UPDATE: Toho has confirmed the story.
EARLIER: Toho and Takashi Yamazaki’s acclaimed “Godzilla Minus One” (2023) was this incredible commercial success — over $55M domestically and a worldwide total of just over $115M. The film was made on a paltry $15M budget with a combination of practical effects and CGI. Hollywood could learn a thing or two from the Japanese VFX industry.
If you’re a fan of ‘Minus One,’ there’s some very good news. I’m looking at a grid right now that has Takashi Yamazaki set to direct the next Godzilla movie, set in Japan, and potentially starting production in late 2025. No title or plot details have been revealed at this time. Let the man cook! Give him the creative freedom to make whatever he wants.
Takashi’s original background was as a visual effects supervisor. I can’t say I’ve seen many of his films, but he’s known in Japan for his effects-driven blockbusters and has won a slew of Japanese Oscars. The one film of his that I had previously seen was “The Eternal Zero” (2013).
“Godzilla Minus One” took place in devastated post-war Japan where the monster goes on a rampage — the final seaside stretch was an absolute nail biter. This is the second of the live-action Reiwa era ‘Godzilla’ films, the first being 2016’s “Shin Godzilla”.
‘Minus One’ was the 37th film in the franchise, and Toho's 33rd Godzilla film. Recently, Guillermo del Toro gushed over ‘Minus One,’ writing that it’s one of the “Top 3 Godzilla films of all time (actually top two). Theatre-sized ambition and fulfillment. A Miracle.” Many people would agree with him on that.
It wasn’t just Guillermo who raved ‘Minus One.’ Other filmmakers who have come out professing their love for the film include Steven Spielberg, and Christopher Nolan.