After the success of “Godzilla Minus One” last year, it was inevitable that Toho would tap Takashi Yamizaki for a sequel. Well, the inevitable is now official: a new teaser announced that the Japanese studio has greenlit a follow-up to the 2023 film, with Yamizaki returning to write, direct, and lead VFX. The sudden news only makes sense for US audiences; “Godzilla Minus One” is back in stateside theaters for a limited run.
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The teaser is about as barebones as it gets, however. Title cards run this message in a ten-second clip: “Emergency Announcement. A New Godzilla Film. Production Greenlit. VFX, Written, And Directed By Takasi Yamizaki. Further Updates To Follow.” So, no title, projected release date, or cast list, but that news should come imminently as Toho looks to ride the wave of their previous film’s success.
“Godzilla Minus One” had its world premiere last October 18 in Japan at the Shinjuku Toho Building in Tokyo before opening in Japanese theaters on November 3, 2023 to celebrate the franchise’s 70th anniversary. Early critical acclaim for Yamizaki’s film pushed Toho International to give the film an international release, and the movie debuted in US theaters on December 1. “Godzilla Minus One” went on to become the most successful Japanese “Godzilla” movie to date, grossing $116 million worldwide. Not bad for Yamizaki’s first time directing a live-action feature film.
Talks of a sequel gained traction after “Godzilla Minus One” received 12 nominations at the 47th annual Japanese Academy Film Prize awards, winning eight. The film also won Best Visual Effects Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards last March. Flash-forward roughly a half-year, and Toho is ready to put a follow-up by Yamizaki in active development. Expect the studio to give the project a hefty budget significantly larger than the 2023 film’s $15 million.
Check out the announcement teaser for Takashi Yamizaki’s new “Godzilla” movie below.
