Official Godzilla 2016 discussion thread!

(Firsties!)

I agree that the new one will liik like the Heisei/Millennium designs. I think that Godzilla will first destroy a city, and then fight an enemy, much like Godzilla '85.

Something is telling me they could be using that 2009 youtube godzilla clip. Where this guy seen the destruction and i guessed cussed godzilla, then godzilla turns around and bellows out his roar.

Speculation though all i can say is we will have to wait and see, cause like i said in some other thread, he does not have to fight a new or old monster every time he lets a fart.

Honestly, this probably needs its own forum section.

i think the same gman

Instead of giving it it's own section possibly turn the G 2014 sequel forum which doesn't have much to talk about into a "Future Godzilla Movies" would be a better option.

My feeling-about the film-is that Toho will attempt something that will mark the story and the film, it's look and atmosphere, as distinctly Japanese. At least, if I was being consulted, this is what I would advise. Godzilla 2016 has to resonate with the domestic Japanese market. A well developed story, with riveting performances and imaginative direction are essential. But it must be thoroughly Japanese. The worst thing would be for Toho to try and ape Hollywood blockbuster style films. Godzilla 2016 must be visceral, shocking at times without being cheap or gimmicky. There are talented, gifted filmmakers in Japan. They just need the time and the trust from Toho to demonstrate it. 

Time is also needed to make the production values raise to the level of near believability. This means ample time for story and script development and plenty of time for post-production and the tweaking of visual/special effects. I said near believability because the look and style should be somewhat distinct from what Legendary has made.

In short, I would love to see a well made, finely crafted film that immerses us in the realm of tokusatsu.

I think new, younger talent is essntial to the success of the new Toho Godzilla film. Perhaps, this way, the movie will be something more people can relate too, as opposed to just hardcore fans. An attractive, compelling theme that is controversial should be at the heart of the story.

Actually, I would be happy with a film that somewhat resembles-like a not so distant cousin-the Heisei Gamera films. Of course, with improvements in visual and special effects that have ensued over the last 15 years.

And how about reuniting Shusuke Kaneko and Shinji Higuchi to direct the live action and special effects, respectively? The aforementioned reference to younger talent could be in the area of screenwriting and plot. Or, the cast. There are a lot of possibilities here.

This, in itself, is exciting.

I agree that it should be distinctly Japanese. It would be no fun if there were two Hollywood style Godzilla's running around. I also can't wait for the fact that there will be 2 (maybe) Godzilla series' going on at the same time.

Do you think Toho will turn it into a series, or leave it as a stand-alone film?

I hope it's series of films, with connecting storylines.

I wouldn't necessarily want to see reoccurring characters. And please, no psychics. I would like to see actual, extant military hardware. Also, a suspenseful, twisting plot with political implications and distinct characters that you actually care about. And a lot of monster action, with the military making a good account of itself in the confrontations with Godzilla and the other kaiju.

Some internal conflict within the military would be nice. Especially if it affects the battles with Godzilla. I would rather not see him assume the role of Japan's hero monster or savior. And I certainly don't want to see him 'team up' with the JSDF. I'd like to see new kaiju, with extraordinary powers and frightening appearances. And they should display a pronounced level of intelligence and cunning. The designs should be edgy and scary.

However, care should be taken to make sure that the Godzilla design is formidible, yet not unusual. He should be 'handsome' and noble. Toho knows how he should look. And so do we. A variation of the Bio-Goji would be nice.

I want to see the other kaiju demonstrate an identifiable deliberateness in their destruction, as if they are driven. They shouldn't be 'just animals' acting instinctively.

The people of Japan should be kept in a constant state of fear and suspense; not knowing who is the greater threat: Godzilla or the other kaiju. This ambiguity should permeate the story to the point that no one really knows how it's going to turn out. I personally like strories that keep me guessing and off balance. The human characters should be at the center of the action, involved, and not reduced to being merely spectators. As a viewer, I want to be able to travel with the film and its narrative and become obsorbed in it. There should be horror, suspense, humor and personal drama with sacrifice.

Also, I would like to have the roar from the 1954 classic, Gojira.

I would say that they should reuse the Final Goji from GFW.  For me, he was the last true Japanese Godzilla so it would cool to see the king return in an iconic suit.  But still, a new suit would be cool.

They might go with a femgoji type suit for this one.

