"SHIN GODZILLA" WILL ROAR ACROSS NOR CAL! Listing of Cinemark/Century Cinemas Bookings

シン•ゴジラはカリフォルニア北部に侵入！

Coming to a Bay Area theater near you... And even in Milpitas!

UPDATED 09/09/16: Not long after Funimation Films announced they had acquired the North American theatrical rights to Hideaki Anno's SHIN GODZILLA (currently breaking box-office records in Japan), US fans couldn't sit still and wait for Funimation to list theaters near them booking the film (now available), and took it upon themselves to do their own searches and compile their own lists.

Of course, while cross-referncing online agencies, such as Fandango and Movietickets, yielded results, these all still fell far short of the purported 440 venues Funimation announced in their press release issued last week on September 2nd. The anticipation generated for this film has also urged employees of many theaters to tip others off to bookings and dates.

SHIN GODZILLA is being booked through a number of theater chains, including Cinemark (incorporating the Century Cinemas). And while Cinemark's listing is insane, with multiple dates in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, Ohio, etc., I've decided to only list the Northern California theaters from Chico to Monterey. NOTE: This is only Cinemark's bookings and is not to be taken as complete. Newly-added theaters appear in red.

Century San Francisco Centre 9 and XD

845 Market Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94103

Roxie Theater (October 16th-18th)
3117 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Century 20 Daly City and XD

1901 Junipero Serra Blvd.

Daly City, CA 94015

Century Tanforan 20
1188 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA 94066

Century 12 San Mateo

320 East 2nd Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94401

Redwood Downtown 20 and XD

825 Middlefield Road

Redwood City, CA 94063

Century Cinema 16 Mountain View
1500 North Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, CA 94043

Century 20 Oakridge and XD

925 Blossom Hill Road

San Jose, CA 95123

Santana Row 6
3088 Olsen Drive
San Jose, CA 95128

Century 14 Vallejo

109 Plaza Drive
Vallejo, CA 94591

Century Laguna 16

9349 Big Horn Blvd.

Elk Grove, CA 95758

Shattuck Cinemas (Landmark Theaters)
2230 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704

Century at Hayward

1069 B Street

Hayward, CA 94541

Walnut Creek 14 and XD

1201 Locust Street

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 20 & Imax 
5000 Dublin Blvd.
Dublin, CA 94568

Century 16 Downtown Pleasant Hill and XD

125 Crescent Drive

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Fairfield Stadium 16 Cinemas
1549 Gateway Blvd.
Fairfield, CA 94533

Century at Pacific Commons and XD

43917 Pacific Commons Blvd.

Fremont, CA 94538

Century 20 Great Mall and XD

1010 Great Mall Drive

Milpitas, CA 95035

Century Napa Valley and XD

195 Gasser Drive

Napa, CA 94559

Cinemark Movies 14

3300 N. Naglee Road

Tracy, CA 95376

Cinemark 14 and XD

801 East Ave., Suite 2

Chico, CA 95926

Cinemark Yuba City

1410 Whyler Road

Yuba City, CA 95993

Tower Theater

2508 Land Park Drive

Sacramento, CA 95818

Century 16 Greenback Lane and XD

6233 Garfield Ave.

Sacramento, CA 95841

Century 14 Northridge Mall

350 Northridge Shopping Center

Salinas, CA 93906

Monterey 13

1700 Del Monte Center

Monterey, CA 93940

Santikos Casablanca Theatre 16
11210 Alamo Rance Parkway
San Antonio, CA 78253

Please contact your local theater for dates and times. Do not panic if you do not see your local theater or town represented in this list, more bookings, check out Funimation's official search engine at their official website. Stay tuned to this blog for more updates and information as they happen!

Thanks to Thomas Ng for the heads up!

"SHIN GODZILLA" FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRAILER Encore Films' Bi-lingual Southeast Asia Promo

庵野秀明の『シン•ゴジラ』はシンガポールと台湾で8月に上陸。


Singapore release poster for Anno's SHIN GODZILLA (2016).

Yesterday, the first international trailer for SHIN GODZILLA, formerly promoted as GODZILLA RESURGENCE, was uploaded to Southeast Asia distributor, Encore Films' YouTube Channel. Founded in 2003, and the top distributor for Japanese productions, Encore Films has released the DEATH NOTE trilogy (breaking records in Singapore), and is the exclusive SEA distributor of Studio Ghibli's animated features. They are also distributing titles into Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.


Encore Films' bi-lingual teaser for SHIN GODZILLA (2016).

