First arriving in 1954 and with 38 films already to his name, Godzilla is no stranger to popular media. The themes are just as valid today as they ever were, and backed by improving special effects, his destruction of city centers and tourist hotspots only grows more impressive. Such development does raise questions about the series' ultimate trajectory, however, and where Godzilla might go next.
How likely are we to keep seeing similar movies reimagined, and how much further can modern technology take Godzilla as a concept? As fans, we can’t help but ponder these questions, and we think we’ve come up with some realistic ideas about what’s in the future for the King of the Monsters.
Bigger Crossover Potential
Crossovers and multiverse-type content have become staples of modern movies. Popularized by the MCU, the idea of longtime favorites teaming up or doing battle is enticing, and Godzilla has already made great strides in exploring this space. The recent King Kong movies are standouts here, but we also have films like Godzilla: Final Wars focussing on Godzilla’s legacy and many forms.
Taking this a step further could be possible by building relationships with other media based on large-scale action and destruction. Japanese Kyodai Hero media could offer prime opportunities on a local level, where anything American involving superheroes could also illustrate the potential for crossovers. Just like comics are filled with books like Terminator versus Robocop, stretching the canon of major series with exciting one-offs including Godzilla is an idea many of us could never avoid.
Emphasis on Smaller Media
Godzilla was built for the big screen, but that doesn't mean that's where he needs to stay. Interactive entertainment holds immense potential for profit and visibility, and this is an area where Godzilla has yet to reach its full potential. With gaming worth more than the music and movie industries combined, a hit here could help consolidate Godzilla in another form of mass media consciousness.
This approach could similarly extend into the world of online casino gaming, which is all too happy to explore different properties. A service like Buzz Bingo, for example, includes games based on characters like The Flintstones, King Kong, and Jumanji. Godzilla has already seen a few titles in this mobile and desktop betting arena, but it’s another case where the giant monster’s potential is ripe for further development and experimentation.
Next Step in Augmented and Virtual Reality
Another major exciting area of potential comes from the possibility of integrating Godzilla with augmented and virtual reality. AR could have you running around outside, working with teammates to shoot at giant projected Godzillas in the distance. VR experiences could place you on the ground or in a building as Godzilla battles outside, allowing you to experience what the bystanders in the movies see, with less risk.
"action-adult-augmented-reality-756439" (CC BY 2.0) by toptenalternatives
Despite being one of the older properties still in use today, Godzilla is far from going stale, or from drying up the well of ideas. It's a property built on embracing the cutting edge and showing the world the dangers of pollution and out-of-control technology. We don't need to remind you of the relevance this continually holds, which is only going to grow more poignant in the future.