So long as they get away from garbage like Final Wars I'm good. Hopefully it'll be in line with some of the deeper films of the series, like Mothra vs Godzilla or Godzilla vs Biollante.

This film might use Tokusatsu. Since Toho won't bow to the new Legendary Godzilla, they should rival the CGI with practical effects. And it can look really good, I mean, look at the new Attack On Titan film. They're using puppets and practical effects, and it looks amazing! 

I'm watching The Sinking of Japan. 

Without addressing issues regarding the film itself (pacing, acting, plausibility, etc.), I must say, so far, at least, that I like the way this movie looks.

If Godzilla 2016 could have this kind of modern look, with wide, panoramic shots and a sense of grand scale, paired with well-crafted and meticulously produced practical effects, well, we could have something here. Again, I'll have to see the whole film with subtitles to get a better idea of how good it is, and that's subjective anyways. But visually, it gives me hope for what could be in terms of a Godzilla film, where instead of a country sinking, in the case of The Sinking of Japan, you have giant monsters (or a giant monster) personifying disaster on a national scale.

Some of the best shots in The Sinking of Japan seem to take place around sunset or sunrise. I would love to see similar scenes in the next Toho Godzilla. Maybe a shot of him in Tokyo Bay, silhouetted against the evening (or morning) sky.

I believe Makoto Kamiya was the director of special effects for this film. Makes me wonder what could be.

TSOJ does not look cartoonish or as if it's pandering to nerds in any way. It was going for broad appeal with a kind of documentary look to it.

With a great script and impassioned performances, and the visual feel and beauty of TSOJ, paired with the very best in the way of suits and miniatures, Godzilla 2016 could be a real rebirth of kaiju eiga in its homeland.

I agree with the point Danielle made, but those images from the AoT movie, are actually from a Subaru advertisement, You can watch it here. But to add to the point, they do mix CGI and puppets to make wonderful effects.

With the improved effects of modern Tokusatsu, as well as CGI where needed, all Toho needs to do is have a great screenplay and developed characters. Then I will be set for life

I am really grateful that Toho is making a new Godzilla film. My reaction to this is somewhat similar to how I felt in late 1998 when it was anounced that they were going to make a new film. I'm certainly not comparing the Legendary Godzilla with the Centropolis/Tri-Star film. But, it is more of a feeling that Toho should be making Godzilla movies. 

I am convinced that employing traditional tokusatsu techniques is the way to go. One of the things I love about these films, is that they have soul. This is not something that can be summoned into existence by large, megastudio blockbuster budgets. (These budgets can begat a certain amount of hubris. On one of the Legendary Godzilla special features, one of the producers said to the effect that they wanted to bring 'the real Godzilla, not the man in the suit.' Excuse me?) Rather, it springs from the core of tradition and artistry that has been passed on, generation to genration. It can be enhanced and improved, augmented and refined. But that heart and soul is what drives these productions and gives them their distinct look, feel and beauty.

My Godzilla and Gamera movies give me a lot of satisfaction. I believe a lot of this derives from how they are made, not just the results. For this and other reasons, I am looking forward to the new Godzilla from Toho.

@Jamaal,

Everthing you have said i totally agree with!

NerdyBandGeeks,
The Suburu ad was directed by Shinji Higuchi who is both directing and supervising the special effects for the Attack on Titan movies. So those visuals might not be far off from what the movie has-- Or better yet the movie may have stronger visuals.

These are great times.

Looking forward to the snippets of information and rumors about the new Toho Godzilla: production crew, cast, Godzilla design, plot outline.

I'm lovin' it.

Gman  and Danielle, I have just found out that the AoT movie will indeed be a mixture of CGI and Tokusatsu, like the ad. I apologize, but on the other-hand, that just reinforces the original point, that the two could work great together in a film.

And this is my first expirience with a new Toho Godzilla coming out, as I was born in 1998, I never experienced the excitement of waiting for the latest movie, as I also didn't discover Godzilla until about 6 years ago. As Jamaal said, it's not that Godzilla (2014) was bad, but it seems right that Toho should be making the movies, I look forward to waiting anxiously for snippets of news coming out.

The main things I would want from this new Godzilla is Tokusatsu and a clear message regarding the dangers of Nuclear weaponry. That's one of the things Godzilla 2014 did kind of poorly on.

It'd also be pretty cool to see a stand-alone movie. After Godzilla 2014 and it's massive focus on the new Muto monsters, it'd be refreshing to see a Godzilla movie surrounding the big G himself.

