The first teaser trailer for Toei’s upcoming theatrical film MASKED RIDER THE NEXT (Kamen Raidaa Za Nekusuto, 2007) has been released on the film’s official website. The new film is a direct sequel to MASKED RIDER THE FIRST (Kamen Raidaa Za Faasuto, 2005), featuring the return of Masked Riders 1 and 2, and the introduction of Masked Rider V3.
Just as MASKED RIDER THE FIRST was a loose re-telling of both Shotaro Ishinomori’s original manga and Toei’s MASKED RIDER (Kamen Raidaa, 1971) TV series, MASKED RIDER THE NEXT is set to re-tell the story behind Toei’s MASKED RIDER V3 (Kamen Raidaa Buisurii, 1973) TV series.
Actors Masaya Kikawada and Hassei Takano are returning from MASKED RIDER THE FIRST as Takeshi Hongo (Masked Rider 1) and Hayato Ichimonji (Masked Rider 2) respectively, while Kazuki Katou steps into the role of Shiro Kazami (Masked Rider V3). 22-year-old Katou previously appeared in the MASKED RIDER KABUTO (Kamen Raidaa Kabuto, 2006) TV series as Daisuke Kazama, the alter-ego of Masked Rider Drake, as well as the series’ accompanying theatrical film MASKED RIDER KABUTO: GOD SPEED LOVE (Kamen Raidaa Kabuto Goddo Supiido Rabu, 2006).
2 years after the events of MASKED RIDER THE FIRST, rumours are spreading of vicious murders, which are always accompanied by the song of a young pop idol named Chiharu. After Chiharu disappears, her older brother Shiro Kazami goes in search for her, and inevitably finds himself in the hands of the organization “Shocker”. It is here, where a new generation of Riders are being created, that Shiro Kazami is transformed into Masked Rider V3.
MASKED RIDER THE NEXT is set to open at theatres in Japan from October 27th 2007.
Meanwhile, MASKED RIDER THE FIRST was recently released on DVD in North America by Media Blasters.
