Entertainment: You're asked to make a graduation project, but you're asked to film Ultrama

Asia Headquarters, Film and Television Production Center.

The TV series "Ultraman Mebius" is being filmed and broadcast in full swing, with ratings and popularity soaring.

It not only solidified the Ultraman series' dominant position in the entertainment market, but also allowed countless viewers, both old and new, to rediscover the charm of the giant of light in this era.

Gu Nan was holding a thick script in his hand.

This is the final script for the theatrical project, "Ultraman Mebius and the Ultra Brothers".

In Gu Nan's grand plan, this theatrical version is not only a key milestone in Mebius's growth, but also a love letter to all the older generation of Ultraman fans.

The return of the four Showa-era veterans—Original, Seven, Jack, and Ace—has been confirmed, and the actors playing Hayata, Dan Moroboshi, Hideki Go, and Seiji Hokuto have all successfully signed contracts.

They gave Gu Nan's script extremely high praise and accepted the invitation to return to the big screen without any hesitation.

There is one person who has become Gu Nan's biggest problem.

Saburo Shinoda, the actor who plays Kotaro Higashi, the human form of Ultraman Taro.

Gu Nan was very clear about that regrettable period of history in the original timeline.

In that parallel world, Tsuburaya Productions made several sincere attempts to invite Saburo Shinoda to return and star in Ultraman Taro movies or anniversary films.

Whether it was increasing salaries or revising the script, Tsuburaya Productions tried almost every method, but without exception, all of them were politely but firmly rejected by Saburo Shinoda.

Many people have misunderstood this, thinking that he looked down on the identity of a tokusatsu actor after he became famous, or that he thought Tsuburaya Productions paid him too little. Some even thought that he was deliberately distancing himself from the Ultraman series.

But actually, the root cause is not any of these.

Gu Nan knew that the reason why Shinoda Saburo was determined not to return was because of his most basic professional ethics as a film and television actor, as well as his deep-rooted understanding and protection of the character "Higashi Kotaro".

In the finale of the original Ultraman Taro series, Kotaro Higashi, relying on human wisdom and strength, single-handedly defeated the final Balgi alien.

Although it was a disgrace to the Ultraman TV series boss, the core message of that episode was the great proposition that humanity will eventually become self-reliant and strong.

Under that sunset, Kotaro Higashi returned the Ultra Badge to Mother of Ultra, completely severing his connection with Taro.

He refused to be bound by the identity and power of Ultraman, proving that humanity is fully capable of defeating monsters and protecting the Earth with its own hands.

Then, he shouldered his bag, walked into the crowd, and went to pursue the carefree spirit and freedom that belong to an ordinary human being.

This is an extremely perfect and profound ending.

In the original timeline, Shinoda Saburo always believed that, based on the plot development and character logic of the finale, Higashi Kotaro had become a pure human being, and it was impossible for him to have any further contact with Ultraman Taro in his lifetime.

If I were to suddenly appear in subsequent works as Taro's human form, it would instantly destroy the extremely lofty theme of the original "Ultraman Taro" finale.

It is also a serious betrayal to the fans who have accompanied Kotaro Higashi's growth and love this character.

He was unwilling to exploit classics for the sake of so-called nostalgia, unwilling to betray the character to whom he had poured countless efforts for the sake of immediate gains, and even less willing to deceive the audience with a forced return and a ridiculous plot.

Saburo Shinoda chose to use extreme restraint and complete blankness to firmly protect Kotaro Higashi's last bit of freedom.

But in this world, in the Ultra Universe created by Gu Nan, Taro's return is an indispensable link connecting the core spirit of "Ultraman Mebius".

Gu Nan put down the script, got up, and left the office.

He had to go there himself and, in his own way, untie the knot in the old actor's heart.

……

Just like in the original world, Saburo Shinoda in this world is still an actor with extremely high artistic aspirations.

Gu Nan managed to get Shinoda Saburo to come out by leveraging his connections with those veteran actors.

The two met at a teahouse.

Gu Nan and Shinoda Saburo sat facing each other.

Although Saburo Shinoda is old and his hair is gray, he is still in good spirits, and you can still vaguely see the shadow of the sunny young man he was back then between his brows.

He looked at Gu Nan sitting opposite him, then at the script on the table that read "Ultraman Mebius and the Ultra Brothers," and sighed slightly.

"Director Gu, I am deeply moved by your sincerity."

"I've been watching the Ultraman Mebius series lately, and you did a fantastic job, capturing the true spirit of Ultraman."

Saburo Shinoda's tone was very polite, but his attitude revealed an unwavering determination.

"However, I still gave the same answer."

"I can no longer play Taro's human form, and I can no longer play Higashi Kotaro."

Gu Nan didn't rush to refute, but quietly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and gestured for Shinoda Saburo to continue.

"Director Gu, you understand special effects and plot logic, so you should understand why I refused."

"Kotaro Higashi is a young man full of dreams and free spirit."

"When Tsuburaya Productions was filming the finale, I had already said my most perfect goodbye to this character."

"He defeated the enemy with his own strength and returned the Ultra Badge."

"From that moment on, he was no longer Taro."

