Godzilla rights holders Toho have issued new rules for use of licensing the Godzilla character in any new film or television productions. Surprisingly, the new rules favor a more family-friendly approach to the King of Monsters. While the rule of Godzilla can not die has been a staple since the beginning, Toho have now added to that requirement - stating that Godzilla can neither die, nor prey on people or things.
This new rule which was originally reported by DiscussingFilm is a bizarre one, given that Godzilla has been munching on trains, power lines and inadvertently people as well for 70 years. Reasoning for Godzilla's watering down is unknown, but it seems to detach from his embodiment of death, destruction and decay he's been a symbol of since 1954.
While Godzilla is not permitted to prey on people or things, he will still inadvertently cause tremendous damage to whatever surroundings he finds himself strolling through. Perhaps the focus is to suggest Godzilla's destruction is not intentional but metaphorically an unfortunate byproduct of neglect with respect to carelessly wielding immense power. Who knows.
What do you think of the new rule? Sound off in the comments!