Encore's Singapore exhibition of Hideaki Anno's controversial entry in the long-running monster movie series is in conjunction with Golden Village, a luxury multiplex chain based in Singapore, a 50/50 joint venture between Hong Kong's Golden Harvest Cinemas and Australia's Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, established in 1992. Anno's SHIN GODZILLA opens in Singapore on August 25th, but will have its Taiwan opening under the Catchplay banner on August 12th.



Catchplay's Taiwanese trailer for Anno's SHIN GODZILLA (2016).

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only).

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
July 22, 2016: "Shin Godzilla" Coming to the Americas
July 20, 2016: "Godzilla Resurgence" to Hit 100 Countries
July 18, 2016: New Theatrical Trailer for "Shin Godzilla"
April 28, 2016: "Shin Godzilla" Stationary Maquette No. 1
April 16, 2016: Bandai's Quartet of "Shin Godzilla" Sofubi
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

"SHIN GODZILLA" IS COMING TO THE AMERICAS! Plus Listing of Other Countries Getting Stomped

さて、『シン•ゴジラ』をアメリカに来ています！


Funimation's tweet from Comic-Con International, yesterday.

After much speculation on who and when Toho's upcoming GODZILLA RESURGENCE would come to America, it was announced on Thursday at Comic-Con International in San Diego that the distribution rights were acquired by Dallas-based Funimation Entertainment. Instead of just North American rights (US and Canada), the agreement includes North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. They noted the film will begin NA screenings before 2017.

Officially, Funimation noted that the Hideaki Anno's monster movie will be distributed under the title SHIN GODZILLA, dropping Toho's overseas sales title, GODZILLA RESURGENCE. Now, as is customary in current distribution deals, the 31st Big G film will be theatrically distributed by Funimation Films, with the agreement also including home entertainment, video on demand and broadcast rights for all of the Americas. These will follow the initial theatrical releases.

In a press release issued today, Gen Fukunaga, the CEO and President of Funimation said, "Funimation is extremely pleased to be working with Toho to bring SHIN GODZILLA to audiences across the Americas." While not specified at this early juncture, it's unknown whether these screenings will be English Subtitled or English Dubbed.

Following up on my earlier story on Toho's press conference, in which SHIN GODZILLA was sold to 100 countries and territories, daily Nikkan Sports, published a map of the localities in question, and listing all of the countries the film has been sold to, so far. Then, I compiled a list of these countries and territories, but have excluded those already announced in the Funimation Films deal, since it would be redundant and self-evident. I've broken them up by region:

EUROPE: Ireland, Scotland, England, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium.

AFRICA: Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Chad, Sudan, Egypt, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

MIDDLE EAST: Israel, Beirut, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

ASIA: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hainan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, New Guinea, The Philipines, and South Korea.

OCEANIA: Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Please keep in mind that this list is not "final" by any means, as more countries and territories are likely to follow, such as France and Italy. Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only).

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
July 20, 2016: "Godzilla Resurgence" to Hit 100 Countries
July 18, 2016: New Theatrical Trailer for "Shin Godzilla"
April 28, 2016: "Shin Godzilla" Stationary Maquette No. 1
April 16, 2016: Bandai's Quartet of "Shin Godzilla" Sofubi
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

"GODZILLA RESURGENCE" TO HIT 100 COUNTRIES Toho's Greatest Global Distribution of All Time

シン・ゴジラ、史上最大規模100の国と地域で上映


Anno and the cast at the press conference. Photo: Sports Hoichi

With Hideaki Anno's GODZILLA RESURGENCE less than ten days from release, Toho held a new press conference on the film earlier today in Tokyo. On stage were Director Anno, producer Akihiro Yamauchi, and the film's three leads, Hiromi Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, and Satomi Ishihara. RESURGENCE has been sold to 100 territories across the globe as of July 19th, with more pending. Conversely, 12 years ago, GODZILLA FINAL WARS was sold to 67 territories, worldwide.

Toho announced at the press conference that the film will open in Taiwan on August 12, the Philippines on August 24, Hong Kong and Macao on August 25, and Thailand on September 8th. Toho said that after 12 years since the last production, this new Japanese-made Godzilla is likely to cause a whirlwind overseas, as RESURGENCE is released throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Yes, inside sources say a NA release may be announced shortly.

