Toei Announces Premiere of New Kamen Rider W Anime Film, FUUTO PI: Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull, Scheduled for November Release

Toei has announced a highly anticipated addition to the Kamen Rider franchise with the upcoming release of an anime film titled Fūto Tantei: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō (FUUTO PI: Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull). Scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on November 8, the film will explore the early narrative of Kamen Rider W, a fan-favorite series within the expansive Kamen Rider universe.

Image via FUUTO PI anime's X/Twitter

Directed by Yousuke Kabashima and produced by Studio KAI, FUUTO PI: Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull aims to revisit significant moments from the genesis of Kamen Rider W, providing deeper insights into the characters and their evolution. Kenjirō Tsuda joins the cast as Sōkichi Narumi, contributing his talent to enhance the storyline.

Returning to reprise their roles are Yoshimasa Hosoya as Shōtarō Hidari, Kōki Uchiyama as Phillip, Akira Sekine as Tokime, Mikako Komatsu as Akiko Narumi, Makoto Furukawa as Ryū Terui, and Daisuke Ono as Yukiji Bandō. This continuity ensures a seamless continuation for fans familiar with the characters' journeys throughout the series.

The film's creative team, including scriptwriter Tatsuto Higuchi, character designer Hidekazu Ebina, chief animation director Kiyoshi Komatsubara, and composers Kotaro Nakagawa and Shuhei Naruse, remains committed to capturing the essence of Kamen Rider W while expanding its narrative depth.

Based on the Fūto Tantei manga by Riku Sanjō and illustrated by Masaki Satou, the film builds upon the intricate world of FUUTO city, blending mystery, action, and the iconic transformation sequences synonymous with the Kamen Rider series.

In addition to the film, the FUUTO PI anime series premiered in August 2022 as part of the franchise's 50th anniversary celebrations, with Crunchyroll streaming the series internationally. Alongside stage play adaptations, Kamen Rider W and its spin-offs like FUUTO PI continue to captivate audiences with their innovative storytelling and heroic themes.

As anticipation mounts for Fūto Tantei: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō, fans can look forward to a cinematic experience that pays tribute to the series' origins while exploring new dimensions of its enduring popularity. Save the date for the premiere of FUUTO PI: Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull this November, promising an exhilarating journey into the early days of a beloved hero.