971 series.

The film follows Takeshi Hongo (played by Sosuke Ikematsu), a motorcyclist who embarks on a quest for vengeance against an evil organisation after being kidnapped and transformed into a grasshopper-hybrid cyborg.

Fans of the original series can expect the return of classic heroes like Hayato Ichimonji (Kamen Rider 2) and sinister bizarre-looking villains like ‘Man Spider’ and ‘Bat Man’ in Anno’s signature directing style.

Director Anno, who was a die-hard Kamen Rider fan himself since 11, revealed the film was a love letter to the original series so much as it was a modern update.

“I think the Kamen Rider series is loved by people of all ages and genders, so it is wonderful for it to be loved again in this way,” Anno said during a movie stage event on April 9.

Shin Kamen Rider was first released in Japan on March 18 and grossed RM74 million and received positive critic and audience reviews.

Malaysian Kamen Rider fans were quick to show their love for the upcoming film on social media.

Shin Kamen Rider is the last part of a four-movie project led by Anno called the Shin Japan Heroes Universe which started with Shin Godzilla (2016), Shin Evangelion (2021), and Shin Ultraman (2022).