Godzilla 2016: A Nuclear Nightmare?

KINGKAIJUGOJIRA - I can not describe how utterly ecstatic I would be if Toho's new Godzilla resembles the original from 1954! That would likely bring me to tears! Ugh! We are so getting ahead of ourselves - but it is extremely fun to hypothesize with all of you! :)

"We have our fears and we have reality, then you have Godzilla which is reality."

Like Gman2887 said, if Anno claims that fear, he should express it through his vision. Ishoro Honda witnessed first hand what the dangers of the atomic bomb and radiation can do to the world. He applied that to Godzilla.

Fear can mean many things. So, if Anno wants to express that fear, he should by having Godzilla being that malevolent (God) in which he was visioned and created. A towering, meanacing, devil that unleashes hell on earth.

I'm actually creating some fan art for my hype of this film. I really look forward to it.

BIGBADBEN - How very excellent! I am exceptionally excited to see what you are producing! There is no doubt in my mind that you will create truly astounding images and I, for one, will be honored in the extreme to view them! :)

@Something real,

Well, first thing is first. I am wrapping up the Godzilla raids again graphic novel as we speak. I will be releasing it on here, Twitter, and Devaintart within one more month. After that GorillaGodzilla has been waiting very patiently for his request for a poster on Godzilla 2018.

As soon as those are knocked out of the way, I'm going into production on them. Then who knows what's next? ;)

BIGBADBEN - I can not wait! :)

A recapitulation of this would be fine with me:

@Jamaal,

I think people can put that "vs." To rest.

When they said "our greatest worst nightmare " that should have been an indication that this very well could be a solo Godzilla film. The first in 32 years! 

Now, they can still do a vs. movie, but I'm beginning to have my doubts. They can include another monster and still make it work but, that doesn't feel right to me personally.

It needs to be a solo Godzilla film. To me at least. There are so many unanswered questions going around right now. 

BIGBADBEN and JAMAAL - Indeed! I want the "greatest worst nightmare"! Bring it on! :)

A solo film keeps coming to mind. I don't know why. Just a feeling. If Anno and Higuchi do what we know them to be capable of, there won't be a need for a second monster.

The Shodai-Goji, as a template for the Godzilla design, but updated with 2015 special and visual effects, would fit a solo Godzilla film. This look is probably my favorite. Especially that poster. There are those scenes in Gojira where he's looking down at you, directly. It's chilling and mesmerizing. It would be great to experience that again, anew, through the best in meticulous, lovingly-applied tokusatsu effects, with all of the advances that have been made in this art form.

Remember, this is Toho. They mandated Godzilla must fight another monster for the 2014 film. I can see them enforcing this same thing here unless Anno and Higuchi came up with something so wild for a solo film that Toho absolutely knew it was a win. I don't find that entirely likely, albeit, not impossible.

GMAN2887 and JAMAAL - Why is it that Toho desires Godzilla to do battle against other monsters rather than terrorize mankind on his own? I have always wondered at this. As far as I know (and please correct me if I am wrong) the only films in which Godzilla has taken center stage by himself are Godzilla (1954) and the Return of Godzilla (Godzilla 1984). What reason(s) do you gentlemen believe keeps Toho from sending Godzilla out alone? Is it due to audience interest or is there something metaphorical/symbolic that I am failing to grasp? :)

^Yes, it is Toho.

Another monster also means more toys and models. Plus, it allows, plot-wise, for Godzilla to become the de fatco defender of Japan, since he would likely be fighting, to the death, something much worse. Personally, I like the idea of another kaiju, an 'enemy' monster. But, I would prefer something new and hideously imaginative. The potential for a shocking and formidible opponent is there. And just not conceptually, but also in terms of execution. Look at Irys and Legion.

It would be nice to wind up, out of necessity and somewhat reluctantly, rooting for Godzilla as he defends his turf. The irony and ambiguity of it would be a great touch.

But, a solo Godzilla film, with the focus just on him and the attempt to contain and defeat him, if done right, would be welcomed for many reasons. Among them, from the standpoint of resembling Gojira and Return of Godzilla (1984).

I think a solo Godzilla film might be a bit daunting, story and entertainment-wise, to some. Personally, I find it intriguing. But it may be easier, more convenient, to pit him against something, which means, another monster.

But I also think Anno and Higuchi are more than capable of a great Godzilla film, solo or not. 

While I believe Anno and Higuchi could deliver a stunning, moving, spectacular solo Godzilla film, as Gman2887 said, Toho is Toho. They may not want to 'take a chance' with a Godzilla only movie and story. After all, they're footing the bill. A reboot without another monster is something the bean counters at Toho may not have a yen for.

Sorry. Couldn't resist. 

JAMAAL - Thank you so much for the clarifications! Indeed; I have no doubt that the new directors possess the talent to produce an excellent film - regardless if it boasts Godzilla alone or features him doing battle against another monster! However, I would greatly enjoy seeing Godzilla alone as a destructive force humanity inflicted upon itself. For some reason, I have this image - a scene - stuck in my head; one of Godzilla striding up from the depths of Tokyo Bay and simply standing there to gaze out at the massive sprawl of concrete, steel and lights for many long moments. At close-ups, all that would be shown are his eyes, filled with something that borders on an awareness that is just on the verge of breaking away from simple animal intelligence - something we unintentionally instilled in him. That would make me very happy! :)

@Jamaal,

They are more than capable of producing a great Godzilla film. I personally just don't see another monster making into this film. But, that's just where I'm taking this whole "our greatest worst nightmare " into the equation.

@Gman2887,

I know they told Legendary to put in other monsters but, they could have told them to do so in order for them to make the solo film. I know those days could and quite possibly be over, but hey you never know.

There are a lot of companies that tell one company to do this and that company goes and does what they wanted and intended.

Either way I'm still excited that Toho is doing another Godzilla film. This is a great time to be a Godzilla fan! 

Two unique parallels coming together to bring us their unique vision and creativity. I'm super pumped that Shinji Higuchi is finally bringing his special effects mastery to Godzilla. It's really going to be interesting to see what they do.

"I know they told Legendary to put in other monsters but, they could have told them to do so in order for them to make the solo film."

Actually, considering the time table, this isn't a bad theory in the least. It would make a whole lot of sense really...

SOMETHING REAL-I like your vision of Godzilla 'sizing things up' before his assault on Tokyo (and, our senses). A great aprt of his appeal is his being a sentient being, with a pronounced level of intelligence. This gives him purpose and endows his actions with meaningfulness they would not have if he was 'just an animal.' A scene like the one you described would be chilling, especially if wrapped in a meaningful silence.

BIGBADBEN-A solo film has a lot of appeal to me too. Something so singular and symbolic: just Godzilla and humankind. Another creature, an additional threat, would be, to some extent, redundant. Especially if Godzilla is portrayed with force, imagination and power. He should be something you cannot imagine, even though his reality is overwhelmingly obvious. The human narrative and exposition will need to be well-written and meaningful, but without being heavy-handed and preachy. To me, it will be just fine if not everything is 'figured out,' even by the end. And not just to leave a door open to a sequel.

Godzilla should mystify and impress, instill awe and fear.