KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 -- The long-running Japanese superhero franchise Super Sentai will reportedly conclude with its currently airing series, No.1 Sentai Gozyuger, according to media reports today.

Sources close to the production claim the decision was driven by financial difficulties, with revenues from events, merchandise, and film adaptations reportedly failing to cover production costs.

As of now, the producers of the Super Sentai series have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

A spokesperson for TV Asahi, the network that broadcasts the franchise, said that it "will not comment on future programming plans."

The news sent shockwaves through Japan's entertainment industry and beyond.

Fans across the world -- including in Malaysia, where the series has a dedicated following -- expressed disbelief and sadness.

Many celebrities and former Super Sentai actors also reacted emotionally to the news. Award-winning actress and model Keiko Kitagawa reposted the report on her X account, writing simply: "Despair."

In a series of posts on X, Yuma Nishi, a member of the Japanese idol group NMB48, appeared distraught, writing: "Wait a minute, my whole life... Even if I wake up in the morning, the Super Sentai series is really ending?"

Yasuhisa Furuhara, who starred in the 2008 instalment Engine Sentai Go-onger, offered a more optimistic view.

"It's been 50 years," he posted. "I'm proud to have been part of that incredible history."

Prolific voice actor Tetsu Inada, known for roles in My Hero Academia, Bleach, and 2004's Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger, shared that there were "still so many dreams [he] wanted to fulfill through Super Sentai."

He added, "But lasting for 50 years is truly an incredible achievement. It's an honour to have my name included in that history."

First airing in 1975 with Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, the Super Sentai series has run for nearly five decades. Its formula has remained largely consistent: a team of colour-coded heroes uniting to fight evil, with a fresh team -- or sentai -- introduced each year.

The franchise has also served as a major springboard for rising stars, with many of Japan's most recognised actors beginning their careers as Sentai warriors. Notable alumni include Tori Matsuzaka (Shinken Red in Samurai Sentai Shinkenger), Yuki Yamada (Gokai Blue in Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger), and Ryusei Yokohama (ToQ 4gou in Ressha Sentai Toqger).

The show is regarded as one of the "big three" in Japan's tokusatsu (special effects) genre, alongside Ultraman and Kamen Rider.

Both of the latter franchises continue to thrive internationally; Ultraman has achieved significant global reach, while a recent series, Kamen Rider Zeztz, expanded its streaming availability to multiple countries outside Japan for the first time.

While Super Sentai has seen viewership fluctuate over the years, it has remained a beloved annual tradition for tokusatsu fans.

Now, with reports suggesting the curtain may soon fall, audiences worldwide are bracing for the possible end of an era.