Big News for Godzilla 2016! (update w/ video)

the only thing im worried about now is dubbing. i hope that the dubbing is much better then the other films

^That's the last thing I'm worried about. I just won't watch it dubbed. There's still some Millennium movies I haven't seen dubbed.

I miss a lot! 

First off, I'm glad that Shinji Higuchi is the special effects director. This means that we will get the quality of the gamera trilogy in terms of special effects. Now, the question remaining on my mind is how tall this Godzilla will be. Im placing bets that he will be 120 meters. Any takers? 

If, one the of the reasons for this film is to make a statement, then I can see a 120 meter Godzilla, provided his size can be realized in a way that does not diminish the believability of the other effects. I believe 120 meters is about 396 feet.

With Shinji Higuchi helming the SPFX/VFX, I'm for it.

I remember Gareth Edwards pointedly mentioning that Godzilla in his film would be the tallest.

So there.

Ironically, a 120 meter tall Godzilla would be close to the height attributed to him the 1956 Raymond Burr-featured, Godzilla, King of the Monsters. I believe Burr's Steven Martin said that Godzilla was 400 feet tall as he described him walking out of Tokyo Bay.

So, Hideaki Anno is the Supervising Director and Screenwriter, and Shinji Higuchi is the Director and Visual Effects Director.

My question is: is Anno primarily responsible for the script and general oversight, with Higuchi directing the VFX and live action? Or, will Anno direct some of the live action as well? 

Any ideas or news? 

@Jamaal,

No, not yet. What August Ragone has confirmed is all we know. Good God it's good to see you again old friend! :)

Now, with Shinji Higuchi directing the special effects and visual effects, i really think it's safe to say that we're in good hands there. I mean look at his work on the Gamera trilogy. If history teaches us anything, he'll provide the special effects at some of it's best. He is my 3rd favorite special effects director. I consider him to be up there with Eiji Tsuburaya, and Teroyoshi Nakano.

Now, ironically enough, yes, 120 meters is 394 feet tall. Granite that according to Steve Martin (Raymond Burr)  he was supposed to be as tall as a 30 story building. It was Dr. Yamane in the american version that said he was 400 feet tall.  If they go with 150 meters, i feel like that may push the limits a lot with the film. However, Shinji Higuchi with the movies he has worked on, I'm sure he'll make Godzilla look like a "living mountain." (Not that he isn't already.) 

The question remaining on my mind now is, will this be that dark, and serious Godzilla film that we have been waiting for? 

I got my fingers crossed with this film. Oh and Jamaal, i think we are getting what we have talked about on the official Godzilla 2016 discussion thread. That is, Godzilla having that broad and destructive atomic breath. How badass will Godzilla look in this film? That's something else that ponders my mind, judging from the teaser footprint, I'm willing to bet he'll look impressive.

It'll be pretty dark, looking at Anno's previous work. Which is fine. It's something to separate it even further from Legendary's series which isn't really dark, just extremely serious.

And looking at Anno and Higuchi's past designs, it's unlikely this Godzilla will look much like the 2014 design. Anno and Higuchi seem to favor more angular designs, where-as the 2014 Godzilla is more round with few sharp edges.

"Anno and Higuchi seem to favor more angular designs, where-as the 2014 Godzilla is more round with few sharp edges."

@Gman: do you think this means we will get something like the earlier Millennium designs, or at least influenced by them?

" Oh and Jamaal, i think we are getting what we have talked about on the official Godzilla 2016 discussion thread. That is, Godzilla having that broad and destructive atomic breath. How badass will Godzilla look in this film? That's something else that ponders my mind, judging from the teaser footprint, I'm willing to bet he'll look impressive."