No further dates or territories were announced, but stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
July 18, 2016: New Theatrical Trailer for "Shin Godzilla"
April 28, 2016: "Shin Godzilla" Stationary Maquette No. 1
April 16, 2016: Bandai's Quartet of "Shin Godzilla" Sofubi
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

NEW THEATRICAL TRAILER FOR "SHIN GODZILLA" 2nd Theatrical Trailer Teases Purple Death Ray!

新しい『シン・ゴジラ』予告2が上陸！


From the new, impressive trailer for GODZILLA RESURGENCE.

This past weekend, Toho released the first round of TV Spots for Hideaki Anno's upcoming feature film, GODZILLA RESURGENCE (Shin Gojira), which was also uploaded online. Then, on July 18th at 3:00 PM (Japan Time), the studio's YouTube account, Toho Movie Channel, posted the second and final, full-length theatrical trailer for the movie opening July 29th.


Three 15 Second TV Spots for GODZILLA RESURGENCE.

This new trailer features mostly all-new shots, scenes of destruction, some impressive visuals, and a completely new track of Shiro Sagisu's score, different from all of the previous trailers. Strictly for hardcore G-Nerds, the trailer — at the very end — reveals the Big G's signature radioactive death breath power-up, which looks a princely purple... So, what are you waiting for? Watch it, now:


2nd Full-length theatrical trailer for GODZILLA RESURGENCE.

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 28, 2016: "Shin Godzilla" Stationary Maquette No. 1
April 16, 2016: Bandai's Quartet of "Shin Godzilla" Sofubi
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

"SHIN GODZILLA" STATIONARY MAQUETTE NO. 1 Model Displayed at Nico-Nico Super Conference!

ニコニコ超会議、シン・ゴジラ1号雛型！


Maquette No. 1 on display at the Nico-Nico Conference this weekend.


First model produced for CG animators to render for the film.


This large-scale reference model is incredibly and infinitely detailed.


From this angle, this maquette is unmistakably classic Godzilla.


This production maquette also recalls the original 1954 creation.


Amazing detail on the classic-style Big G dorsal plates in this shot.


Fantastic shot of dorsal plates and tail reminiscent of Godzilla '54.


Does it seem that the tail's end is a fusion of marine life skeletons?

(Photos by Takao Yoshiba, Konfunk, Perori, and others via Twitter)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! The film bows nationwide in Japan on July 29th. Check out the official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 16, 2016: Bandai's Quartet of "Shin Godzilla" Sofubi
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

BANDAI'S QUARTET OF "SHIN GODZILLA" SOFUBI Four Godzilla 2016 Figures? What Does It Mean?

バンダイの「シン•ゴジラ」ソフビで新発売！


Page one of two from Bandai's Sales Sheet for "Shin Godzilla".

Japan's giant juggernaut toy company, Bandai, recently issued their advance sales sheets for upcoming toy releases, with two pages (just making rounds on the internet) featuring their first run of toys — soft vinyl figures — based on the new Big G design appearing in Hideaki Anno's GODZILLA RESURGENCE, hitting Japanese screens on July 29th. And there's some interesting (albeit wafer-thin) info that is provoking some speculation in my kaiju-addled brain.

The top half of the ad page shows a graphic that is a promotion plan leading up to the release of the film — nothing really exciting  there (based on the scant details therein). But, it's the bottom half of the ad page that is the most intriguing — and detail-filled payoff if one can read Japanese (who has two thumbs?). Three vinyl figures are to be issued, but the details of which may harbor a spoiler...

First, the non-spoiler news: Bandai's initial roll-out will be a 16.5 cm (6.5") vinyl figure of Shin Godzilla, labeled as "Godzilla 2016", the official name designation for licensing and merchandizing. Under the "Movie Monster Series" banner,  this tagged figure will come 24 pieces per case, and will retail for ¥2000 ($18.50 USD). Preorders open on April 29th and will hit retailers at the end of July.

Now, here come the possible spoilers: The next pair of "Godzilla 2016" figures not only both share the same line, "(Tentative) Movie Monster Series", as well as size (16.5 cm) and retail price (¥1600/$15 USD), will come 48 to a case, are listed for release on August 1st, and both with the same catalogue designation of "Godzilla 2016", almost, with one slight — but very important — difference between them:

One has been labeled as "Godzilla 2016: Monster A" while the other is labeled "Godzilla 2016: Monster B".  With these points of fact, there comes to mind only three possible answers:

One is that there are two different kaiju appearing in this film facing off with Godzilla, or appear somewhere in the story. At this late juncture, any other kaiju would require its name being registered and labeled in order to be advanced to retailers, unless the names are undergoing trademark registration. This is contrary to statements made by both Toho and the filmmakers, who've explicitly stated this is a "Japan vs. Godzilla" scenario, only.

