Toho surprised everyone yesterday when they unveiled the first trailer for their new Godzilla film, Godzilla Resurgence. (Shin Gojira in Japan) Not having made a Godzilla film in 12 years and having seen the success of Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla, Toho has made a titanic effort in order to bring their iconic mascot back to the forefront of cinema.
Helmed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame, (Higuchi also directed both Attack on Titan films) Resurgence will be the the first Japanese outing for Godzilla since 2004’s Final Wars. The movie will have no interaction with Legendary’s current plan in motion for a cinematic universe stateside, and will be more akin to the original 1954 Gojira if the trailer is any indication. Sticking with their traditional suitmation, as well, the film will blend traditional effects with updated CGI ones, as well.
The Godzilla in this film is said to be the largest in his 62 year history, being an estimated 118.5 meters in height. 2014’s Legendary Godzilla previously held the record height at 108 meters. (Despite the American dubbing for the original Godzilla, the titular character was not 122 meters) Unlike 2014’s, who played an anti-hero role in his pursuit of the MUTOs across human civilization, this new Godzilla seems to be entirely antagonistic, as the trailers depict him and the military clashing, as well as his devious appearance making it clear as day. If anything, the horrific body designs, in particular the eyes, reference an updated look to the original ‘54 creature.
It seems highly unlikely that this Godzilla will square off against any other monsters in the film, further solidifying the inspiration it will draw from the original. The film stars Hiroki Hasegawa, Satomi Ishihara, and Yutaka Takenouchi. Currently the film is scheduled to be released in Japan on July 29, 2016, with no announcement of a release date outside of the country yet. Ishihara stated, however, that her character uses English in the film, hinting that we will see the film dubbed or subbed, as usual for all Godzilla films.
The trailer can be viewed below.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WkxVHyzivg[/youtube]