@BigBadBen: I agree. I think (at least, I hope) that we will a more destructive take on Godzilla. Higuchi promised us our "worst nightmare." And no doubt, with the SFX Director of the Heisei Gamera films at the helm, Godzilla will impress and be horrible at the same time. Personally, I think the design will be great as both Anno and Higuchi are sel-professed fans of the Series at it's peak. Anno spoke about giveing back to those who came before. I also think that Godzilla will be a killer, overwhelming, and not a benign restorer of balance.

I aslo like that Anno and Higuchi are life-long friends.

I'm not thinking Millennium which seemed jagged and stiff, but if you look at creatures like the Giant God Warrior, Gamera in the last two films of Kaneko's trilogy, the angels and EVAs in Evangelion you'll notice they seem to favor tall figures with lots of sharp angles, but still with a lot of organic features. It's very anime-esque.

To me the early Millennium suits weren't that organic and more jagged than angular.

@BigBadBen:

It's good to see you too.

In the absence of anymore news, while we're in the Hopeful Speculation phase, I feel confident in saying that we may get a dark, gripping Godzilla that many of us want.

@Gman2887: Your comments about how Godzilla may look makes a lot of sense. I hope it's true, as I'm a big fan of the Heisei Gamera films, and I love the kaiju designs in them. As you mentioned some time ago, the Heisei Gamera designs seems to fit the feel and atmosphere of the films of that series. I would expect (and hope for) the same here, with Godzilla's look (and bearing and movements, etc.) corresponding to the tone of the film. And I believe this is important. First, that there be an atmosphere, a 'feel' that the film has. Personally, I like creepy, with elements of horror and shocking events that overwhelm the viewer.

Secondly, I would really like to see distinctly Godzilla purposeful in this film with a well-developed personality, without, however, being overly anthropomorphic. With Anno and Higuchi  directing, I don't believe we have to worry about this. I anticipate many memorable, visually stunning shots, with a well-written human narrative right in the midst of them. 

Congruence between the kaiju design and the the world that the film puts us in, and I really, really hope it does put us in 'a world' while making us forget that we are watching a movie, is something I expect and want to see. 

What I was trying to say, albiet, very clumsily, is that I want Godzilla to be a real character, and not just a plot device.I want us, the fans, to be able to identify with him and be in awe of, and afraid of him at the same time.

This is going to take a great design, memorable suit acting and inspired direction from Shinji Higuchi.

I am looking forward to this. All of it: the pre-production, the reports from the set, the leaked/released photos, the rumors about the plot, the actors and their characters. I also want to hear from the filmmakers as things progress. I'm thinking along the lines of something like the progress reports filed by Norman England during the production of Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. Reading those reports, the staff profiles, their views on the film and its story, the description of what was being filmed that day, these and other things resulted in an experience not unlike looking at the production itself.

Something like this would be most welcomed.

I want to be able to understand, and, to a degree, see the reasoning behind what Godzilla does in this film, however frightening. Especially if another kaiju is involved.

@Jamaal,

I couldn't agree more my friend. This movie needs a emotional feeling with it. It needs a meaning. It needs great actors. It needs to grab the audiences attention and keep them at the edge of their seat from beginning to end. I want this movie to be very successful in Japan and if lucky who knows, maybe get a release worldwide. I know that is doubtful but, you never know.

The thing is though, we currently don't know the plot or the story. After watching gamera 3 last night, i do know that Shinji Higuchi will pull through with the special effects. Now as Gman2887 said, we need to wait and see if they will bring their A-game. I'm sure they will cause as you pointed out, Shinji Higuchi promised us, "our worst nightmare." 

I, like many, want that bone chilling, spine splitting Godzilla film that will keep us in awe. I want so much for this film but the old saying goes, "you sometimes don't always get what you want. And sometimes what you get is not always what you want."

So, keep in mind that this could go the wrong path, but with the two men announced that seems to be highly inaccurate. I've seen what these two men are capable of, i know that they'll do it right. (At least I hope so.)