If two guest mon-stars are not a possibility, are we to believe that there are two separate and individual Big Gs appearing in flashback or flash-forward sequences? Is it possible that there could be two forms of the same King of the Monsters, perhaps regenerating — or degenerating — during the story? Like some kaiju version of "The Incredible Melting Man"?

Or could the Big G going through a regeneration lend credence to the film's English title, "Godzilla Resurgence"? Only time will tell.


Page two of two from Bandai's Sales Sheet for "Shin Godzilla".

Meanwhile, the second page of Bandai's sales sheet reveals reissues of Bandai America's "Bandai Creation" line, under the banner "King of the Monsters Series". The first two, coming this July, will be "Final Godzilla" and "Mechagodzilla" (Kiryu), measuring 28cm (11") and 30cm (11.8"), respectfully. The latest edition to this line will be the new "Godzilla 2016", measuring 28cm (11"), is expected to drop in August. All three will retail for ¥4800 ($44.13 USD) each.

The bottom half of the second page heralds the revival of Bandai's "Movie Monster Series", kicking off at the end of July with "Millennium Godzilla", measuring 16cm (6.4"), listing for ¥1600 ($15 USD), and "Mechagodzilla 2004" (Kiryu), measuring 17cm (6.7"), listing for ¥1800 ($16.55 USD). Bandai's website is also listing a reissue of many of the 16cm vinyl figures in the "Movie Monster Series", to debut in July — which is shaping up to the "Month of Godzilla" this year in Japan.

(Special thanks to Astounding Beyond Belief)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

BEHOLD! FIRST "SHIN GODZILLA" RETAIL FIGURE Banpresto's Big Sofubi Figure Lottery Prize Toy!

シン・ゴジラ ビッグソフビフィギュア、ニッポン上陸！


Yuji Sakai's sculpt for the first Shin Godzilla figure, revealed!

Banpresto, a subsidiary of the toy juggernaut, Bandai, has revealed the first figurine based on the new version of the Big G appearing in Toho's upcoming release of GODZILLA RESURGENCE, bowing in Japan on July 29th. And while this Big G is somewhat frightening, the retail price is the complete opposite of most Japanese Godzilla figures on the market.

This 13.4" soft vinyl beauty has been meticulously created by Yuji Sakai, the foremost Big G sculptor in the world, and according to the Banpresto press release, will be released in late July, and sold in "bookstores, hobby shops, game centers, movie theaters, etc.".

So, what's the non-monstrous price for this figure? ¥620 (including tax) — that's only $5.70 USD — how could anyone go wrong with this figure at that price? There's one caveat... This is a lottery ticket price — so, while that's an amazing price on one hand, there's no guarantee you'll get one. But, as with many Banpresto products, you will see them flooding the market in no time.

Banpresto's press release also notes these disclaimers: "Release date may differ on a case-by-case basis depending on individual retailers. Will supplies last. Actual product may differ from photograph. Details are subject to change without notice."

This is our first look at the new Big G's lower legs and feet — overall, I like the way this is looking. Of course, I reserve final judgement until after I see GODZILLA RESURGENCE, itself. Crossing fingers, but not holding my breath...

Meanwhile, as part of the on-going promotions for the upcoming film, cross-promoting two big properties under director Hideaki Anno's belt is "Godzilla x Evangelion". As a bonus in the same press release, this image was included, a mock movie poster illustrated by famed Big G artist and designer, Shinji Nishikawa, for "Godzilla vs. Evangelion".


Nishikawa's fake "movie poster" for "Godzilla vs. Evangelion"!

It is not known as of this writing, if Nishikawa's mock poster, featuring the hyperbolic tagline: "Godzilla Invades!", will be sold on the retail market (Banpresto's press release also mentions two different prize posters, but no specific details), but I'm sure it will be in some form. Still, we are finally seeing the first retail products for the upcoming film, and so far, they look... monstrous.

The Banpresto Lottery Prizes are (not all are pictured):

○ A Prize: Shin Godzilla Big Soft Vinyl Figure
○ B Prize: Godzilla Head Magnet
○ C Prize: Silhouette Ruler
○ D Prize: Clear File Set
○ E Prize: Rubber Strap
○ F Prize: Mini Figure Collection
○ Final Prize: Original Poster
○ Double Chance Campaign: Shin Godzilla Big Soft Vinyl Figure

(Special thanks to Andy Perry, Stephan Lapin, and Paul Haberman for their assistance.)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

TOHO'S UPCOMING "SHIN GODZILLA" REVEALED New Info & Trailers for GODZILLA RESURGENCE!

