If you’re a fan of ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ here’s some good news for you.
It had already been reported that Takashi Yamazaki was set to direct the next Godzilla for Toho. No title or plot details had been revealed at that time. Turns out, the film is a direct sequel to ‘Minus One.’ It will be set in Japan, and could start production in late 2025.
“Godzilla Minus One” was this incredible success in late 2023 — earning $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.
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.
Still no distributor for "Bucking Fastard," "Alpha Gang," "The Last Photograph," "Closing Night," and "The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd." The issue seems to be quality more than a lack of willingness to buy.