Now this could be just me but, with that teaser footprint, if you closely at, you'll see a trilobite. That could be a indication that they're going in the path of the documentary style realism approach like the original 1954 Godzilla film delivered. I'm looking at that footprint and i see a somewhat upgraded style to the originals foot. They could be upgrading the 54 suit with a more badass look to it. But like I said though, that's just me speculating.

@BigBadBen:

But this is nice speculating.

If the triobite is some kind of indication of the direction of the film, in terms of look, feel and story, thats fine with me. I anticipate a dark, realsitic film, with a Godzilla design that matches the film's atmosphere.  

August Ragone shared this on his facebook page. It's Shinji Higuchi standing with freaking Teruyoshi Nakano and Takashi Naganuma (who worked in the Art Department on various Toho effects films in the):

From August: "SHINJI HIGUCHI GEARS UP FOR "GODZILLA 2016": The co-director of the new, Japanese Big G movie slated for release next summer, posted this earlier today, outside the main gates of Toho Studios, with legendary effects director Teruyoshi Nakano (right) and effects crewman Takashi Naganuma (back). Writing, "Paying respects to the master." The film begins shooting this autumn!"

This is so cool. They're really treating this as something special.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that for the most part, visually, the 2016 Godzilla film is almost certain to please. However, then we get to the story/character side of things. Not having much experience in developing actual good characters, I wouldn't know too much.

But what I do know is that the new film can't just be retreading old styles. At least, not completely. The development of the plot and its involved characters, especially Godzilla himself, needs to feel fresh and inspired in comparison to the later films, along the lines of the original 1954 film.

I also think I can safely say that most G-fans have outgrown the campy/over-the-top style Godzilla films have presented in the past. Now, campy is sorta outta the question, but over-the-top can still work if done in a manner that doesn't scream pure cinematic overindulgence.

"But what I do know is that the new film can't just be retreading old styles. At least, not completely."

"My prayer is that this will not be just a repeat of science fiction visuals of the past," - Hideaki Anno

"Now, campy is sorta outta the question,"

....

Gman the original, I said campy is sorta outta the question. Over-the-top, however.......

On top of that, following Legendary's example, I think a combination of its seriousness, combined with Pacific Rim's over-the-topness, is how I predict the 2016 film will be approached. Keeping true to the original's tone and underlying themes, whilst incoporating the intense action and thrill of later films.

Anyone Else thinking they may go with something like this for the new design?

I don't think so, Daikaiju Danielle. A skinny/human-like Godzilla just doesn't suit the character. Sure, a bit of grace in his movement is appreciated, but nothing that screams runway model or stuff like that. Big and lumbering has always been one of his main running motifs.

I don't mind him being somewhat slimmer, but not like an EVA or whatever.

I'll admit that Pacific Rim was likely more "over-the-top" than campy, but it was still oozing the camp of 60s and 70s toku: Yelling the attacks before they happen. Using a boat as a sword. Smashing a monster's face with containers. The analogue line. Pentacost's speech.

Camp is largely inherent in this genre. Even Legendary's Godzilla couldn't escape it entirely with Watanabe's "We call him Gojira." line. (Admittedly, though I think that moment is less self-aware than what I listed in Pacific Rim.) I'm not saying it's impossible to do a movie in the genre without camp, but it's not often the case.

It's really too early to expect a specific tone from the film. All we really know is that Anno writes some pretty dark, even depressing stuff and Higuchi is going for a nightmare approach for Godzilla. It sounds like something pretty serious, but we've been sent mixed signals before. Afterall, Terror of MechaGodzilla is borderline the most depressing movie in the series and camp runs up and down that movie like an Olympic runner.

I've read in a couple of places that Takashi Yamazaki was handling the visual effects for Toho Godzilla 2016. Is this true? I thought Shinji Higuchi was.

Any info on this, anyone?

Thanks.

