Everything We Know So Far About a Potential Sequel to ‘Godzilla Minus One’

Summary

• There are no confirmed reports about a sequel to Godzilla Minus One. However, there are high chances of the film getting a sequel.
• The ending of Godzilla Minus One hints at a sequel as Godzilla’s threat is far from over.

• Director Takashi Yamazaki is open to a sequel and the film has performed exceptionally at the box office.

There has been a lot of conjecture about a potential sequel to Godzilla Minus One ever since its release.

The 33rd Japanese Godzilla movie from the Toho franchise follows former kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima as he tries to adjust to a post-World War II Tokyo. But things go wrong when Godzilla torments the city.

Godzilla Minus One opened to rave reviews from critics and viewers alike and is widely considered the best Godzilla film of all time. The film has also performed well at the box office in both the U.S. and Japan.

Given the film’s massive popularity, fans are already expecting a sequel. Director Takashi Yamazaki has previously mentioned that he’s open to the idea of a sequel, but his feelings on the matter are ‘complicated’.

Godzilla Minus One has an open-ended climax, hinting that Godzilla is never truly gone and could return sooner or later. Therefore, the film keeps the doors open for a sequel.

1. Will There Be a Sequel to Godzilla Minus One?

As of now, there are confirmed reports about a sequel to Godzilla Minus One. However, it is likely to get a sequel as the film has performed well at the box office and its ending hints at a sequel.

Several signs point to a sequel to Godzilla Minus One. First of all, the ending of the film implies that Godzilla’s threat is far from over.

Although Godzilla’s body disintegrates into the sea, we see a part of his flesh bubbling near the sea. This reminds us of Godzilla’s regenerative abilities. Godzilla is never truly dead.

Even if one version of him disintegrates, there is always a chance to bring him back. However, the film does not clarify whether it is possible to recreate the monster in its full form or not.

The new creature may or may not have previous memories as well. Therefore, a sequel to Godzilla Minus One might not continue the story of the first film.

We’re also unsure whether Shikishima will be a part of a potential sequel. At the end of Godzilla Minus One, Shikishima has already dealt with his innate guilt after killing Godzilla. It makes sense for him to move on with his life.

2. Takashi Yamazaki’s Comments About a Godzilla Minus One Sequel

The writer-director of Godzilla Minus One, Takashi Yamazaki, has mentioned that he is open to a sequel. At the film’s premiere in Japan, the director said he left ‘lonely’ after completing his work in the film. He wanted to make another film about Godzilla.

Here’s what he said:

I’ve always wanted to make a Godzilla movie, so this was the moment when my dream of 50 years came true. But I felt lonely [after it was finished]… I wanted to make one more movie. I wonder if you can give me one?

Godzilla Minus One has performed exceptionally well at the box office. The positive word of mouth and rave reviews from critics further add to the buzz. The film was made on a budget of $15 million, but it has grossed $26 million in Japan alone.

The film holds the record for the highest-grossing Japanese live-action opening weekend in the U.S. The film’s commercial success increases its chances of getting a sequel.

It seems like Yamazaki’s dreams of making another film will come true sooner or later.

3. The Timeline of Toho’s Godzilla Franchise Explained

The Japanese Godzilla movies do not follow a strict continuity. The Japanese live-action Godzilla films are usually standalone, although it deals with the same monster. It is not part of a shared universe like the MonsterVerse.

If Godzilla Minus One ends up getting a sequel, it will break the tradition of the Japanese Godzilla franchise. In Hollywood, Godzilla and Kong are part of a shared universe called the MonsterVerse, which has its own continuity.

In contrast, the Japanese Godzilla movies are standalone films. You don’t necessarily need to watch the older Godzilla films to follow a particular film.

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) was the latest direct sequel to the original Godzilla, following Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002). These films were part of a series of standalone sequels in the 2000s that did not connect.

Godzilla Minus One has a prominent human story and a clear sequel hook. It could deviate from the usual trend of standalone sequels and follow the example of its American counterpart. Let’s hope for the best!

4. About Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus One is a Japanese kaiju film directed and written by Takashi Yamazaki. Co-produced by Robot Communications and Toho Studios, it is the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise, the 33rd Godzilla film produced by Toho, the fifth film in the franchise’s Reiwa era and the second live-action film thereof.

The film released theatrically in Japan on November 3, 2023, in celebration of the franchise’s 70th anniversary in 2024, and December 1 in the United States.