The trailer for Godzilla Minus One, the latest installment in the Godzilla franchise has been released, teasing its darker vision of the tokusatsu icon.
Godzilla Minus One, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, is the 30th live-action Japanese and 37th total installment in the franchise. Yamazaki previously directed Always: Sunshine on 3rd Street 2 from 2006, which showed a CGI Godzilla in an elaborate dream sequence. The film is intended to celebrate the franchise’s 70th anniversary next year, the first film having been released on November 3rd, 1954. Godzilla Minus One is unrelated to the upcoming Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire being developed by Legendary Pictures.
Godzilla Minus One will be released on November 3rd, 2023 in Japan and December 1st, 2023 in North America. The North American distributor is currently unknown.
The King of The Monsters’ Roaring Return
The trailer teases shots of a ruined ’40s Japan to establish the post-Hiroshima time period. Ominously, the trailer displays the text, “From ‘zero’ to ‘minus'”, reflecting how Godzilla’s presence makes Japan’s dire situation even worse. The trailer then shows shots of the extensive destruction Godzilla causes, only hinting at his appearance by depicting his tail destroying a building and his feet marching towards helpless civilians. The brief teaser ends with a glimpse of Godzilla’s face as he lunges towards the ground.
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In a statement, Yamazaki noted the unnerving nature of the title character in Godzilla Minus One. “In order to depict this, the staff and I have worked together to create a setting where Godzilla looks as if ‘fear’ itself is walking toward us, and despair is piled on top of despair,” Yamazaki said. Yamazaki ended his statement by further noting how Godzilla Minus One needs to be witnessed in a theater. “I hope you will experience the most terrifying Godzilla in the best possible environment.”
The King Of The Monsters’ New Design Nods To The Past
The trailer effectively gives off the appropriate vibe a kaiju film like this should, considering the subject matter. Setting Godzilla Minus One in the ’40s is a smart idea, since it brings the franchise’s long-standing allegory for nuclear weapons to forefront. The teaser didn’t imply what the direct plot would be for the film, but it will presumably follow the structure of a typical solo Godzilla film. Namely, Godzilla appears and the Japanese government struggles to stop him at all costs.
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Between the trailer and new posters, this Godzilla’s design is extremely reminiscent of his designs from the Heisei Era and the MonsterVerse. Having the basic head shape of the former and the bulky photorealism of the latter. There also seems to be a bit of influence from the Godzilla 2000 design in how spiky and thin this Godzilla’s dorsal spines are. Interestingly, the trailer didn’t show the new version of Godzilla’s atomic breath, seemingly being saved for the actual film.
Godzilla Minus One and The Future of The Franchise
As Godzilla Minus One is touted as the 70th anniversary film, the pressure is definitely on to deliver a film that honors the franchise’s roots and has something new to say about the titular kaiju. The trailer definitely inspires confidence that Yamazaki will succeed in this goal by how engaging the trailer’s atmosphere is. More news will be coming soon regarding Godzilla Minus One‘s release in North American territories.
About GODZILLA -1.0/GODZILLA MINUS ONE
Release Date: November 3rd, 2023
Director/Screenplay/VFX: Takashi Yamazaki
Production: Toho Co.
Distribution: Toho Co.
Production Production: TOHO STUDIO, ROBOT
Logline
After the war, Japan has been reduced to zero.
Godzilla appears and plunges the country into a negative state.
The most desperate situation in the history of Japan.
Who? And how?
Will Japan stand up to it?
What did you think about the new teaser for Godzilla Minus One? Do you like Godzilla’s new design in the film? What’s your favorite Godzilla film or era? Let the Illuminerdi know on our social media, because we’re everywhere and everyone.
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Source: SciFi Japan
