The first instalment of the new special effects series "PROJECT RED," "Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" (TV Asahi, Sunday 9:30 AM), will begin airing on February 15th. The lead role in this work, which marks the beginning of a new special effects series featuring the "red hero," will be played by actor Kohei Nagata. We spoke to him about behind-the-scenes stories from his audition, his resolve to take on the role of Red, and his thoughts on the "new Gavan."
◇ "I thought it might be difficult considering my age."
"Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" is a completely new "Gavan" that has been reconstructed using the latest visual and directing techniques while retaining the visuals and space-set sci-fi elements of "Space Sheriff Gavan" that aired from 1982 to 1983. The story unfolds in a worldview based on the "multiverse theory," in which there is not just one universe, but other Earths that are identical to Earth, and the protagonist, Gavan Infinity/Doki Reiji, solves cases set in a variety of dimensions.
Nagata is 28 years old and was born on September 12th, 1997. He has been active mainly on stage, playing the role of Kagemitsu Koryu in the musical "Touken Ranbu" and the role of Rin Itoshi in the stage play "Blue Lock 2nd STAGE". He has also auditioned for special effects productions, including the Kamen Rider series.
"Ever since I was little, I've watched a variety of films, including special effects, and that's what made me want to become an actor. I'd always wanted to appear in special effects films, but I kept getting rejected at the document and second round of auditions...But special effects is a genre that's said to be a stepping stone for young actors, and I kept auditioning because I really wanted to be involved in it."
When asked how he felt when he heard he'd been chosen to play the lead role, he frankly said, "I still can't believe it. To be honest, I thought it might be difficult for me given my age."
"When I made eye contact with Director Fukuzawa (Hirofumi) during the audition, I felt a personal connection with 'Bashin'. But I don't know if that was the reason. I've always wondered why he chose me."
When I later asked Director Fukuzawa directly why, he told me, "I liked that it matched Reiji's natural feel."
"Based on my past experiences, I didn't get too nervous during the auditions and tried to remain natural, which I think was a good thing. I'm really glad I didn't give up and kept trying."
◇Respect for "Showa Gavan"
This work bears the name "Gavan." When asked about how he approached "Space Sheriff Gavan" in the Showa era, Nagata looked a little embarrassed as he looked back.
"I had heard the name before, but honestly I didn't know much about it... I watched it again after I passed the audition, and it's still really cool even now. I want 'Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity' to be a work that people 100 years from now will think is cool."
Reiji's transformation pose also pays homage to "Showa Gavan."
"While we were deciding on the movements, Fukuzawa-san said, 'I really want to include it.' We moved together and thought about what kind of shape would be best. The vapor deposition pose was very well thought out, including the balance with (other Gavans) Luminous and Bushido. I hope you'll look forward to it. It's cool like Showa Gavan... No, I'll do my best to make it cool!"
Regarding being chosen as "Red" for the new project, he stated frankly, "Since I was chosen, I want to fulfill my role properly."
"I would be happy if the characters around me look more attractive because I'm Red. Rather than taking on the burden myself, I hope we can all work together to create the character. I'm doing my job with the support of those around me."
The staff sometimes comment, "Reiji is friendly, but Kohei is the same way." During the interview, he was very interested in the reporter's voice recorder and asked questions repeatedly, and when he heard his birthday, he innocently expressed his joy by saying, "We're under the same zodiac sign," naturally lightening the mood. The presence of this "friendly hero" who will carve out a new chapter in the history of special effects has already begun. (Interview and text: Endo Masaki)
