Toho’s Godzilla Minus One was a roaring success, further solidifying the immense impact of Godzilla as a character. Godzilla not only shakes things up literally but also remains one of the most famous and beloved characters in cinema history.
Toho has introduced new guidelines for all future Godzilla projects, emphasizing that Godzilla cannot die or harm people or objects. Fans are a bit worried and skeptical about the decision, viewing it not wise for future Godzilla projects.
Toho’s New Rule for Future Godzilla Movies
Over the past few years, Godzilla has absolutely crushed the box office of both Japanese and Western industries. Last year’s Godzilla Minus One marked Toho’s 70th anniversary, becoming not only the most successful Japanese Godzilla film ever but also a critical and award-winning triumph.
But that was not all, fans also got MonsterVerse installment Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which delivered a fresh take on the iconic Kaiju while staying true to its roots. According to Tetsuya Yoshikawa, overseeing all Godzilla projects involves sticking to strict guidelines.
Speaking to Livedoor(via Discussing Films on X), he revealed the rules that included Godzilla never being allowed to die or to harm humans or other creatures, ensuring continuity across various interpretations of the legendary monster.
He stated,
Some of the big rules are that Godzilla never dies and that Godzilla does not prey on people or things,–We checked these things from the script stage for Godzilla Minus One as well. The same goes for the Hollywood version.
Managing the film by clarifying agreements and principles, rather than just going by intuition, also leads to the credibility of the film.
It is very intriguing to learn what goes on behind the scenes of making these films and how they arrive at that point.
Fans Disapprove of the New Godzilla Rules
Fans love Godzilla so much that the audiences now have embraced two distinct versions of the monster, one which is often time paired with Kong and another is Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One. Premiering in 2023, the film captivated viewers by revisiting the mid-1940s, showcasing the rise and fall of the iconic kaiju.
The movie was a big hit, highlighting fans’ deep love for Godzilla. Since news of the new rules for future movies surfaced, discussions among fans have been ongoing.
Here is what they think,
that’s lame, keep godzilla as a genocidaI monster
— brandon* (@brndxix) June 22, 2024
Sounds like maybe they’re aiming to be more monster vs monster stories. But I did like the human aspect a lot of Minus One, it was the strongest part about it.
— DrixPerspective (@washedjohn) June 22, 2024
what is "prey on people or things"? can't kill people and can't destroy things? who's gonna watch that?
— wubawuba⭕️7 (@wubawuba07) June 22, 2024
that’s boring
— harv (@harvv) June 22, 2024
"Godzilla does not prey on people OR things. We're putting him on a diet. You don't understand. He ate SO MUCH during shooting for The New Empire! If we let him keep this up, he'll have a dad bod by the fourth movie. Who's going to be intimidated by that? NOBODY!"
— Tyler | The Imaginary Axis (@TylerAtTheAxis) June 22, 2024
Don’t give Godzilla a heart.
— feedme ⬆️ (@trickleupnyc) June 22, 2024
While it’s true that a Godzilla movie thrives on a bit of destruction and chaos, fans might be slightly overreacting. It’ll be intriguing to see how these rules unfold now that they’re in motion and public awareness is growing.
Godzilla Minus One is available on Apple TV for rent.
