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It looks like the sequel to Godzilla Minus One is officially on its way, and two key characters might be coming back, even though Toho hasn’t made a big announcement yet. Fans online discovered that the names of Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe, who played Koichi and Noriko, are hidden in the source code of a casting page for the new film. It’s not exactly a public statement, but it’s a pretty strong hint.

Toho unintentionally confirmed Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe return as Koichi and Noriko in the ‘Godzilla Minus One’ sequel

Their Japanese names are hidden in the source code of the film's extra recruitment webpage. pic.twitter.com/2BZDUz7ZEE

— Kaiju No. 14 (@14_kaiju) July 28, 2025

I am being deadass

view-source:https://t.co/vxeM1XTUTl pic.twitter.com/0312FjDoP1

— Kaiju No. 14 (@14_kaiju) July 28, 2025

Back in early 2024, director Takashi Yamazaki said there hadn’t been any real discussions yet,...

It looks like Toho is moving forward with the next chapter in its hit Godzilla Minus One story, and fans may have just gotten their first real clue.

A recruitment page for extras on a Toho website accidentally gave something away. Hidden in the site’s source code were the Japanese names of Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe from the first film, which many believe points to their return in the upcoming sequel.

The studio hasn’t officially confirmed anything, but fans were quick to notice and share the find.

Toho unintentionally confirmed Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe return as Koichi and Noriko in the ‘Godzilla Minus One’ sequel

Their Japanese names are hidden in the source code of the film's extra recruitment webpage. pic.twitter.com/2BZDUz7ZEE

— Kaiju No. 14 (@14_kaiju) July 28, 2025

I am being deadass

view-source:https://t.co/vxeM1XTUTl pic.twitter.com/0312FjDoP1

— Kaiju No. 14 (@14_kaiju) July...

Last summer, fans saw this Certified Fresh Studio Ghibli anime movie return to theaters over a decade following its original release, and this year, we’re having the same treat! Per Gkids Films' official X (formerly Twitter) account, The Secret World of Arrietty will head back to theaters as part of this year's Ghibli Fest. It will be available in select theaters for a limited-time run, both in its original Japanese with English subtitles and in English dubbed form.

Beginning Sunday, June 22, The Secret World of Arrietty plays in theaters but will sadly conclude its run on Tuesday, June 24. This comes a year after the film returned to theaters on June 9 and 11, 2024. Its re-release was announced alongside another fan-favorite, When Marnie Was There, which was also celebrating its tenth anniversary at the time. Plus, it was re-released in both Japanese and English dubbed audio on June 10 and 12, 2024.

For those unfamiliar with the popular Ghibli Fest,...

Tom Cruise is one of the most popular movie stars in the world, and many of his films have become successful blockbusters or cult classics. However, the actor is also a big movie fan and never fails to show his appreciation for other films.

Just recently, Cruise shared his support for two popular releases: Ryan Coogler's Sinners, which stars Michael B. Jordan, and Ballerina, the John Wick spinoff starring Ana de Armas. His appreciation for other films continues with a very popular choice. In a new interview with filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki via Paramount, Cruise just proclaimed his Godzilla Minus One is a "perfect" creature feature.

The unexpected pairing happened while Cruise was promoting Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning alongside director Christopher McQuarrie and Takashi Yamazaki. During the conversation, McQuarrie also praised Godzilla Minus One, noting he felt it was "very beautiful, and very human."

Tom Cruise also shared...

Director Takashi Yamazaki brought the house down for fans when he released Godzilla Minus One in late 2023. It was a return to Godzilla's wartime and horror roots with some of the richest characters the franchise had ever seen. The filmmaker is currently hard at work on a Minus One sequel. However, that's not the only monster-sized project he's working on. It was just announced that Yamazaki is helping create a new atomic Godzilla Ride for fans to roar over.

Reported by Godzilla.com, “Godzilla: The Ride” is coming this summer. It's the second time the director has worked on an attraction after “Godzilla the Ride: Giant Monsters Ultimate Battle” at Japan’s Seibuen Amusement Park. The new ride looks to beat the original in every way with a massive scale and scope. Multiple locations are intended as well. More details about the ride's official name and what famous monsters are involved will come soon,...

Sometimes, the hardest part of movie night is picking the movie. We’ve got streaming top dogs practically throwing titles in our direction, and yet, we end up scrolling endlessly like it’s our part-time job.

Of course, there’s a time and place for a guilty pleasure, but if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more meat on its bones, consider this your guide to escaping the bland.

These 20 films deliver a little bit of everything – drama, sci-fi, (a bit of both in a love story?), and some good old existential crisis for the soul.

20. Melancholia (2011)

As a rogue planet drifts toward Earth from space, two sisters try to deal with the end of the world – one sinking into a state of numb despair, the other faltering under the weight of fear.