これが『シン•ゴジラ』出現！現実 (ニッポン) 対 虚構 (ゴジラ) !!


Anno & Higuchi's "Shin Godzilla" has now been finally revealed!

On Wednesday, April 13th, Toho released the first images and trailer for the highly-anticipated GODZILLA RESURGENCE, helmed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. Many had pondered whether a set of photos leaked on the 'net several months ago were legitimate (some denying them because they didn't want to accept the countenance of Anno and Higuchi's Godzilla). But, now all that becomes moot. This is our new Big G.


The red-hot heat seething through the fissures in Godzilla's hide.

Full of fire and fury (as seen in the official trailer linked below) our new Godzilla has the appearance of lava, hardened on the surface with cracks exposing a red-hot interior. While this iteration was reported to be brought to life via digital rendering and animatronic puppeteering, Toho is now touting a "full CG" monster. Conversely, the official trailer reveals some traditional miniature photography, and (of course) Anno/Higuchi's renown fetish for military hardware.


Humans can only run for their lives from the terror of Godzilla.

In today's press release, Toho also trumpets GODZILLA RESURGENCE will also boast the inclusion of 328 well-known actors in supporting and cameo appearances, including:

Kengo Kora (The Mourner), Ren Osugi (Hana-bi), Akira Emoto (Shall We Dance?), Kimiko Yo (Departures), Jun Kunimura (Gojoe), Mikako Ichikawa (Rampo Noir), Pierre Taki (Samurai Fiction), Takumi Saito (13 Assassins), Keisuke Koide (Cyborg She), Arata Furuta (Apartment 1303), and ex-AKB48 member Atsuko Maeda (The Complex), just for starters.


"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Anno," the Big G is such a narcissist.

The roles for the three main cast members were also revealed (and their names not quite as ridiculous as earlier mistranslations have fumbled): Hiroki Hasegawa as Rando Yaguchi, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yutaka Takenouchi as Hideki Akasaka, Aide to the Prime Minister, and Satomi Ishihara as Kayoko Ann Patterson, Special Envoy for the President of the United States.


Shot of Godzilla's dorsal plates reveal more detail from the film.

There. No super spies, psychic sisters, or suicidal soldiers seeking solace; seemingly more grounded in the vein of Koji Hashimoto's RETURN OF GODZILLA (1984), as opposed to the outlandish antics of Kensho Yamashita's GODZILLA VS SPACE GODZILLA (1994). With that being said, let's just hope it isn't a colossal bore in terms of human drama, and no sappy romantic subplot, please (yeah, I have enough aggravation).


"On wrongs, swift vengeance awaits." — Alexander Pope

GODZILLA RESURGENCE, produced by Akihiro Yamauchi, will open nationwide in Japan on July 29th and will be presented in these formats: IMAX®, 4DX®, and MX4D® giving moviegoers the ultimate sight, sound, and motion fx experience. The film's new tagline being, "Reality (Japan) vs. Fiction (Godzilla)".


GODZILLA RESURGENCE Teaser Trailer 2: 1080p (30 seconds)


GODZILLA RESURGENCE Advance Trailer: 1080p (90 seconds)

(WARNING: Be cautioned that in regards to the trailers, these are not the final visual effects shots, as the film is still in post-production. Remember that the movie is over three months away from release. Remain calm. Do not panic.)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

TOHO'S NEW "GODZILLA RESURGENCE" EXPOSED Private Photos Taken at Toho Studios Leaked!

シン•ゴジラが露出！禁断の写真は発行されました！


A face only a mother Godzilla could love... Clearasil, anyone?

Earlier today, a number of low-res images began appearing on Twitter and Facebook featuring shots taken of the "monster suit" from Toho's upcoming production of GODZILLA RESURGENCE, directed by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Attack on Titan), bowing this coming July 29th in Japan.


Heavy radiation damage from H-Bombs or the Fukushima disaster?

This will probably be the most divisive Godzilla design since Patrick Tatapolous' deviation for the 1998 Roland Emmerich debacle. Anno's conceit recalls the initial concept for Godzilla by Ishiro Honda, as a literal victim of the H-Bomb — his scales resembling keloid scars — and may not be his only form or mutation.


