Fans of the Kamen Rider franchise can now delve deeper into the origins of Kamen Rider W, as the anime film FUUTO PI: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō (also known as Fuuto Pi: The Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull) has officially begun streaming on Crunchyroll. The movie, which screened for a limited time in Japanese theaters in November 2024, explores the pivotal “Begins Night” arc, chronicling the events that shaped the partnership between Shotaro Hidari and Philip, and the heroic sacrifice of Shotaro’s mentor, Sokichi Narumi, as Kamen Rider Skull.
Unveiling the Genesis of Kamen Rider W
The FUUTO PI: Kamen Rider Skull no Shōzō film serves as a crucial prequel to the FUUTO PI anime series, which itself is a sequel to the beloved 2009 live-action tokusatsu series Kamen Rider W. The movie directly adapts the “Begins Night” episode, a pivotal moment in the Kamen Rider W narrative that details how Shotaro Hidari and Philip first united to become the legendary hero of Fuuto City.
The narrative centers on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Sokichi Narumi, Shotaro’s mentor and the original Kamen Rider Skull. It explores his final moments and the profound impact his actions had on the nascent detective duo. This animated rendition offers new scenes and expanded details not seen in the original live-action series, providing a fresh perspective on a foundational story for fans.
Cast and Creative Team Behind the Film
The film brings back key voice actors and staff from the FUUTO PI anime series, ensuring continuity and a familiar experience for viewers. Kenjirō Tsuda voices Sōkichi Narumi, the titular Kamen Rider Skull. Notably, Kōji Kikkawa, who played Sōkichi Narumi in the original Kamen Rider W live-action series, wrote, composed, and performed the film’s theme song, “Niau Otoko ni Nare” (Become a Worthy Man), as his character.
The returning cast also includes Yoshimasa Hosoya as Shōtarō Hidari and Kōki Uchiyama as Philip, who together form Kamen Rider W. Other familiar voices include Akira Sekine as Tokime, Mikako Komatsu as Akiko Narumi, Makoto Furukawa as Ryū Terui, and Daisuke Ono as Yukiji Bandō. New additions to the cast feature Ayumu Murase as a young Shōtarō Hidari, Satomi Satou as the villain Saeko Sonozaki/Taboo Dopant, and Jun Fukuyama as the original character Nagi Ōshima.
Yousuke Kabashima, who directed the FUUTO PI anime series, returned to helm the film at Studio KAI, with Ayataka Tanemura serving as assistant director. The screenplay was penned by Tatsuto Higuchi, and the character designer and chief animation director was Hidekazu Ebina. Kōtarō Nakagawa and Shuhei Naruse composed the film’s music.
From Manga to Screen: The FUUTO PI Legacy
FUUTO PI originated as a manga series written by Riku Sanjō and illustrated by Masaki Sato, serving as a direct sequel to Kamen Rider W. The manga, which began serialization in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits magazine in August 2017, was a response to the immense popularity of the Kamen Rider W live-action series, aiming to explore darker stories within the same universe.
The anime television series adapted the manga and aired for twelve episodes from August to October 2022, introducing new fans and delighting old ones with its blend of detective mystery and superhero action set in the windy city of Fuuto. Crunchyroll also streams the FUUTO PI TV anime series, making it the primary destination for fans to experience the entire animated saga.
The film’s theatrical release in Japan in November 2024 was a significant event for Kamen Rider enthusiasts, providing a cinematic bridge to the backstory of their beloved heroes. Now, with its availability on Crunchyroll, a wider global audience can witness the dramatic events that led to the formation of Kamen Rider W and gain a deeper appreciation for the complex history of Fuuto City’s protectors. The film, with a runtime of 82 minutes, offers an immersive experience into the world of Dopants and Gaia Memories, and the enduring fight for justice.