The second chapter in Lars von Trier’s Depression Trilogy, Melancholia, opens with...

With a purposeful grimace and a terrible sound, Godzilla will be stomping back into theaters sooner than later. Following a report from Bloomberg Japan (originally posted in Japanese), as part of a $800 million-dollar plan to promote and increase its international reach, Toho has announced that a direct sequel to 2023's Godzilla Minus One is in the works. It was previously reported in November 2024 that Toho had greenlit a new Godzilla movie to follow up on Minus One, but not that would be a direct sequel.

That initial announcement of a Minus One follow-up also included the information that director Takashi Yamazaki would be returning. Although we now know that Yamazaki's new movie will be a direct sequel, no further plot details or an expected release date have been announced. However, it's possible to make an educated guess about the date. We know that the deal in place between Toho...

Back in 2023, Toho released a new Godzilla film, titled Godzilla Minus One (read our review Here), in Japan on November 3rd, which happens to be Godzilla Day, the anniversary of the 1954 release of the original Godzilla movie. To celebrate the anniversary last year, they announced that they’ve given the greenlight to a new Godzilla movie that will be written and directed by Godzilla Minus One mastermind Takashi Yamazaki, who will also be handling the visual effects. Now, Bloomberg has revealed that Toho will be investing 120 billion yen ($1.2 billion) over the next three years to accelerate its globalization, and 15 billion of those yen (or about $105 million) will be going toward Godzilla projects, including the Godzilla Minus One follow-up!

It’s not clear how large the budget of Yamazaki’s new Godzilla movie will be. It has previously been confirmed that it will have a higher budget than Godzilla Minus One,...

Godzilla Minus One became a huge hit outside its native Japan, when it was released in 2023. Now, Toho Studios are officially moving forward with a sequel.

Per Bloomberg Japan, Toho Studios has dedicated $1.2 billion to a new globalization effort set to take place across the next three years. This move comes in response to what Toho sees as a growing demand for Japanese films and series across numerous international markets. Among the confirmed projects slated to be a part of this effort is a direct follow-up to the Academy Award-winning Godzilla Minus One.

Toho will also be launching their own subscription service, Toho-one, in the coming years, which will give members exclusive access to various films, plays, digital games, and other merchandise and tie-in materials. Toho reportedly aims to increase its overseas sales ratio from 10% to 30% by 2032, which will mark the company's 100th anniversary.

This may seem like a massive...

Based on the novel “Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutteyo” by Ryo Asai, “The Kirishima Thing” established Daihachi Yoshida as one of the most competent contemporary directors of the country. The movie won five awards from the Japan Academy, including Picture and Director of the Year for Yoshida, Best Editor for Mototaka Kusakabe, and Best Newcomers for Masahiro Higashide and Ai Hashimoto, both of whom ended up becoming superstars later on.

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The original story is an omnibus telling the stories of numerous characters, although Yoshida’s movie focuses mostly on two of them, Ryoya Maeda and Hiroki Kikuchi. The titular student, however, Kirishima, the captain of the volleyball team, a good student and boyfriend to one of the most popular girls in the school, Risa, shines through his absence. One day, out of the blue, he stops coming to school, and the rumors circulating...

New chapters of Dragon BallSuper could be coming sooner than anticipated. A brand-new ad for the series is potentially suggesting an early comeback, just as the latest volume release hints at the long-awaited return of Black Frieza.

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are buzzing over a new ad for Dragon Ball Super featured in Dragon Ball Super Volume 24, which was released in Japan on April 4, 2025. Kami Sama Explorer (@/kamisamaexp) shared an advertisement page for V-Jump magazine highlighting four prominent titles. Top, left to right, are Yu-Gi-Oh! Ocg Stories and Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai: Hero Avan and the Demon King of Hellfire. Bottom, left to right, are Dragon Ball Super and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. While it may seem like an ordinary ad at first glance, the Japanese text suggests that a new chapter of Dragon Ball Super could be released in late April.

Why Some Fans...

Back in 2023, Toho released a new Godzilla film, titled Godzilla Minus One (read our review Here), in Japan on November 3rd, which happens to be Godzilla Day, the anniversary of the 1954 release of the original Godzilla movie. To celebrate the anniversary last year, they announced that they’ve given the greenlight to a new Godzilla movie that will be written and directed by Godzilla Minus One mastermind Takashi Yamazaki, who will also be handling the visual effects. Now, Variety has been able to catch up with Yamazaki and confirm that “he’s currently working on the screenplay and storyboards for the new Godzilla movie.”

Yamazaki managed to make Godzilla Minus One for a budget of less than $15 million, and he mentioned to Variety that “expects to have more budget this time around from Toho, though he didn’t have an exact figure.”

Godzilla Minus One saw an already devastated postwar...

