What does Takashi Yamazaki, the director of Godzilla Minus One think of Legendary and Warner Brothers' latest Hollywood rendition of Godzilla? Essentially, he thinks Hollywood's use of the Godzilla IP is an interesting one that's "more fun" and less serious. During a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Yamazaki said the following:
The Hollywood interpretation of Godzilla is a very interesting use of the IP. It can endure and survive many different interpretations. To me, it's a more fun [version] of what Godzilla can be - the classic Toho version did explore something like that at one point in its history. I think they do a good job of [balancing] what the humans do, versus what the Kaiju are doing.
Conversely, Godzilla x Kong director Adam Wingard also offered his opinion on Yamazaki's work and Godzilla Minus One, to which he expressed:
It was fantastic. It's one of the best Godzilla movies I've ever seen. Their take on Godzilla is so different than mine - I'm following the 60s, 70s Showa pattern, where Godzilla is the hero character. In Minus One, Godzilla reacts in a way that's metaphorical to what the characters are going through. It's such a different movie to ours, tonally. You're getting more Godzilla now than ever, but you're seeing all sides of him. Its really super-cool.
It's great to see mutual respect and admiration for each other's work between the creative minds behind the latest iterations of Godzilla films.
Which version do YOU prefer? Toho's more serious approach or Hollywood's less serious, more lighthearted and fun rendition? Sound off your thoughts below!
Thanks to Gormaru Island for the magazine scans!
The next Hollywood Godzilla movie is officially called Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and will hit theaters on March 26th, 2027! Visit the GxK: Supernova page for more information, production updates and everything we know so far!
From Toho, Takashi Yamazaki is directing a sequel to Godzilla Minus One and is currently in development! The next film will act as a direct follow-up and will even include more Monsters! The Godzilla Minus One sequel page is tracking all information on Toho's next Godzilla movie as it becomes available, don't miss an update!
There is also the next season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on the way, as well as other spin-off Godzilla series in the works at Apple TV!
Furthermore, while not Godzilla related, Legendary have also teamed up with Amazon to produce a live-action Pacific Rim TV series, which is also currently in the works! So many Kaiju-sized projects in the works - check back often for new information on them all!