Godzilla 2016: A Nuclear Nightmare?

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.

I would love to see a narrative in which Godzilla's presence is felt even when he's not on screen.

BIGBADBEN - I hope you are right! I would be extremely excited for a lone Godzilla film! :)

JAMAAL - I agree whole-heartedly! I believe Godzilla has the ability to evoke a massive amount of dread in an audience, especially if he is presented in such a fashion as to display that he is a genetic abberation brought on by our foolishness - one that is both pure in its unknown desires and completely unmoved (perhaps antipathic ?) with regards to the presence of human life! :)

GMAN2887 - You know, now that I am looking at it from your and BIGBADBEN's perspective, it is making a startling amount of sense that Toho might be gearng up for a solo Godzilla film? I am becoming more and more excited with each passing day! YAY! :)

Well if you all stop to think about it, what does the 54 and 84 films have in common? 

Answers, both are solo, both are 30 years seperated, both carry powerful messages and meanings, both have Godzilla as our worst nightmare. Our punishment, our own demise, our torment. Now, what does this have to do with 2016? Answer, 32 years since 84. I don't recall much of the tragedies that have occurred recently in Japan. However, whatever has happened could be the set for this movie. 

I know I could be very wrong, but, one like me can only hope and dream about "our greatest worst nightmare."

BIGBADBEN - Your hypothesis, in my opinion, seems very solid! Indeed, I can only hope that Toho is about to unleash a Godzilla that will give us all pause by instilling a sense of haunting dread! :)

Hey guys and gals. I actually put some more thought into it. They can still give us our greatest worst nightmare with him fighting another monster or monsters.

The reason I say this is due to the fact that there are several films in which Godzilla is a nightmare and he still fights other monsters.

Godzilla Raids Again 1955- Godzilla still an atomic danger, nightmarish, meanacing, fearsome and deadly. Who fights Anguirus.

Mothra vs. Godzilla 1964- One of the few that is a battle between a Goddess, and the devil so to speak. Godzilla was still this towering evil force of nature, which of course was the first film to call him a force of nature. He battled the adult stage of Mothra and killed her, but then fought the two caterpillars and was wrapped up and thought to never be seen again.

GMK 2001- Now, as over-rated as I proclaim this film to be, but it is still the best of the millennium series. Godzilla was this overpowering, terrifying, creature. Who fought three other monsters and killed each of them. Mothra, Baragon, and King Ghidorah. Godzilla was defenitly a worst nightmare in this film as well.

Now to the best part, Shinji Higuchi who worked with Shusuke Kaneko on the Gamera trilogy, mad Gamera a somewhat run of the mill monster on the loss but still was a hero for the kids. If he can make Gamera this way, I really don't see why he couldn't with Godzilla.

I personally want a solo film as I think it could be a tad bit more successful at the box office than him fighting another monster, but seeing how as I did some research, the odds of this being a solo film are a 1/1,000,000 shot. Course, I can't get what i want.

It just feels more suitable to me for it to be a solo. It's sticking out like a soar thumb for reasons I can't begin to comprehend.

Also guys and gals. I have a friend on Deviantart who's work has been featured in various g-fan magazines. His profile name there is Legrandzilla. Awesome guy.

I borrowed this as to see what you all think if this could be a future Godzilla design. I actually critiqued this for him and it was amazing!

Sort of a nightmare-ish version of the '54 design. I think the mouth and teeth could be toned down and I'd like to see different angles of it, but it's okay. Don't love it, but I'd have no problem watching a movie with that design.

BIGBADBEN - Wow! That is a truly monstrous design! Like you, your friend has a great deal of talent! Thank you so much for sharing this! :)

I honestly hope so.

The directors promised a horrific nightmare of a movie in 2016, so I'm hoping with all I've got that they bring back the true horrifying nature of staring down a 100 meter tall atomic fire breathing and indestructible reptile. Seriously, when taking that thought into consideration, Godzilla should be ungodly frightening, but he's mostly a fun time when watching his older movies.

Here's hoping!

Articles about Toho Godzilla 2016.

One mentions how the VFX/SPX will be realized.

If these have been already posted somewhere, my apologies.

http://www.ischoolguide.com/articles/11524/20150506/godzilla-2016-rumors-special-effects.htm

http://www.ischoolguide.com/articles/11877/20150513/godzilla-2016-plot-taichi-ueda-the-game-us-launch.htm

Here's the article from Tech Times:

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/43629/20150401/new-japanese-godzilla-film-helmed-by-neon-genesis-evangelion-creators.htm