Quick LinksMakoto Shinkai's Your Name is a Modern Masterpiece of AnimeJJ Abrams' Planned Your Name Remake Has Already Gone Through 3 Different DirectorsMovies Like Your Name Are Probably Better Off Not Getting Remade

Although Hayao Miyazaki may be the world's leading figure in Japanese anime films, thanks to his widely recognized and beloved work from Studio Ghibli, other anime directors such as Makoto Shinkai have gained more and more recognition from Western audiences within the last decade. Despite being unfairly overlooked by the Academy, Shinkai’s 2016 film Your Name has been considered to be one of the best animated films of the century, ranking at number 83 on IMDb’s Top 250. It's a visual and thematic masterpiece of animation, which is why it’s so shocking that J.J. Abrams is currently feeling the need to remake it in live-action for American audiences. Abrams has accomplished quite a bit throughout his career as a producer and director,...

Prepare to get that killer theme song stuck in your head again, because Takashi Yamazaki has officially started working on the eagerly anticipated Godzilla Minus One sequel. After decades of Hollywood attempting to bring Godzilla to the U.S., with incredibly mixed results, Yamazaki took the king of the kaiju back to Japanese shores on a fraction of the budget and created what is arguably the greatest Godzilla movie of all time. Minus One was emotional, action-packed, and featured jaw-dropping (and Oscar-winning) visual effects. As a result, fans were expectedly desperate for more.

During an appearance at the Visual Effects Society Awards (via Variety), Takashi Yamazaki revealed that he'd begun penning the script and storyboarding the highly anticipated sequel. The new film was announced back in November last year. Yamazaki didn't reveal any potential plot details, but it is expected to follow pilot Koichi Shikishima and his wife Noriko Oishi...

The fictional monster Godzilla has been around for over seven decades, with various media appearances. However, one of the best recent films starring the King of Monsters is the 2023 Academy Award-winning film Godzilla Minus One.

The fantasy film marked the 33rd movie in Toho's Godzilla franchise and the fifth in the Reiwa era. It was set in the postwar Japan era, following a former kamikaze pilot suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after encountering a giant monster known as "Godzilla." Following the worldwide success of the film, director Takashi Yamazaki gave an exciting update on the sequel while winning another major award, per Variety.

RelatedGodzilla Minus One Wins Yet Another Major Movie Award

Godzilla is the king of the monsters but also of the awards.

On Feb. 11, Yamazaki accepted the Society's Visionary Award at the Visual Effects Society, and addressed his views on AI and teased new details about the upcoming Godzilla film.

Godzilla Minus One is one of the best entries in the Godzilla franchise and its unbeatable dominance continues. After scoring an Oscar in 2024, the film scored yet another big award.

The Japanese epic fantasy film was one of the titles to take home an award at the 52nd annual Saturn Awards, which took place on Sunday, Feb. 2. Some of the biggest winners were Dune: Part Two, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Deadpool & Wolverine. The awards honor the best in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and Godzilla Minus One scored the award for Best International Film, as announced by the Saturn Awards.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Saturn Awards (@saturnawards)

RelatedGodzilla x Kong Director Recruits Another Monsterverse Star for Next Movie

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire director Adam Wingard adds another Monsterverse star to the cast of his upcoming A24 horror film.

Godzilla Minus One's world premiere was on Oct.

Since the 1950s, science fiction films have given audiences some of the greatest works of cinema in history, from Ridley Scott's Alien to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. As with any genre, the direction of its films can be varied, with some remaining untouched standalone projects, some continuing on as franchises while others are remade for later generations. In the case of remakes, science fiction has some of the best films in cinema.

Science fiction remakes can be a mixed bag, among both critics and audiences, with some surpassing expectations while others fall short of being even a pale imitation of the originals. That being said, some remakes stand as a testament to how classic stories from a more limited period in film can be turned into modern masterpieces through superior effects, visionary writers and directors, and stunning cinematography.

Godzilla Minus One Was A Box Office Sensation Original Film:...

Some Studio Ghibli movies are sweet coming-of-age stories and tales of childhood whimsy, and they're all fully encapsulated narratives. Others cover more intense and complex topics like war, pollution, and human violence. The best ones, however, are often a blend of magical realism and emotional depth. That said, each Ghibli story comes full circle, offering thoughtful conclusions about difficult topics and hopeful happily ever afters after a hard-won character arc.

Studio Ghibli has a stellar reputation, even for audiences who don't really watch anime, although their offerings are generally more complex than the average anime series. In fact, most of their films are considered classics of the wider animation genre that includes Western movies. Even the more open-ended Ghibli films are satisfying and beg further thought. Studio Ghibli movies often work on more than one level — one that younger audiences will enjoy, and one that more mature viewers will appreciate.

Many of Studio Ghibli's movies bring viewers into a magical world full of wonder and spirits. However, not all of their anime movies follow this mentality. Some of their works feature little magic, allowing fans to find the magic in the mundane.