"He wants to live his own life, to experience the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and to travel the world."

"This is the freedom he fought for with his life."

"If I were to take on this script now, and in the movie I were to raise the Ultra Badge again and shout 'Taro, transform!'"

"Director Gu, do you think this is worthy of the original concept behind the finale?"

"I understand Director Gu's desire to make a grand Ultraman movie that connects the past and the future."

"But out of my own artistic pursuits, I simply couldn't bear to ruin the character!"

"What would viewers think if they saw Kotaro, who once gave up his powers in pursuit of freedom, now regain his powers?"

"They would think Kotaro's actions back then were a joke."

Saburo Shinoda shook his head.

"I am an actor."

"An actor's bottom line is that they cannot personally ruin a character that has already been successfully created."

"I cannot exploit classics, and I cannot let down my fans."

"Leaving Kotaro Higashi under that sunset forever is the best explanation I can give to the audience."

"Director Gu, so you don't need to discuss this anymore. This isn't about the salary."

After hearing these words, Gu Nan's face did not show any disappointment, but instead showed a deep respect.

This is the professional ethics of the older generation of actors.

"Mr. Shinoda, your love and protection for the character of Higashi Kotaro is something I sincerely admire."

Gu Nan put down his teacup. "However, you may have misunderstood something."

Saburo Shinoda was slightly taken aback:

"Misunderstand?"

"Yes, a fundamental misunderstanding."

Gu Nan reached out and gently pushed the script on the table in front of Shinoda Saburo.

"Mr. Shinoda, I am not here today to invite you to star in 'Kotaro Higashi'."

Saburo Shinoda was even more puzzled:

"Not playing Higashi Kotaro?"

"So you mean...?"

"In this theatrical version, and in the subsequent 'Mebius' TV series, the human Kotaro Higashi will definitely not appear again."

"He continues to travel the world and continues to live his carefree and independent life."

"No one tried to undermine the theme of the finale."

Gu Nan directly presented his pre-conceived solution: "The role I'm inviting you to play is that of Ultraman Taro himself."

Saburo Shinoda was stunned and didn't react for a moment.

Gu Nan immediately began to explain in detail this perfect setting that could not be realized in the original timeline.

"In our setting, the one that descended to Earth this time is Ultraman Taro's true form, just like Dan Moroboshi was Ultraman Seven's true form back then."

"He did not possess any human body, nor did he reunite with Higashi Kotaro for a one-body connection."

Gu Nan leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming extremely persuasive:

"Taro is an instructor from the Land of Light. He came to Earth to help Mebius and fight alongside his four older brothers."

"However, Ultraman needs to adopt a human form to operate in the human world."

"What stance did Taro choose?"

"He chose the image of the young man who had fought alongside him and taught him courage and resilience."

That's right, this is exactly the same reason that the fastest and strongest character who will make a cameo appearance in Ultraman X in the future will use.

Max also used Kaito Toma's figure as a disguise.

Gu Nan looked into Shinoda Saburo's eyes and said, word by word:

"Taro used Kotaro Higashi's appearance as a mimicry of his activities on Earth."

"Just like what Mebius used, the imagination of the late young hero Hiroto Saka!"

"This is not because he wanted to restrain Kotaro. On the contrary, it is Taro's deepest remembrance and highest respect for his former comrade-in-arms as an Ultra Warrior."

Saburo Shinoda's pupils contracted sharply.

"In this theatrical version, the character you play is not named Higashi Kotaro, but Taro."

Gu Nan continued to delve deeper into the core of the script.

"You don't need to show the carefree attitude of Kotaro. What you show is the dignity and composure of an instructor from the Land of Light, as well as your love for the Earth and your younger brother Mebius."

"In this way, the theme of the finale was not only not destroyed, but was actually elevated."

Gu Nan spoke at a moderate pace, and his logic was so rigorous that Shinoda Saburo could not find any flaws.

"Kotaro proved the resilience of humanity, and Taro continues to fight with that memory of resilience."

"Although they are separated, their bond will last forever."

"Taro uses Kotaro's face, just as if Kotaro is still looking at the planet he loves so much."

The tea room fell silent.

Saburo Shinoda fell silent. He stared at the script in front of him, Gu Nan's words replaying in his mind.

This setup perfectly avoided all his concerns.

"Furthermore, Mr. Shinoda, you just mentioned the explanation to the audience."

Gu Nan keenly sensed Shinoda Saburo's wavering and immediately pressed his advantage.

"You believe that using restraint and leaving room for interpretation is a form of respect, which is indeed an artistic pursuit."

"But have you ever thought about what those longtime viewers who truly love Taro and love you really hope for?"

"Many longtime viewers from all over Asia have been waiting for this for so many years."

"They don't necessarily want to see Kotaro Higashi transform again; they just want to see that familiar face on the big screen one last time and know if the hero who once brought them light is doing well now."

"Your continued absence may preserve the character, but is it truly respectful to the fans who are eagerly awaiting your return?"

Gu Nan's tone became somewhat earnest:

True respect is not running away from things.

"It's a reasonable way to return to this land and say a formal, heartfelt farewell to all the viewers who love you and to Ultraman Taro."