I think the 2014 movie did a great job with the nuclear theme they just sorta used the wrong monster to get it across. Agreed with the Tokusatsu and a stronger emphasis on Godzilla though.

And this is my first expirience with a new Toho Godzilla coming out

Hold on tight...

I thought that the new Godzilla focused more on trying to control nature, as Dr. Serizawa blatantly said in the film. Like how humans tried to interfer, but made very little impact (apart from Ford) on the outcome of the battle, and how the humans tried to control the MUTOs and Godzilla by leading thema round with a bomb, but nature had other plans.

I wouldn't really want to see the new movie focused on Nuclear weapons, because that's been done before, but maybe focus on other issues in society today, just like how nukes were an issue in the 50's, space exploration in the 60's (a three-headed dragon from space comes down and kills everything), and pollution and taking care of the earth in the 70's (Hedorah, along with others).

If the new Toho Godzilla film is going to be thoroughly Japanese, then the theme of the dangers and the actualized catastrophic nature of nuclear weapons has to be at the heart of the film's narrative. Because of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan has earned this. In fact, references to the atomic bombings of those cities would not only be appropriate, but chilling. I think some sort of visual is needed, even if in a nightmare sequence. In Gojira, he was the Bomb personified. This menace has not gone away with the passage of time. It's always relevant. It is with us today. The East Asia/Western Pacific Region being on the brink of disaster because of a looming nuclear conflict is at the heart of the symbol that is Godzilla._

So yes, I am in agreement with Daikaiju_Danielle regarding the importance of this theme. What better symbol for it than Godzilla, a creature mutated by the Bomb?

I would also like to see a sequece that shows, even in silhouette, Godzilla sometime after the Operation Bravo blast in 1954. For this reason, I would like to see a design for Godzilla that is essentially an updated, modified version of the Shodai-Goji. What would be a better way to demonstrate the 'Toho-ness' of Godzilla than by using a design that looks strikingly like the original from the film that started it all? This would recenter the mythos of Godzilla around nuclear weapons as the cause of his mutation and becoming a monster.

 Then, the attacks on the shipping lines could follow. Some of these I would like to see in the new film, fully updated SPFX-wise and horrifyingly portrayed. This part of the film should be shocking with a POV that is not that of a camerman who just happens to be capturing a shot. 

I would also like to see a sequence that shows, even in silhouette, Godzilla sometime after the Operation Bravo blast in 1954. For this reason, I would like to see a design for Godzilla that is essentially an updated, modified version of the Shodai-Goji. What would be a better way to demonstrate the 'Toho-ness' of Godzilla than by using a design that looks strikingly like the original from the film that started it all? This would recenter the mythos of Godzilla around nuclear weapons as the cause of his mutation and becoming a monster.

I would also like to see a sequence that shows, even in silhouette, Godzilla sometime after the Operation Bravo blast in 1954. For this reason, I would like to see a design for Godzilla that is essentially an updated, modified version of the Shodai-Goji. What would be a better way to demonstrate the 'Toho-ness' of Godzilla than by using a design that looks strikingly like the original from the film that started it all? This would recenter the mythos of Godzilla around nuclear weapons as the cause of his mutation and becoming a monster.

The idea that the nuclear bomb testing in the Pacific in the 1950's was actually an attempt to kill G Then, the attacks on the shipping lines could follow. Some of these I would like to see in the new film, fully updated SPFX-wise and horrifyingly portrayed. This part of the film should be shocking with a POV that is not that of a cameraman who just happens to be capturing a shot. 

The idea that the nuclear bomb testing in the Pacific in the 1950's was actually an attempt to kill G Then, the attacks on the shipping lines could follow. Some of these I would like to see in the new film, fully updated SPFX-wise and horrifyingly portrayed. This part of the film should be shocking with a POV that is not that of a cameraman who just happens to be capturing a shot. 

What I was trying to post included that although the nuclear 'testing' in the Pacific in the 1950's were actually attempts to kill him, it moves responsibility for the victimization of Godzilla and the cause of his mutation away from the only country to have dropped nuclear weapons on populated areas. Toho, speaking on behalf of Japan, past and present generations, needs to bring this home and never let anyone forget it. I would like to see Godzilla portrayed after the blast as somewhat sorrowful, confused and then angry. This would be followed by the attacks on the shipping lines. Godzilla's disposition after the blast would mirror that of the Japanese nation after Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Very happy this thread is getting alot of attention.

