On Nov 3, 1954, one of pop culture’s most famous monsters crashed into movie theatres to rave reviews. “Godzilla”, directed by Ishirō Honda, was deemed a supernatural disaster-movie masterpiece for its time.
The film by Toho Studios explored the horrors of the atomic bombing and its aftereffects, shocking audiences in its home country and worldwide.
Almost seven decades later, there are a total of 36 Godzilla films: 33 from Toho, one from Tristar Pictures (United States, 1998), and three appearances in the Monsterverse films produced by Legendary Pictures. And that’s not including what’s coming up in this list.
Here’s what we can expect as Toho, with Legendary help, extends its Guinness World Record for the “longest continuously running film franchise”, entering its 69th year.
‘Godzilla: Minus One’ (film)
Toho’s second Reiwa-era theatrical release is yet another retelling of the classic 1954 film, where Godzilla will not be seen as a hero of the people but a destructive gargantuan threat.
“Minus One” is set after World War II, when everything is reset to zero for Japan. However, Godzilla emerges to plunge the nation into a negative state – hence the title.
The retelling of the classic kaiju will be released in Japan today, with its North American debut on Dec 1. But what about Malaysia?
While there is no news on this front thus far, it’s highly possible we might get our limited theatrical release early next year, if the premieres of “Shin Godzilla” (2016), “Shin Ultraman” (2022), and “Shin Kamen Rider” (2023) are anything to go by.
‘Godzilla vs Megalon’ (short film)
The Japanese “tokusatsu” or “special effects” scene has been thriving well in recent years thanks to exclusive releases on YouTube, which helps studios bypass distributors and deliver content directly to audiences worldwide.
Such is the case with “Godzilla vs Megalon”, a 3D-animated short film debuting today in line with Godzilla Day, and also to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original movie.
A sequel to the six-minute “Godzilla vs Gigan Rex” (2022), we just might get a glimpse of Godzilla’s white atomic breath again!
Oh, if you’re fretting that six minutes of Godzilla action aren’t enough, let us remind you that Legendary’s first Godzilla outing only had 11 minutes of its eponymous character on screen.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (series)
While Apple TV+ may have some strong originals such as “Ted Lasso” and “Severance”, it’s clear that they, too, want to capitalise off an existing franchise. And that’s where Legendary’s Monsterverse comes in.
Set between the 1950s and the aftermath of 2014’s Godzilla, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” follows two siblings and their discovery of the elusive titular organisation Monarch.
Kurt Russell stars alongside his son Wyatt, who plays a younger version of his dad’s character; while John Goodman reprises his role from “Kong: Skull Island”.
“Monarch” premieres on Nov 17. Fun fact – the series is shot with 3D cameras in Apple’s Spatial Video Format for the Apple Vision Pro, an upcoming mixed-reality headset.
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ (film)
Isn’t it lovely when enemies become friends? This is the case in this sequel to “Godzilla vs Kong”, where both Titans must team up to fight a new Titan-ic threat.
While there is still not much news – and a full trailer has yet to be released – rumours are rife that the new threat might be the very reason why Kong has not been explicitly called “King” Kong in the Monsterverse thus far. A plausible theory?
Slated to hit the screens on April 12, 2024, this would mean the Monsterverse will comprise five films – four featuring Godzilla – and two TV series, the other being “Skull Island”.
With all this in hand, we hope you’re well-equipped to “SKREEONK” your way into celebrating one of cinema’s greatest legacies!