Toei Japan features 'Voltes V: Legacy' on their website, thanks Filipinos for loving 'Voltes V'
The cast and all the people behind Voltes V: Legacy indeed welcomed 2023 with a bang.
After the release of the show's highly-acclaimed mega trailer on New Year's Eve, its director Mark Reyes proudly announced on social media that the GMA live-action adaptation is now a certified franchise of the classic '70s Japanese anime, Voltes V.
"Never thought I would ever see my name credited on TOEI Co. Japan's website.
This is the official announcement for @voltesvlegacy as a fully licensed franchise. #achievementunlocked #legitasf," Reyes said.
This is after Toei Company in Japan featured Voltes V: Legacy on their website.
In a January 4, 2023 press release by toei.co.jp, the original makers of the mecha anime noted the huge popularity of Voltes V (Chōdenji Mashīn Borutesu Faibu) in the Philippines since it aired in the country in the late '70s.
"Its popularity was not limited to Japan, but also across the sea, and it was extremely popular in the Philippines at the time, and the entire Filipino people, including children, were enthusiastic about "Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V" . In the Philippines, there are still many people who can sing Mitsuko Horie's anime opening theme song "Voltes V no Uta" in Japanese, showing how popular it is in the Philippines," it read.
Toei gave credit to GMA for producing such an expensive project and its director Mark Reyes "who has both skill and experience in live-action films in the Philippines." Cast members like Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Carla Abellana, and Dennis Trillo were also mentioned in the article.
Moreover, the Japanese animation studio commended the mega trailer of Voltes V: Legacy which earned a million views in a short span of time.
It also notified the public about the premiere of Voltes V: Legacy in the Philippines this year and the "broadcasting and distribution in Japan and other parts of the world."
The last part of the article bears a 'thank you' message from Toei Company, Ltd. producer Shin-ichiro Shirakura for the Filipinos for their support of the well-loved Japanese anime.
"Thank you to the people of the Philippines who have loved "Voltes V" for a long time, overcame many challenges, and managed to realize this huge project. On the other hand, in Japan, "Voltes V" has been completely forgotten... but that's not the case. The flow of "Voltes V" was changed to a live-action series from "Battle Fever J" (1979) through the later program "Tosho Daimos" (1978). It is now called the Super Sentai series.
"Even if the times change, the basic composition--five young people selected to fight against overwhelming invaders by making full use of five united robots--will not change. The DNA of "Voltes V" has been handed down from generation to generation as one of Japan's leading special effects hero series, and continues to fascinate children around the world. Although it has become more sophisticated with each generation, it may be that something important has been lost. “VOLTES V LEGACY” taught me that.
"A giant robot that is big, heavy, and strong, just standing. If you have the soul of a "boy", here is the scorching super robot soul that everyone still yearns for!"
Read the full article here:
Back on December 28, 2021, Shirakura expressed his excitement to Voltes V: Legacy and gratitude to its production team and Voltes V local licensor Telesuccess Productions for their "effort, enthusiasm, and hard work" amid the COVID-19 situation.
Voltes: Legacy, written by Suzette Doctolero, is an exclusive offering of the GMA Entertainment Group.
It bears the potential of being the Philippines' first serious epic sci-fi TV show as it is partnered with Toei Company, Ltd., the same company that brought the robot saga to life, and its local licensor Telesuccess Productions, Inc.
GMA also engaged the services of Riot Inc. Post-Production along with the GMA Post Video Graphics and Audio team to handle the CGI and the live-action elements of the stories.
Voltes V: Legacy airs 2023 on GMA Telebabad.
Before we get to know more details about the much-awaited live-action adaptation, let's look back at the iconic characters of Voltes V that made a significant impact in the hearts of both young and old.