Although many Studio Ghibli fans prefer more magical anime to the more realistic films, these movies are not to be overlooked. There's beauty in the realistic, and Miyazaki recognizes this. These ten Studio Ghibli films feature stories taking place in the ordinary human world.

The Borrowers Hide in Our World in The Secret World of Arrietty Tiny Humans Live Among Us

The Secret World of Arrietty is a 2010 film with some fantasy elements. In this movie, there is a race of tiny humans called Borrowers. These little ones take things from the human world that they don't think will be missed before slipping away to hide between...

For many anime fans, the works of Studio Ghibli acted as their gateway to the medium. There is truly a film from the production company for any viewer, no matter the genre they may prefer. If the audience desires to watch a lighthearted film, Kiki's Delivery Service is a wonderful choice; meanwhile, if the viewer wants something more action-packed, the thrilling narrative of Princess Mononoke may prove to be their new favorite.

The works of Studio Ghibli are often praised for their grand narratives, compelling characters and beautiful animation. A common theme in the films is the importance of respecting nature and living in harmony with the planet, as well as the inhabitants of the Earth. For nature lovers, Studio Ghibli films are often a favorite, though several of these films are the most striking when it comes to this major theme.

Related 10 Most Thought-Provoking Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked

From...

There are a few different Studio Ghibli directors, and they draw from many forms of source material for their films, from historical fiction to young adult fantasy novels to science fiction manga. The creatives in Studio Ghibli each have their own niche interests, storytelling styles, and artistic sensibilities. They also share many interests, which inform the common tropes and themes throughout the Ghibli film pantheon.

Studio Ghibli started producing films in the 1980s, and they continue to release anime masterpieces to this day. No matter how many times a character type, literary subgenre, or theme appears in a Ghibli story, it still feels vital and fans enjoy the recurring motifs. Each Studio Ghibli film has something unique and nuanced to say with their go-to storytelling elements.

Sophie Thinks That She's Unremarkable in Howl's Moving Castle Trope: Underdog Protagonist

Howl's Moving Castle is based on a young adult fantasy novel of...

Studio Ghibli films are no stranger to complex ideas and messages, often using the film’s characters, setting or conflicts to encourage viewers to consider their own stances, such as Howl’s views on vanity in Howl’s Moving Castle or Jiro’s dashed dreams of becoming a pilot in The Wind Rises. These moments offer the audience a self-reflective chance to ponder deep internal questions, with the breadth and scope of these questions stretching far and wide thanks to the staggering number of films in Studio Ghibli’s roster.

From Chihiro confronting greed and materialism within her time at Yubaba’s bathhouse in Spirited Away to Anna struggling to find her place in the world as an adopted child yearning to understand her biological family in When Marnie Was There, Studio Ghibli encourages viewers to dissect their own thoughts relating to broad topics in their most thought-provoking films.

Related This...

The anime world has an innate talent for emotionally stirring viewers with profound stories and moments. Anime gravitate the audience towards a whirlwind of deeply impacting themes, culminating in lasting memories comprising multiple emotions. From heartfelt reunions to the bittersweet sacrifices of heroes, these moments resonate deeply, often overwhelming fans with emotion.

While many anime moments bring tears of sorrow, there are rare, extraordinary instances that inspire tears of pure joy—moments of triumph, love, and hope that celebrate the beauty of life and connection. The anime universe is filled with unforgettable moments in which fans couldn’t help but feel elated. These scenes stand out as shining examples of the emotional depth anime can achieve.

Related 10 Most Satisfying Anime Deaths That Made Fans Say Good Riddance

Some anime villains had it coming, and we enjoyed their downfall.

Sophie Breaks Howl’s Curse Sophie's Bravery Is The True Essence Of...

Anime Limited and Toho Co. Ltd. are excited to reveal that the highly anticipated home video release of Godzilla Minus One is available now on 4K Uhd+Blu-ray Deluxe Edition, 4K Uhd+Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD, to celebrate we are giving away a Blu-ray to a lucky winner!

The latest film in Toho’s classic series, Godzilla Minus One was crafted to be the most terrifying incarnation of the character yet, returning the franchise to its post-war roots with a powerful and poignant story about a Japan gripped by the helplessness of having already lost everything before this new, monstrous threat emerges. The film earned critical acclaim and broke multiple UK & Irish box office records on release, including the largest opening day for a Japanese film (live-action and animated) in over 23 years. The film became a sensation across the world, culminating in Godzilla Minus One winning Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards,...