%MCEPASTEBIN%

@Jamaal,

I don't think so. Those articles can't be true. I'm like Gman2887 i have to hear it from August Ragone. August Ragone has confirmed that Shinji Higuchi is the special effects director. However, it could be possible that he could be on the job and could be a sort of backup plan incase something goes wrong. Maybe he could be a assistant. Shinji Higuchi was an assistant to Teruyoshi Nakano on the return of Godzilla in 1984. But, until confirmation from August Ragone, i wouldn't hold my breath on it.

Well, no offense to Takashi Yamazaki, but I think Higuchi is the best choice to direct the special and visual effects. So, I hope the original reports are true.

Takashi Yamazaki isn't all that bad but i do agree. We have wanted Shinji Higuchi to do the special effects for Godzilla ever since we saw his work on the heisei Gamera films. I love his work. As I've said, he's my 3rd favorite japanese special effects director. Eiji Tsuburaya being 1st and Teruyoshi Nakano being 2nd.

It is possible that if Toho feels confident in making more films, depending on how successful this one is, we could eventually see his work on a future Godzilla film.

Since the initial report suggested Higuchi I think we're okay. Plus it doesn't make a lot of sense to have Higuchi on board and not do the effects.

Jammal, where have you read this about Yamazaki?

I believe it was IMDB.com.

This site: http://www.vcpost.com/articles/54803/20150405/new-godzilla-movie-release-date-spoilers-attack-on-titan-evangelion.htm mentioned Hayo Miyazaki. But the reference was vague as to what he would be doing.

Here's an article confirming the original news regarding Anno and Higuchi directing:

http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/190291/20150406/godzilla-2016-movie-news-evangelion.htm

The article, containing last week's news, does have this quote about Anno and Higuchi, attributed generally to Toho:

"Their drive to take on such new challenges was exactly what we all had been inspired by." 

The Yamazaki thing was speculation based on his previous work, trust with Toho, and timetable (i.e. his completion of his latest project coinciding with the planned shoot for Godzilla 2016).  He won't have anything to do with this film.

^Reply.

That's good. The pairing of Anno and Higuchi is a dream come true. I've wanted to see Higuchi direct the SPFX/VFX for a Godzilla film since around 1997: when I first saw Gamera: Guardian of the Universe. I didn't know who he was. Then I saw his name on the box for the ADV released VHS of G:GOTU, after watching the film. I know he directed the fighter jet scene in GMK. It will be very interesting to see what he does with Godzilla.

Plus, he loves, respects and is brilliant with 'suitmation' effects.

@Jamaal

I wouldn't trust the kpopstars article, though. They have a history of falsifying their stories.

Afterall, they were the ones that started the whole "Mechagodzilla in Godzilla 3" rumor after King Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra were confirmed for the Legendary sequel. They also started the "Asia-Only Mothra After-Credits" thing for the 2014 movie.

@Natezilla10000

You mean there's something on the Internet that's not credible?

No, no way...

Seriously, Natezilla10000, thanks for the heads up about that site.

I think we can rest assured with the news we have by way of August Ragone. Anno and Higuchi are so right for this, it just makes so much sense. Two fans of tokusatsu and the Showa films working to bring us a Japanese Godzilla, and , in the process, help this beautiful, distinct genre. And what better way, than to do so through the character that started it all?

I'm hoping it is a return to form for the character. It sounds like it from what the filmmakers are saying. Quite honestly, that's where Godzilla belongs for this fan. If you want a campy Godzilla there are plenty of films out there; one can get their fill. We don't need any more campy Godzillas. I'm looking forward to what they're going to do with it. It will hopefully be what 2014 hinted at, specifically in the 2012 ComicCon teaser. That's the movie I was looking for.

As for Pacific Rim, I love it. It's a loving tribute to the toku and mecha genres. It doesn't take itself seriously, even though it is a serious movie. It's still a fun, kick-ass, and at times, funny, monster movie. It absolutely does not belong in the same universe as the Legendary Godzilla, however, as some fans have wanted. Two different animals.