“Godzilla” geeks can slowly prepare themselves for a Toho “Godzilla” movie set for 2016. The project was announced on Sunday, December 7, standing as the first Japanese take on a “Godzilla” movie in 12 years. Toho released “Godzilla: Final Wars” back in 2004, and fans of the franchise will be well acquainted with the American version which stormed theatres back in May this year.
Toho said in the press release:
“We have received earnest requests for the revival from fans. We want to begin production as early as next summer,”
Japan is Launching a ‘Godzilla’ Movie for 2016
Variety was first the break the exiting news; they had the following to say:
“Toho has launched what it calls the Godzilla Strategic Conference (Godzi-Con), a committee of studio executives and directors whose aim is to reboot the Godzilla brand, including the new “Godzilla” pic. The head of the new Godzilla project, veteran producer Taichi Ueda, told the press that, though Toho will not spend the $200 million reportedly lavished on the American “Godzilla,” “The time has come for Japan to make a film that will not lose to Hollywood.” Ueda added that Toho hopes to make Godzilla a character that “will represent Japan and be loved around the world” by the time of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”
This is really something to celebrate as we get see “Godzilla” take on the world as one of the top monster franchises. The original Japanese version of “Godzilla” was reintroduced in U.S. theaters to celebrate its 60th anniversary back in April this year. Rialto Pictures released a new restoration of the 1954 version which debuted on April 12 at the fifth TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. The vintage film was released nationally from April 18-24.
A follow-up to Gareth Edwards’ wildly popular movie is planned to be released on June 8, 2018. Edward will return as helmer for “Godzilla 2” after his first effort raked in $93.2 million in its opening weekend, and ended up with over $500 million at the worldwide box office in total.