Stars: Minami Hamabe, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Sakura Ando, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Yuki Yamada, Yuya Endo, Kisuke Iida, Sae Nagatani, Ozuno Nakamura | Written and Directed by Takashi Yamazaki

Nearly 70 years since Godzilla first appeared on-screen, the king of the monsters has headlined almost 40 feature films along with a few TV shows. Initially conceived as a metaphor for nuclear weapons, the atomic dinosaur has since battled numerous monsters on-screen, something that has driven Warner Bros’ recent adaptations while they build a Monsterverse. A different approach has been taken by writer/director Takashi Yamazaki, taking the icon back to its post-war roots for an outstanding work that is among the franchise’s best.

As World War II nears its end, kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) runs from his orders by claiming that his aircraft is faulty. His arrival on Odo Island coincides with the attack of Godzilla which kills all...

Lee Isaac Chung, the director behind films and series including Minari (2020), The Mandalorian and this year's box office smash-hit Twisters, has opened up about why his live-action movie adaptation of Makoto Shinkai's Your Name was doomed to failure.

Chung was excited to bring his own take on Shinkai's Your Name to the world as a fan of the original film. "That was a situation in which I just loved all the people so much," he told Empire. However, while working from a script by Emily V. Gordon, he realized what a monumental task had been put in front of him. "I like the animated film," Chung explained, "but what I didn't realize is how hard it is to adapt a Japanese animated movie and to try to do that for America. That was the goal that Toho had put before us. But it's really hard to do."

Related Your...

Godzilla Minus One director Takashi Yamazaki is responsible for one of the most successful modern iterations of the iconic kaiju. Recently, he revealed that he met Marvel head honcho Keving Feige, who had nothing but good things to say about the film and future Godzilla projects.

Per VirtualGorilla, the director made an appearance on a panel at the Tokyo International Film Festival to celebrate Godzillas 70th anniversary. Yamazaki was discussing the reception of Godzilla Minus One overseas, when he mentioned an interaction with the president of Marvel, presumably Kevin Feige. "The president of Marvel told me, 'Wadatsumi!'" Wadatsumi, of course, was the codename for the operation to take out Godzilla. Yamazaki continued, "He told me, 'We're all having meetings every day to see if we can make it happen like that.' I think it's just lip service."

Related David Cronenberg's The Fly Is Getting a Follow-Up Film...

Godzilla Minus One Box Office (North America): Re-Release Opening Weekend Update ( Photo Credit – Netflix )

Godzilla Minus One was re-released in the United States one year after its theatrical release. The film returned to mark the 70th anniversary of Godzilla. It grossed winning numbers in its re-release debut weekend. It was written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Keep scrolling for more.

The movie was a big success at the box office and was made on a budget of $15 million. It collected seven times the production budget. Ryunosuke Kamiki led the movie with Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, and Kuranosuke Sasaki in supporting roles.

According to Luiz Fernando’s report, Godzilla Minus One was re-released in 1,365 theatres in North America. It is the first film in the Godzilla franchise to win an Oscar in its 70-year history. The movie collected a strong $510K on its three-day reissue weekend,...

Godzilla Minus One manages an impressive box office haul one year after its initial release. The Toho-produced kaiju monster movie tells the story of postwar Japan riddled with a new crisis when a giant reptilian monster takes over their major cities. Godzilla Minus One was met with positive reviews upon its release on December 1, 2023. It was written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki and featured a leading cast including Munetaka Aoki, Minami Hamabe, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Sakura Ando, Yuki Yamada, and Kuranosuke Sasaki.

As per Collider, Godzilla Minus One's rerelease has done decently at the box office. After returning to theaters for a limited screening, Godzilla Minus One brought in a box office hault of $510,000 this weekend. This extra half a million makes the film's North American total sit at $56.9 million. Its big screen return includes 13 minutes of extra footage, as the screening engagement commemorates the 70th anniversary of Godzilla.

What...

Fresh off the news that the movie would be receiving a sequel, the stunning Godzilla Minus One has returned to theaters for a limited engagement to mark a year since its release, and as another celebration of the year of Godzilla's 70th anniversary. The movie grossed $510,000 this weekend, which boosted its total in North America to $56.9 million. The movie returned to the big screen in 1365 locations across North America featuring 13 minutes of new footage, and it absolutely put butts on seats as people couldn't get enough of what many claim was the greatest Godzilla film in history. It also allowed audiences to witness the incredible visual effects of Minus One, which were impressive enough to earn the Godzilla franchise its first Academy Award for Best VFX at this year's ceremony. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film stars Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, and Munetaka Aoki.

Beating all odds Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One became the first ever film in the franchise to win an Academy Award. The talented filmmaker not only looked after the direction of the film but also handled the writing and visual effects.

After causing much chaos at the Oscars, fans are now excited for the movie’s sequel which will reportedly be directed by Yamazaki again. However, this time a familiar face should lead the Kaiju film, and it’s none other than Hiroyuki Sanada. Instead of the Westernization of the movie, fans deserve an authentic but talented cast and the Shōgun actor is the perfect choice.

The unexpected win: A golden chance Still from Godzilla Minus One | Credits: Toho Co., Ltd.