Might this nightmarish Big G be regenerating or is he decomposing?

Design for this new, nightmarish Godzilla was executed by Mahiro Maeda (Mad Max: Fury Road) and then realized as a maquette by Takayuki Takeya (Attack on Titan). Godzilla will be manifest using several different techniques, puppets, animatronics, and enhanced by digital effects, with the main "suit" operated by three people.

Now, I've been privy to other images and information, but promised to not make them public, and will adhere to that promise. But, now that the cat is out of the bag in regards to today's images (which aren't those I was allowed to see a while back), and there's no way to stop the further proliferation of them to the public.

Personally, I wish that the person who leaked them hadn't, so we could've had authorized, high-res images when the official news eventually came. In that regard, please stay tuned to this blog for further information and news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops!

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

MEET THE "GODZILLA RESURGENCE" COMPOSER The Prolific Shiro Sagisu Picks Up the Baton!

鷺巣詩郎は『シン・ゴジラ』の音楽を作曲されました！


Recent portrait of GODZILLA RESURGENCE composer, Shiro Sagisu.

The selection of well-known arranger, composer, and music producer, Shiro Sagisu, to create the soundtrack for Toho's upcoming GODZILLA RESURGENCE, written and directed by mavericks Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, may well be the least shocking aspect of this highly-debated film. Because Sagisu has a deep connection with the Big G, which goes back before he was born.


Director Shinji Higuchi (left) with Composer Shiro Sagisu. ©Gainax

Unfortunately, the vast majority of Godzilla fans outside of Japan are either completely unfamiliar with Sagisu, or only know the composer from his scores for Anno's on-going NEON GENESIS EVANGELION series and movies or Shinji Higuchi's recent pair of live action ATTACK ON TITAN films. But, Sagisu's life has been filled with kaiju — more than anyone may have ever guessed.


Sagisu's first single from his debut album, "Eyes", released in 1978.

His father was a close friend and comrade of the master of Japanese visual effects, Eiji Tsuburaya: Tomio Sagisu (who also created manga under the pen-name Shoji Ushio). A member of Tsuburaya's effects crew, the elder Sagisu worked on numerous films at Toho (largely uncredited), until he founded his own company in the early 1960s, known as P-Productions.


"Summer-colored Diary" (1983) arranged by Sagisu for Chiemi Hori.

The elder Sagisu's company produced visual effects and animation for a number of movie studios and television networks, and pioneered their own productions, such as AMBASSADOR MAGMA (shown in the US as THE SPACE GIANTS), SPECTREMAN, LION MARU, DENJIN ZABOGA, to name a few. Today, in addition to being a composer, the young Sagisu is the President of his father's company.


Sagisu has arranged for contemporary artists such as May'n (2011).

Born on August 8, 1957, Sagisu cut his teeth working for his father's company, and was soon put in charge of directing, writing, music and sound effects for live "monster shows" to promote the P-Productions brands in the mid-1970s. He also collaborated with his father in the production of a pilot film, which was never picked up, for a proposed sci-fi film/series entitled SILVER JAGUAR in 1980.


Shiro Sagisu's Original Soundtrack for MEGAZONE 23 (1985).

The young Sagisu broke out on his own varied and wide-ranging music career in 1978, including his own instrumental releases, composing and arranging songs for some of the more successful Idol Singers, starting in the early 1980s, as well as more popular vocalists, with nearly a hundred successful collaborations over the years. Sagisu has also racked up scores of soundtracks for films and television shows.


First Soundtrack to NADIA, THE SECRET OF THE BLUE WATER (1990).

Some of his more notable television themes and scores include GOOD LAUGHS, MY FRIEND (1982-14), SAKICHI, THE FALLING STAR (1984), KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD (1986-87), NADIA: THE SECRET OF THE BLUE WATER (1990-91), MACROSS II: LOVERS AGAIN (1992), NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (1995-96), HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES (1998), BLEACH (2004-12), and MAGI: THE LABYRINTH OF MAGIC (2012-14).


Third volume in the Original Soundtrack series for BLEACH (2006).

Sagisu's feature credits are Noboru Ishiguro's MEGAZONE 23 (1985-89), Kunihiko Yuyama's LEDA: FANTASTIC ADVENTURE OF YOHKO (1985), Yoshiyuki Tomino's GARZEY'S WING (1996), Kim Sung-su's MUSA (2001), Kazuaki Kiriya's CASSHERN (2004), Jo-Dong Oh's THE RESTLESS (2006), Noriyuki Abe's BLEACH (2006-10), and Toshiyuki Kubooka's BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC (2012-14).