NerdyBandGeeks,
I agree that much of the new film focused on a man vs. nature theme, but the nuclear element was largely still there. Nuclear proliferation is the entire reason Godzilla surfaced. It's what prompted nuclear testing. It's the whole reason the MUTO were attracted to a power plant and the waste is what resurrected the dormant spore in Nevada. And it being shamelessly used to both lure and destroy Godzilla and the MUTOs was a moment of nuclear weapons/power being thoughtlessly thrown around. It's hard to get by with Godzilla without the words "nuclear" and "radioactive" being brought up at some point.

It might be interesting if Toho considerd the idea of situating Godzilla's appearance, or return, within some regional political/military conflict. It might be controversial, but it could have the effect of being cathartic, given the numerous threats Japan has on its periphery: Russia, China, and North Korea. While being within the comfort zone of traditional tokusatsu in some ways, I feel the story should be ambitious without, however, being 'all over the place.' It will take heroism on a national scale to see the nation through this most ultimate of crises. I really hope they cast someone really convincing for the leads, and that the direction is passionate and daring. Real people, not stereotypes or rip-offs of other films and genres. I feel that a story with a catharsis at its heart would appeal to fans and non-fans alike. There's nothing like purging oneself of fears by experiencing them. A lot in the way of political statements could be made, without being heavy-handed, if written with heart and directed with purpose. 

This is a great oppurtunity. I hope it isn't entirely driven by a desire to cash in on the success of the Legendary film.

While I'm wishing here: a sequence revealing the affects of the Operation Bravo blast and the subsequent attacks on the shipping lines, with updated digital and practical effects, would give us something that would be in an origin film, but in a story that is current. This would also serve the purpose of helping to distinguish Toho's Godzilla from the Legendary one. I would like to see the fireball, the mushroom cloud, the exposure of the Daigo Fukuryu Maro (Lucky Dragon Five) to the radiation and...a newly irradiated and mutated Godzilla. It wouldn't have to take a lot of time. In fact, it could be accomplished with little or even no dialogue. It's visuals that would be important. The less talk, the better. This is where and why it all started. A stunning and visceral visual presentation of this event, Operation Bravo and its results, could set the tone for the whole film. It would also be, IMHO, a rather nice homage to the 1954 original. I want the whoever sees this film to be gripped by it and made unable to look away.

I guess it all really comes down to the tone of the film; whether it will be an artistic, serious film that attempts to deliver an important mesage, or a more pop cultural savy, commercial spectacle meant to appeal to the masses.  Think of it as the difference between Godzilla 54 and Godzilla vs the Sea Monster... one was a serious, artistic endevour, and the other was pure colorful entertainment.  At this point, its anyone's guess what tone Toho will go for with this new film.  Something more colorful and fun will diferentiate it the film from Legendary's series, but could hurt Godzilla's new serious image.  My money is on something akin to Godzilla 2000: a serious take on a Godzilla story with fun elements that do not distract from the seriousness of the plot.  This film has the potential to be an EVEN DARKER film than Legendary's, if that's the direction they choose to go in.  Its all about waiting now... lets hope we hear something soon. :)

So i happened to talk to Godzilla. He told me that when he heard that he was being put back into his homeland of Japan he told me this.

I would really like Goji to look similar GyakushuGoji:

I just like the foward eyes, giant fangs, and overall shape of his body (not too bulky and not too skinny). 

@Daikaiju_Danielle

I would love to see an updated, well-crafted version of the Gyakushu-Goji as well. And for the reasons you mentioned. IMO, it would work very well in a story with dark elements.

I've always loved this design and would like to see enhanced with CGI.

@Jamaal

I'm glad I'm not the only one who really likes GyakushiGoji! ^^ The design could really work.

@ Daikaiju_Danielle:

I think this design gets somewhat ovelooked because the film it's in, Godzilla Raids Again, does.

Personally, I think it's beautiful in a scary kind of way. The face lends itself to an expressiveness that could be both moving and horrifying, especially with current state-of-the-art SPFX. It is capable of conveying both sorrow and menace. The build is powerful, but, as you said, not too bulky. It's made for fighting. One of my favorite scenes from the series is Godzilla wading into Osaka, illuminated by the flares, in near silence, silhouetted against the nighttime sky. To me, moments evocative of this, would be very welcome in the new film.

So yes, I would love to see Godzilla look very much like this for his Toho return in 2016.