In 2023 the Godzilla franchise received its 37th movie written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The director was known for his exceptional visual effects and had received numerous accolades,...

Godzilla fans have reason to roar with excitement, as Toho has greenlit a new movie from Godzilla Minus One director Takashi Yamazaki.

Godzilla Minus One took a unique approach to the traditional giant lizard tale that created one of 2023’s best films: A prequel to the Godzilla franchise set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the movie depicts a Japan struggling to get back on its feet as seen through the eyes of Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a young man paralyzed by grief and trauma following the war (and an adjacent Godzilla attack).

Godzilla Minus One notably won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards: Before becoming a director, Yamazaki got his start working as a VFX supervisor, experience which was undoubtedly essential to keeping the first film’s budget under $15 million while looking as good as any $200 million blockbuster.

The new Toho movie...

On the heels of his triumph with Oscar winner Godzilla Minus One, Takashi Yamazaki is set to write, direct and steer VFX for a new Godzilla film for Toho, the Japanese creator and longtime steward of the franchise, Toho announced on Friday.

The news came as part of an “Emergency Announcement” via X (formerly Twitter). No further details on the project were disclosed, including whether the film will be a direct follow-up to Godzilla Minus One.

A monster hit at a worldwide gross of over $116M, against a relatively lean budget, Godzilla Minus One won Yamazaki the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects earlier this year, besting titles including Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Napoleon and The Creator.

Pic is set in the aftermath of World War II, with Japan already grappling with economic and social devastation before an even more destructive force arrives: Godzilla.

Following the release of the critically acclaimed, Academy Award-winning monster epic Godzilla Minus One, writer, director, and visual effects supervisor Takashi Yamazaki will return to helm another outing featuring the iconic kaiju. The studio behind the Godzilla franchise, Toho, took to social media today to reveal an Emergency Announcement, which states that A New Godzilla Film is now in production, with Takashi Yamazaki once again writing, directing, and providing VFX for this next installment in the beloved series.

Godzilla Minus One was released theatrically in Japan to huge success back in November last year, with Toho's American subsidiary, Toho International, releasing the movie in the U.S. in December. The Godzilla outing is the 37th installment in the long-running franchise and finds the iconic beast tormenting post-war Japan. Already devastated by the war, a new crisis emerges in the form of the giant monster. It has not yet been confirmed...

Last year, Toho released a new Godzilla film, titled Godzilla Minus One (read our review Here), in Japan on November 3rd, which happens to be Godzilla Day, the anniversary of the 1954 release of the original Godzilla movie. That was the 69th anniversary – and since this year marks the 70th anniversary of the original film, Godzilla Minus One is returning to theatres this weekend… and that’s not the only way Toho is celebrating the anniversary. Today, they have also announced that they’ve given the greenlight to a new Godzilla movie that will be written and directed by Godzilla Minus One mastermind Takashi Yamazaki, who will also be handling the visual effects! The announcement can be seen right here:

Emergency Announcement pic.twitter.com/YhfztQgu0Z

— Godzilla.Official (@Godzilla_Toho) November 1, 2024

Godzilla Minus One saw an already devastated postwar Japan facing a new threat in the form of Godzilla. Toho...

Godzilla is stomping its way back to the big screen.

A new “Godzilla” movie, from the director of last year’s Oscar-winning Japanese film “Godzilla Minus One,” has been officially greenlit. Toho, the Japanese entertainment company and creator of Godzilla, made the announcement on Friday.

Takashi Yamazaki, who wrote and directed the surprise hit “Godzilla Minus One,” will return for the new film. He’s once again handling the VFX, after winning the Academy Award for best visual effects in 2023.

“Godzilla Minus One” was Toho 33rd “Godzilla” movie and the 37th to include the famous monster. The Japanese film is unrelated to Hollywood’s recent portrayals of Godzilla in Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Monsterverse, which includes King Kong. Set in Japan after World War II, “Godzilla Minus One” starred Ryunosuke Kamiki as Kōichi Shikishima, a former kamikaze pilot who survives an almost fatal encounter with Godzilla and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Last year, Toho released a new Godzilla film, titled Godzilla Minus One (read our review Here), in Japan on November 3rd, which happens to be Godzilla Day, the anniversary of the 1954 release of the original Godzilla movie. That was the 69th anniversary – and since this year marks the 70th anniversary of the original film, Godzilla Minus One is returning to theatres this weekend, with screenings starting on November 1st. There’s also a black & white version of Godzilla Minus One that’s called Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color, and that version of the film is also returning to theatres for this celebration. To see if Godzilla Minus One and/or Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color will be showing near you this weekend, check out the Tickets.Godzilla website.

Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus One sees an already devastated postwar Japan facing a new threat in the form of Godzilla.