Poster for the South Korean fantasy film, THE RESTLESS (2006).

With more than 37 years of experience with mountains of credits to his name — and as a fan of his earlier soundtracks (such as NADIA, EVA and CASSHERN), it will be interesting to see what Sagisu will bring to the kaiju eiga canon with his music for GODZILLA RESURGENCE, which opens nationwide in Japan on July 29, 2016.

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

THE "GODZILLA RESURGENCE" ENGLISH POSTER! Toho Updates Website With Trailer & Posters

英語版『シン・ゴジラ』ポスター！


English Poster unveiled on Toho's official Shin Godzilla website.

Toho's official SHIN GODZILLA website, dedicated to the film, being marketed to countries outside of Japan as GODZILLA RESURGENCE, just a day after the reveal of the teaser poster and trailer to the press, was updated with those, as well as the international English-language poster, featuring the names of the main cast and the three principal filmmakers bringing the monster back to cinematic life.

No surprise are writer-director Hideaki Anno and co-director/visual effects director Shinji Higuchi, as well as associate director/visual effects creative director Katsuro Onoue. A veteran of Toei Studios, Onoue has a lengthy list of credits, including work with Higuchi (Attack On Titan) and Anno (Evangelion 3.0), as well as visual effects under Kenji Suzuki on GODZILLA 2000 (1999).

Stay tuned for more information on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops!

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
December 9, 2015: "Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size"
December 9, 2015: "Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

JAPANESE PRESS REVEALS SHIN GODZILLA'S SIZE This Will Be the Biggest Big G of Them All!

中日スポーツは「シン・ゴジラ」のサイズを発表！


Today, Chunichi Sports revealed the new Big G's measurements!

Today has been a flurry of reports on the upcoming film GODZILLA RESURGENCE, including the reveal of the monster, the first teaser trailer, and now, according to Chunichi Sports, the specs on the new Big G's size! According to the headline of this article, the new King of the Monsters will stand (?) a whopping 118.5 meters tall — that's just under 389 feet! In comparison, the Legendary Pictures iteration stands 108.2 meters (355 feet). Not much, but it's still Godzilla.

Special thanks to Takao Yoshiba for the image and stay tuned to this blog for more information on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops!

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
December 9, 2015: "Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

SCOOP! TEASER FOR "GODZILLA RESURGENCE" Cinema Today Posts The First Teaser Trailer!

庵野秀明×樋口真嗣のゴジラ！『シン・ゴジラ』特報


Now, here's the "announcement" trailer for GODZILLA RESURGENCE!

While this very first teaser doesn't reveal much, except some B-Roll panic scenes, a new credit attached to the film comes up during on of the intertitles: Katsuro Onoue as "Associate Director/Visual Effects Creative Director."

A veteran of Toei Studio's Visual Effects Laboratory, Onoue has a lengthy list of credits, including work with Higuchi (Attack On Titan) and Anno (Evangelion 3.0), as well as working with Kenji Suzuki on GODZILLA 2000 (1999).

Stay tuned for more information on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops!

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

HERE'S YOUR BIG G IN "GODZILLA RESURGENCE" Image Reveals the "Greatest, Worst Nightmare"!

ニッポン対ゴジラ !


Public unveiling of the new Big G with tagline "Japan vs. Godzilla".

On December 9th (Japan Time), the first image of the titular monster for the highly anticipated collaboration from directors Hideaki Anno (Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Attack On Titan) to be featured in GODZILLA RESURGENCE (Shin Gojira) with the Japanese release date of July 29, 2016.

While this image has not appeared on any of Toho's official sites, this "nightmare" version of the Big G was revealed to celebrated American Godzilla artists, Bob Eggleton (Famous Monsters) and Matt Frank (IDW's Godzilla), as well as myself, just recently.

Additionally, journalist Norman England, who worked on a number of the films as a set photographer, also confirmed it's authenticity: "It's the real deal, all right. I  was able to handle the suit when I was working on a project over at Toho a little over a month ago."

In my mind, it does look like the work of noted designers, Mahiro Maeda and Takayuki Takeya, whom I profiled as the rumored artist and sculptor, back on August 1st — imparted to me from sources close to the production (see link, below).

