TOHO has unveiled an exciting new trailer for “Godzilla Minus One,” the latest addition to the Godzilla franchise by director Takashi Yamazaki. This trailer not only introduces the cast but also showcases the iconic King of Monsters wreaking havoc in post-World War II Japan.
Ryunosuke Kamiki takes on the role of the protagonist, Kōichi Shikishima, while Minami Hamabe portrays the heroine, Noriko Ōishi. These two talents, who also headline NHK’s ongoing weekday morning series, “Ranman,” are joined by a stellar ensemble, including Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Andō, and Kuranosuke Sasaki.
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Fans can mark their calendars for the film’s highly anticipated release in Japan on November 3, 2023, known as “Godzilla Day,” coinciding with the anniversary of the original Godzilla film’s Japanese nationwide debut on November 3, 1954. The U.S. audience won’t have to wait too long, as the film hits theaters on December 1.
Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Japan, “Godzilla Minus One” promises a thrilling narrative.
Takashi Yamazaki, known for his expertise in both direction and writing, also spearheads the film’s visual effects. While primarily recognized for live-action works like “Always: Sunset on Third Street,” “Returner,” and “Parasyte,” Yamazaki has also ventured into the realm of CG films with projects like “Stand By Me Doraemon.”
Last year, TOHO made the initial announcement on “Godzilla Day,” generating immense excitement among fans.
TOHO’s previous Japanese live-action installment, “Shin Godzilla” directed by Hideaki Anno, roared into theaters in 2016, raking in a staggering 8.2 billion yen (US$75.6 million) at the Japanese box office. This marked a triumphant return for TOHO’s film series after a 12-year hiatus following 2004’s “Godzilla: Final Wars.” The film was later screened by Funimation in North American theaters in October 2016.
Notably, the “Godzilla Singular Point” anime series made its debut in Japan in March 2021, with episodes premiering on Netflix before airing on television. The global audience got a taste of the action when Netflix released the series in June 2021. Prior to this, Netflix had also introduced a trilogy of Godzilla anime films between November 2017 and November 2018.
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Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment’s “Godzilla vs. Kong” hit U.S. screens in March 2021, followed by a Japanese release in July 2021. Now, fans can anticipate its sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” arriving in theaters on April 15, 2024, complete with IMAX screenings. Legendary Entertainment is even charting a new course for the franchise with an upcoming series for the Apple TV+ streaming service.
Sources | Godzila Minus One film’s website, Mainichi Shimbun’s Mantan Web
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