"In the theatrical version, Taro will only truly appear to rescue the enemy during the final battle."

"The human form's role is more of a spiritual totem."

"This Taro impersonating Kotaro came to Earth to meet this planet and the audience."

"This sentiment, this reunion across decades, is the greatest respect we can show to the audience."

Gu Nan's words struck Shinoda Saburo's heart like a heavy hammer.

He had never thought about the problem from this perspective.

He was stuck in a dead end because "Kotaro Higashi can no longer transform".

However, they overlooked the possibility of Taro's return as the "original form," and even more so, they ignored the fans' simple hope for a reunion.

"Director Gu, your idea..."

Saburo Shinoda took a deep breath. "Indeed, I can't find any reason to refuse."

"If you agree to participate in the theatrical version, I also hope that you can continue to participate in the upcoming 'Mebius' TV drama series."

Seeing this, Gu Nan immediately revealed the entire subsequent plot plan, giving the other party no room for hesitation.

"In episode 29 of the TV series, Mebius will face an unprecedentedly powerful enemy—the Mighty Iron God Impreza."

"This is an enemy that Mebius absolutely cannot defeat with his current strength alone."

Gu Nan quickly flipped to the outline of the script and pointed to the plot developments, saying:

"At this time, Taro will come to Earth as an envoy of the Land of Light."

"His purpose in coming to Earth was not simply to help Mebius fight monsters, but rather he was ordered by the Land of Light to forcibly take Mebius back."

"Because the enemy is too strong, the Land of Light cannot watch its young warriors sacrifice themselves in vain."

"Tairo will show an extremely strict side as an elder and instructor."

"This is completely different from Kotaro's personality back then, which further highlights that this is the original Taro's character."

Gu Nan's description is highly vivid, directly immersing Shinoda Saburo in the story.

"In this episode, Mebius will fight to the death to prove to Taro his determination to protect the Earth."

"And the members of GUYS, Mirai, Aihara Ryu, Tang Zheping, Marina, George, and Kino, will also use human power."

"Go and assist Ultraman Mebius, and prove to Ultraman Taro that the bond between Earthlings and Ultraman is unbreakable."

"When Taro looks at all this, at these humans who are fighting with all their might, he will recall the days when he and Kotaro fought side by side."

"He will eventually be moved, acknowledge Mebius and GUYS, formally entrust them with the responsibility of protecting the Earth, and then return to the Land of Light alone."

"This is not only a passing down of strength, but also a passing down of spirit."

"It is most appropriate for Taro to perform this handover ceremony."

"Furthermore, in the final chapter of 'Mebius,' when the sun is shrouded in darkness and faces the crisis of complete destruction, Taro will reappear."

"He will work with the Ultra Brothers to do everything in his power in the universe to repair the sun and give Earth a last chance to survive."

Gu Nan recounted Taro's core role in the entire Mebius project in one go.

There is no forced sentimentality, no logical loopholes, only boundless respect for the classics and extreme rigor in the development of the plot.

The tea in the tea room had gone cold.

After listening quietly to Gu Nan's entire plan, Shinoda Saburo's doubts and resistance completely disappeared from his face.

Instead, there is an undisguised excitement and satisfaction that comes with encountering an excellent script as an actor.

He finally realized that the young director in front of him was not the kind of businessman who only knew how to make money from classic IPs.

He is a creator who truly understands Ultraman, Kotaro Higashi, and the soul of Taro.

"Taro used the appearance of a former comrade-in-arms to return to Earth to test the growth of the new generation of warriors..."

Saburo Shinoda repeated the concept in a low voice, a relieved smile finally appearing on his lips.

This setting perfectly protected Higashi Kotaro's final freedom.

Kotaro is still somewhere in the world, enjoying the freedom of the wind.

Taro, with his face intact, continues his mission as the Giant of Light.

"Director Gu."

Saburo Shinoda sat up straight and carefully straightened his suit jacket.

He looked at Gu Nan, his eyes becoming incredibly bright, as if he had returned to that spirited era.

"I see."

"Your script, your sincerity, and your respect for the character leave me speechless."

Saburo Shinoda extended his right hand and presented it to Gu Nan.

"I'll take the role of Ultraman Taro."

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how these young people are growing up as Taro, and to saying goodbye to my old friends who have been waiting for so long."

Seeing this, Gu Nan finally felt relieved.

He immediately reached out and grasped Shinoda Saburo's hands tightly.

"Mr. Shinoda, welcome back to the team."

A genuine smile bloomed on Gu Nan's face.

"The Mebius theatrical version and subsequent series will surely become an eternal classic because of your participation."

The conversation went very smoothly. Gu Nan successfully persuaded this veteran actor, who was the most difficult to invite, using the most perfect logical loop.

At this moment, the puzzle of the six Ultra Brothers is finally completely complete.

The next step is to present this perfect script to audiences around the world through the lens, without reservation.

Gu Nan stood up and walked out of the tea room with Shinoda Saburo.

The sunlight shone on the two of them, foreshadowing the beginning of a new and glorious era for the Ultra Brothers.