Written By Kieran Bugg and Mikey Sutton • Editor-in-Chief • Owner
Daimos is being developed as a live-action TV series by the GMA Network in the Philippines. If it goes through, Daimos will follow GMA’s upcoming anime adaptation Voltes V: Legacy, a live-action version of the classic anime show.
GMA has created a global buzz for Voltes V: Legacy, especially after its full trailer debuted on January 1. It is GMA‘s most expensive series of all time. Both Daimos and Voltes V: Legacy share anime roots; however, it goes beyond that. In fact, it’s no surprise that their live-action revivals should emanate from the Philippines instead of their native Japan.
Both Tōshō Daimos and Voltes V debuted as anime shows in Japan in 1978. They were among the robot anime programs of the era that later exploded in popularity in the Philippines. In fact, their large following among children in the country caused then-president Ferdinand Marcos to ban them from the airwaves on August 27, 1979 over concerns of violent content.
Giant robot anime returned to the Philippines in 1986 after Marcos’ removal from office.
Daimos Live-Action Show Receives Thrilling Update After Voltes V Frenzy
Image: The GMA Network
Ironically, both properties became far bigger in the Philippines than in Japan. This is especially true of Voltes V, whose reruns left an indelible mark on a generation of Filipinos. GMA is receiving international attention for Voltes V: Legacy, lifting it from its relative obscurity outside of Asia and Cuba. The same can happen for Daimos.
These series were the forerunners of The Transformers; thus, they have crossover appeal to a much younger crowd.
It should be no surprise to learn that a large percentage of pop-culture followers are also fans of anime. After all, the successful Japanese animation genre is responsible for many of the world’s most beloved franchises. There are far too many anime shows to name; nevertheless, the diverse range of genres is impressive.
Can you imagine a world without the likes of Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, or Astro Boy?
Didn’t think so.
Pokémon is undoubtedly one of the most lucrative and well known franchises across the globe. Anyone who hasn’t heard of it has likely been living on Mars for the past 20 years. Moreover, anime has even made quite the impact in Hollywood over the years. In 2001, Spirited Away took the world by storm and became one of the most popular animated movies ever made.
Many viewers and critics even consider the anime masterpiece to be one of the best movies of all time. Furthermore, Spirited Away even went on to become the second ever Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature. This makes it the only anime to have won an Oscar.
In addition, there’s also been some more lesser known anime series that have left their mark on pop culture history. One such example is Tōshō Daimos. Despite it’s brief run, the series managed to air 44 episodes before it’s unfortunate cancellation. The original plan was to air 50 episodes.
Daimos Live-Action Show Receives Thrilling Update After Voltes V Frenzy
Image: The GMA Network
The anime still has a significant cult following to this day. Tōshō Daimos’ story centred around a group of survivors who fled the destruction of their home planet Baam. They come to Earth to negotiate purchase of land for emigration but their leader is tragically assassinated. Blaming the Earth for his death, war breaks out.
The only hope for humanity is the transforming, karate-using super robot, Daimos and it’s pilot, Kazuya Ryūzaki.
Alas, low ratings in Japan led to its early cancellation.
Rumors of a live-action Daimos have floated around since the announcement of Voltes V: Legacy on GMA. Indeed, it’d make sense for GMA to revive another vintage anime from childhood. GMA Network Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes revealed:
“We’re planning on ‘Daimos.'”