An update for the new Godzilla movie confirms a bigger budget than Minus One as writing is officially underway. Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Toho’s Godzilla Minus One was set in postwar Japan and followed a former kamikaze pilot suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after encountering the colossal creature. Shortly after Minus One made a record-breaking $116 million at the box office on a budget under $15 million, Yamazaki began developing a new Godzilla movie.

Now, during an appearance at the Visual Effects Society Awards, where he accepted the Society’s Visionary Award, Yamazaki confirmed that he is officially writing the screenplay and working on the storyboards for a new Godzilla movie (via Variety). He expects to have a bigger budget from Toho this time around, though he did not specify an exact amount. Yamazaki was also among the honorees who shared his perspective on AI in film. Read his full comments below:

It’s a very capable ᴀssistant or tool, as it stands right now, but it is not at the point where it can kind of take center stage and generate what humans can. Right now, it’s not in any of our pipelines because of that reason, but the speed at which AI evolves is just so immense that where it goes from here remains to be seen. Until recently, I’ve been still shooting on film and I like to use miniatures. So I know that someday we’re going to have to embrace and kind of work with AI, but I’m probably going to be one of the later ones because I do like working with older technology and techniques.

What Takashi Yamazaki’s Comments Mean For The New Godzilla Movie

Is It A Sequel To Minus One?

Takashi Yamazaki’s comments confirm that he is officially writing and storyboarding the new Godzilla movie. However, much remains unknown about the movie, including whether it will be a sequel to Minus One or a standalone film. In early 2024, when Yamazaki initially announced that he had started developing the new movie, he denied that it would be a direct sequel to Minus One. In late 2024, when the Godzilla movie was officially greenlit with Yamazaki returning as the writer, director, and visual effects supervisor, there was no clarification on whether it’s a sequel or not.

Regardless of whether the new Godzilla movie is a sequel to Minus One, Yamazaki will be working with a bigger budget this time around. Minus One was made on a budget of $10–15 million and, under the supervision of Yamazaki, managed to feature visual effects that looked better than most Hollywood tentpoles made on 10 to 20 times the budget. In turn, Godzilla Minus One was honored with the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. With a bigger budget, there’s no telling what Yamazaki and company can do.

Our Take On The New Godzilla Movie

Yamazaki Should Deliver Another Standout Addition

Godzilla Minus One was a mᴀssive critical and commercial success that featured thrilling action and stunning special effects, but was grounded by captivating human stories, allowing it to stay genuinely compelling throughout. In turn, it’s not all that important whether or not the new Godzilla movie is a direct sequel to Minus One. With Yamazaki returning as the writer, director, and visual effects supervisor – with a bigger budget to boot – it should be another standout addition to the franchise.

Source: Variety