Black and white re-release of one of the fire-breathing lizard’s best outings looks terrific and has an intriguingly ambiguous human lead actor

It’s 70 years since Godzilla first stomped into cinemas, and the big lad has barely aged a day. He’s the Cher of movie monsters: constant reinvention, permanent icon status (even in his ropier moments), while never being afraid to play the hits and give the people what they want. Which in Godzilla’s case is a big fire-breathing lizard smooshing skyscrapers to rubble while the people below flee like ants. That’s exactly what you got a satisfying amount of in Godzilla Minus One – and now it’s re-released in monochrome as, wait for it, Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color. Do you see what they did there?

The film, if you recall, opened by introducing its human protagonist Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) in the dog days of the second world war,...

"There's no way to stop it." The big radioactive lizard is back! Again! Japan's Toho is planning another 2024 re-release of this beloved, Oscar-winning, monster movie mega-hit Godzilla: Minus One. The re-release is part of the 70th Anniversary of Godzilla celebrations (more info here), because the original Gojira movie opened in Japan on November 1st way back in 1954. So this is also re-releasing on November 1st in the US as well - after a successful run last winter. Prolific Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki directed this epic action sci-fi - starring Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, Kuranosuke Sasaki. Post-war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb. The movie originally opened in Japan last November and in the US in December, becoming a hit worldwide before...

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Last year's "Godzilla Minus One" was a great many things. Primarily, it was a pleasant surprise that came out of nowhere to become one of the greatest entries in the history of the long-running "Godzilla" franchise. That's a credit to writer/director Takashi Yamazaki, who delivered the goods with this one. He even served up a somewhat divisive ending, which reveals that Noriko (Minami Hamabe) actually lived through Godzilla's devastating attack. It's a happy ending, for better or worse. But it wasn't always going to be that way.

Yamazaki recently appeared at New York Comic Con to take part in a panel celebrating the 70th anniversary of the original 1954 classic "Godzilla" later this month. During the panel, the filmmaker addressed Noriko's fate and explained (via Kaiju United) that the original draft of the script killed her off. Realizing that...

Godzilla Minus One is one of the best modern iterations of the beloved franchise, and wowed audiences upon its release in 2023. Now, in the midst of the franchises 70th anniversary celebration, it is being re-released with never-before-seen bonus content.

Per AMC, Takashi Yamazakis Academy Award-winning film is making its way back to AMC theaters starting on Nov. 1, 2024, with 13 extra minutes of content. The films return to the big screen is part of the Godzilla franchises 70th anniversary celebrations. In the fall of 1954, Ishir Hondas original film premiered, creating a cultural phenomenon that has lasted throughout generations. The franchise has been reinvented multiple times, and it has transcended cultural boundaries. Still, Godzilla Minus One feels like a particularly good homage to the original, having risen to become the best-selling Japanese Godzilla film of all time.

Related Retro Review: Godzilla (1954) is More Interested in Entertaining Than Educating, and That's Fine

Ishir Honda's...

The King of the Monsters celebrates the big 70 in style this November with a special re-release of Godzilla Minus One in theaters. The Academy Award-winning film (Best Visual Effects) returns to cinemas this November as a part of the beloved kaijus 70th anniversary celebration. Godzilla first stomped into theaters in 1954 with the original black-and-white masterpiece, Gojira, by director Ishir Honda. The Godzilla Minus One screenings will include 13 minutes of exclusive bonus content, and the rest of the announcement reads as follows, courtesy of AMC Theatres:

The Academy Award Winning film is back in theatres to celebrate the King of the Monsters 70th anniversary, with approximately 13 minutes of exclusive bonus content to mark the release of the first film. Japan, devastated after the war, faces a new threat in the form of Godzilla. How will the country confront this impossible situation?

Godzilla Minus Ones poignant story and Oscar-winning special effects...

Academy Award-winning Global Sensation Releases on 4K Uhd+Bd Collector’s Edition

4K Uhd+Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD on 2nd December 2024

Last year, the Academy Award-winning Godzilla Minus One stomped across the world to become a global sensation, and now cinema’s most famous lizard has its eyes set on your home! Anime Limited and Toho Co. Ltd. are excited to reveal that the highly anticipated home video release of Godzilla Minus One will make the perfect holiday gift when it releases on 4K Uhd+Blu-ray Deluxe Edition, 4K Uhd+Blu-ray Steelbook, Blu-ray and DVD on Monday 2nd December 2024, with pre-orders available now!

Given the breadth of passion and excitement for the film, Anime Limited and Toho Co., Ltd set out to ensure that no matter your preferences or budget, that there’s a version of Godzilla Minus One for you. Seasoned collectors will want to feast their eyes...

Japan’s Gaga Corporation has boarded international sales of anthology drama At The Bench and will introduce the starry feature to buyers at the Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm) in Busan this week.

