Toei Purchases Garage Hero's Strega, Project Gets Revamped

Bueno, owner of the indie tokusatsu production group Garage Hero announced via Facebook that he sold his next big project Strega to Toei Company Ltd. 

Originally planned to be a sequel to Garage Hero's first project, Gun Caliber, Strega will be revamped as the next entry to the Kamen Rider franchise under the name "Kamen Rider Strega", which will replace Kamen Rider Ex-Aid in TV-Asahi's Super Hero Time block this summer.  

The series will be produced by Shinichiro Shirakura (Kamen Rider Agito, Super Hero Taisen) and written by Shoji Yonemura (Kamen Rider Kabuto, Super Hero Taisen). Bueno is still involved in the project as he is credited as the original creator and project supervisor. 

In an exclusive interview with Daisuki Toku, Bueno remains optimistic after the sale. He revealed, "I talked with Shirakura and we really hit it off. He's got a solid business plan for not only an entire season, but merchandising, movie deal, etc. He's really opened my eyes to the business of Tokusatsu and I look forward to what Toei and Bandai have got in store for Strega."

Lastly, with Bueno now working on the project in the sidelines, the lead role of Soma Kusanagi/Kamen Rider Strega will be given to a younger actor. It is currently rumored that 2015 Junon Super Boy contestant Seiya Hotta will play the lead role. More details about the said purchase will be revealed in a later date. 

From all of us here, congratulations on the sale, and hopefully, the spirit of Strega is still present in this revamped project!