Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance
Yesterday the second teaser trailer for Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance was released showcasing more footage and a clear look at the Netflix series' design for the iconic Zaku-II.
First announced at Anime Expo 2023 (AX2023) it is not to be confused with the live-action Gundam film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. At this time there as yet to be much news on this production, though it does feature some very promotional material. You can understand some fans initial misunderstanding. Requiem for Vengeance is directed by Erasmus Brosdau and written/produced by Gavin Hignight (Transformers: War for Cybertron, Avengers Assemble, Tekkan Bloodline)
The series will consist of six 30 minute episodes following a Zeon mobile suit team on the European front during the One Year War. Although the line between good and bad in the the franchise is often blurred, the Federation is usually playing the role of the protagonist. This may be the first time that Zeon will be taking the stage is the de facto good guys, at least from the what we have seen so far. Of the pilots we have seen our protagonists is named Iria Sorari. Details on their background and story are still unknown but we can imagine we will have a morally stretched character seeking a resolution to conflict while finding that the nature of war is not so black and white. Typically what we know and love from a Gundam protagonist; although I may be wrong.
The trailer opens with grim imagery of now deserted European suburbs in the throng of the Autumn sun. The Zeon forces march through the streets; reminiscent of the German army spreading across western Europe. This tone seems to follow throughout the trailer and to be expected in the finished series. An aerial perspective of the deployment of mobile suits from a Gaw gives us the first look at Kimitoshi Yamane's Zaku designs. We also get an intimate moment with (presumably Iria Sorari) hold a beautifully rendered pocket watch bearing a Principality of Zeon insignia.
It is clear that we can expect a lot of influence from classic war films. Hignight cited Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (2015 -2017) and Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996) as being influential to the project. We can only hope that the love that the fanbase has for 8th MS Team transfers to this new series. Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island (2022) was intended to have themes similar to Apocalypse Now. You could argue that to be true but the grit and raw humanity that is to be expected from a comparison like that did not translate. Saying that, the film itself does has its' own merit and I did find myself thoroughly enjoying myself.
From the deployment we are treated to explosive energy and drama of war that still captures that cold, autumn atmosphere on the western front. We resolve with our protagonist looking out the fires of war as the shadow of a Gundam comes into view. It's eyes glow red and the footage cuts. From looking at the trailer I assume this is a new Gundam, instead of a redesign of the RX-78-2. Maybe something along the lines of the Gundam Ground Type from 8ht MS team.
There is still no date for the release of Requiem for Vengeance, but we can assume we won't have long to wait. The series is being made in Unreal Engine 5 by SUNRISE and SAFEHOUSE Inc. Presented by Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. Present.
Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. Present
SUNRISE Production
Co-Production: SAFEHOUSE Inc.
Director: Erasmus Brosdau
Executive producers: Makoto Asanuma, Naohiro Ogata, Taiki Sakurai, Gavin Hignight
Animation Producer/Sound Director: Hiroaki Yura
Producer: Ken Iyadomi
Writer: Gavin Hignight
Character design: Manuel Augusto Dischinger Moura
Mechanical design: Kimitoshi Yamane
Director of Photography: Junpei Kasaoka
Music: Wilbert Roget,II