The cast includes some of Japan’s most notable young stars such as Suzu Hirose, a regular in the films of Hirokazu Kore-eda who will lead the upcoming adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hills; Ryunosuke Kamiki, who starred in Oscar-winning blockbuster Godzilla Minus One; Taiga Nakano, who stars in upcoming Tokyo International Film Festival opener 11 Rebels; and Yukino Kishii, who won best...

Japan’s Gaga Corporation has boarded international sales of anthology drama At The Bench and will introduce the starry feature to buyers at the Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm) in Busan this week.

The cast includes some of Japan’s most notable young stars such as Suzu Hirose, a regular in the films of Hirokazu Kore-eda who will lead the upcoming adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hills; Ryunosuke Kamiki, who starred in Oscar-winning blockbuster Godzilla Minus One; Taiga Nakano, who stars in upcoming Tokyo International Film Festival opener 11 Rebels; and Yukino Kishii, who won best...

Godzilla Minus One was a visual feast, and what shocked fans was that the film was able to rival other CGI fests with its meager budget. The film took the franchise back to the drawing board, bringing it back to the World War 2 era.

Godzilla Minus One || Credit: Toho

The CGI of the film received an Academy Award, something that took the industry by storm. The creatives behind the film talked about their VFX process and revealed how the story of the film played with the VFX capabilities of the production team.

The CGI team owed a lot to a young compositor in the company A scene featuring Godzilla from Godzilla Minus One || Toho Co. Ltd.

The creative team talked about how their narrative was able to include more CGI shots because of one young compositor in the company. Speaking to A Frame, they said:

We had a very young...

Just a couple days after we learned that Godzilla Minus One is headed to 4K & Blu-ray here in the United States, Netflix has announced that the black & white version is streaming soon.

Godzilla Minus One / Minus Color will be available on Netflix beginning August 1!

The full-color version of Godzilla Minus One is also currently streaming on Netflix.

Watch the trailer for the monochrome version of Godzilla Minus One below, which evokes the classic black & white spirit of Toho’s original Godzilla movie from back in 1954.

Toho’s Godzilla Minus One, written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, sees an already devastated post-World War II Japan facing a new threat in the form of Godzilla.

Yamazaki previews the black & white version of the film, “Rather than just making it monochrome, it is a cut by cut. I had them make adjustments while making full use of various mattes, as if they were creating a new movie.

Godzilla Minus One is a standalone Japanese film honoring the original 1954 Godzilla movie and its historical context. The film features an upgraded atomic breath for Godzilla, consistent with the MonsterVerse iteration. Godzilla's Heat Ray is also more powerful and deadly in this film, referencing past Godzilla movies.

One of the most immersive and emotionally charged movies of 2023, Godzilla Minus One honors and advances the titular terror's historical canon. While the film does not belong to one cinematic universe or have ties to Godzilla's MonsterVerse, the standalone effort pays homage to Ishiro Honda's 1954 original and the historical context regarding atomic energy and nuclear war. Moreover, thanks to great technological advances in the VFX, Godzilla's incendiary atomic breath has been drastically upgraded in the throwback event film.

Godzilla Minus One 4/5 Release Date December 1, 2023Director Takashi YamazakiCast Rynosuke Kamiki, Takayuki Yamada, Sakura AndouMain Genre Action

With Godzilla Minus One available on Netflix,...

Summer is here, which means you might have some extra time on your hands. Why not watch a great movie? Ah, but finding the right movie to watch on streaming can be a chore. Not to worry, we’ve put together a curated list of some of the best new movies streaming in June — from monster mashes to Oscar contenders to underrated gems that hit theaters earlier this year and are making their streaming debut. Platforms spans Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu and more — there’s a little something for everyone, and we’ve also thrown in some new library titles to put on your watchlist as well.

Check out our picks for the best new movies streaming in June 2024 below.

“Godzilla Minus One” Godzilla Minus One (Credit: Toho Studios)

Netflix – June 1

Yes. “Godzilla Minus One” is finally streaming. Our long national nightmare is finally over. The movie, which is...

Toho’s Godzilla Minus One was a roaring success, further solidifying the immense impact of Godzilla as a character. Godzilla not only shakes things up literally but also remains one of the most famous and beloved characters in cinema history.

A still of Godzilla from Godzilla Minus One | Toho

Toho has introduced new guidelines for all future Godzilla projects, emphasizing that Godzilla cannot die or harm people or objects. Fans are a bit worried and skeptical about the decision, viewing it not wise for future Godzilla projects.

Toho’s New Rule for Future Godzilla Movies

Over the past few years, Godzilla has absolutely crushed the box office of both Japanese and Western industries. Last year’s Godzilla Minus One marked Toho’s 70th anniversary, becoming not only the most successful Japanese Godzilla film ever but also a critical and award-winning triumph.

Suggested“It’s a rejection of that idea, not...