Director Mamoru Oshii and Batou actor Akio Otsuka eager to make further sequels to 'Ghost in the Shell': 'There's only one thing left to do' at talk event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the release of 'Innocence'
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of the film ' Innocence ,' a 4K remastered version will be released for two weeks only from Friday, February 28, 2025. At one of the theaters where the film will be screened,
During the talk event, the question was asked, 'Do you want/would you like to see a sequel to 'Innocence'?' To which both Director Oshii and Otsuka answered 'Yes,' which elicited applause from the audience.
Official website for 'Innocence' 20th anniversary release commemoration 'Innocence 4K Remaster Edition' and 'Ghost in the Shell 4K Remaster Edition'
https://20th-innocence-ghost-in-the-shell.jp/
'Innocence,' which was released in theaters in 2005, is an anime film based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, along with 'Ghost in the Shell,' which was released in theaters in 1995. Set in a near future where the technologies of 'cyberization' and 'prosthetics' have been established, the film depicts the exploits of members of 'Public Security Section 9.'
In this work, Batou (voice: Otsuka Akio) teams up with Togusa (voice: Yamadera Koichi).
Ishikawa (voice: Nakano Yutaka) continues to provide generous support.
Director Mamoru Oshii and Akio Otsuka appeared at the event. The event was moderated by
During the 'True or False Quiz' corner of the talk event, Shoguchi asked, 'Do you want a sequel to 'Innocence'? Do you want to make one?' Otsuka immediately raised his 'Yes' card, and Director Oshii also thought for a moment before raising his 'Yes' card. When both of them answered 'Yes,' the audience erupted in applause.
Regarding the fact that it took some time for him to give an answer, Director Oshii said, 'I thought there was a certain condition,' and showed a positive attitude, saying, 'There is just one thing I have left to do. If I can tell that story, then I'd like to.'
In response to this, Otsuka spoke to the press and audience in attendance, saying, 'I'm sure that Oshii's passionate feelings reached everyone directly and directly. I hope that you will all also live your lives from now on with a sense of mission, like evangelists or missionaries, saying to your local communities, 'We want to see a sequel to Innocence.'' He gave his support for the 'spreading of the word.'
When the topic of Tanaka Atsuko, who played Kusanagi Motoko, who passed away in August 2024, came up, Director Oshii mentioned that one of the reasons he thought about the conditions for a sequel was 'what would happen to Motoko,' and he joked, 'The third film (a sequel to Innocence) will be just like the second one (Innocence), in that she won't be just a soul... So, the question is, will we do it without a voice this time? ...That might be possible, that would be good (laughs). This is just hypothetical, though.'
Mamoru Oshii & Akio Otsuka talk about Atsuko Tanaka, who plays Motoko Kusanagi, and the 'sequel' - YouTube
Finally, Otsuka commented that the fact that a film 20 years after its release is being screened in theaters again is 'proof that it is a masterpiece,' and said, 'I would be happy if it will be engraved in people's hearts as a work that will be remembered for generations to come.'
Director Oshii also commented that it is 'a great honor to be a director' as it is rare for a film to be shown on the screen in 20 years' time. He continued, 'Movies are mortal,' and added, 'I feel like this film still has a little life left,' and concluded by saying, 'The only way to make it last longer is to let light pass through it, to put it on the screen. I'm very grateful that so many people came today. Thank you very much.'
The movie 'Innocence 4K Remastered Edition' will be released for a limited two-week run from Friday, February 28, 2025 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other theaters.
The 4K remaster trailer is below.
'Innocence' 20th Anniversary 4K Remaster Trailer 《2/28 (Fri) 2 Week Limited Release》 - YouTube
©1995 士郎正宗／講談社・バンダイビジュアル・MANGA ENTERTAINMENT
Distribution: TOHO NEXT
In addition, the film 'Ghost in the Shell 4K Remastered Edition' will also be released for a limited two-week period starting Friday, February 28, 2025 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other locations.
©2004 士郎正宗/講談社・IG,ITNDDTD
Distribution: TOHO NEXT
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