What do I think of this design? First off, it looks like one of the early maquettes sculpted by Teizo Toshimitsu for the 1954 film. Ultimately, I will reserve any final judgements until there's more to work with. Although, I have to say that a departure from the norm — but still retaining the basic Godzilla elements — is welcome.

Now, with visual effects rendering and compositing underway, it's only a matter of time before more images are forthcoming from the new film. Stay tuned to this blog for more details as they develop!

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

"SHIN GODZILLA" PROMO REEL SCREENS AT AFM! Official English Title: "GODZILLA RESURGENCE"

東宝はサンタモニカ市で『シン・ゴジラ』PVを示しています！


Toho's AFM program booklet ad for the promo reel screening!

With no prior announcement, Toho revealed that they were screening a promo reel for their latest Big G production, SHIN GODZILLA — now formally announced as GODZILLA RESURGENCE for overseas markets — at this year's annual American Film Market, which just took place in Santa Monica, California on November 4th-11th. Over the years, Toho has presented a number of their Godzilla films during the event, but this is the first time they are previewing a film — for potential sales — a half year before completion.

The American Film Market, also known as AFM, is an 8-day industry event, founded in 1981, attracting over 8,000 filmmakers, studios, producers, writers, distributors, etc. from more than 70 countries, and has become one of the international marketplaces for the film industry — utilizing every theater in Santa Monica — is more than a film festival, with the impetus on production and distribution deals. AFM is not open to the public.

While I've managed to network to get into some of Toho's screenings AFM in the past — this one came right out of nowhere and without warning — with that being said, I do have friends attending, and at least one of them is attending the screening, so please stay tuned for details...

See previous reports on SHIN GODZILLA:
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

(Image courtesy of Glenn Abbott)

NEXT GODZILLA NOW ENTITLED "SHIN GODZILLA" Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!

長谷川博己主演で最新作『シン・ゴジラ』！


Hiroki Hasegawa will star as an unspecified "Government Official".

Next summer, the first Japanese Godzilla in 12 years will be released, and on September 22nd, the main cast for the contemporary film was announced. The lead star is Hiroki Hasegawa (some mistranslating his given name as "Hiromi"), who will play a "government official" dealing with monster's rampage. The 38 year-old Hasegawa, aka "Hasehiro", has acted on stage, television and film, recently starring as Ryoichi Suzuki in Shion Sono's LOVE & PEACE (2015) and Shikishima in Shinji Higuchi's ATTACK ON TITAN (2015).


Popular Yutaka Takenouchi will also play a "Government Official".

Hasegawa's male co-star is Yutaka Takenouchi, who began his career as a model, and made his acting debut in the television drama, MY FIRST JOB (1994). In 2002, the 44 year-old Takenouchi received a Best Actor nomination by the Japanese Academy Awards for Isamu Nakae's CALMI CUORI APPASSIONATI (2001). Also in demand for television and commercials, he recently starred as Captain Sakae Oba in Hideyuki Hirayama's Pacific War saga, OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI (2011), as well as Yukihiko Nishino in Nami Iguchi's THE TALE OF NISHINO (2014).


Satomi Ishihara's role was described by Toho as a "U.S. Agent."

Winning numerous acting awards, Satomi Ishihara was voted Vogue Japan's Woman of the Year in 2010, ranked as 25th and 32nd by T.C. Candler's Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Faces in 2014 and 2013, and received Jewelry World's Best Woman of the Year award in 2015. The 28 year-old model first made her screen debut as Sanju in Toshiro Saiga's HOGI-LALA (2002), under the stage name "Kuniko Ishigami". With numerous television and screen credits, Ishihara recently starred as Kanoe Kumoi in Hideo Tanaka's MONSTERZ (2014) and as Hange in Shinji Higuchi's ATTACK ON TITAN (2015).


The official katakana title logo in the style of the 1954 original.

While the supporting cast has yet to be revealed by Toho, principal photography has already begun, under the title "シン・ゴジラ" (Shin Gojira), which was announced as official during the press conference on September 22nd. This title has been rendered in katakana, the writing system usually reserved for foreign words — with "Gojira", of course, being "Godzilla" — while "Shin" is a triple-entendre reading of the kanji characters for "新" (new), "真" (true), "神" (god), according to the film's Supervising Director Hideaki Anno, best known to fans throughout the world for NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.


Shooting panic scenes in Tokyo's Ota Ward. Photo by Shimpei Kanada.

Toho is confident in Hasegawa abilities in being the pillar of SHIN GODZILLA's cast, in representing the best Japan has to offer, to which the actor stated, "It's no exaggeration to say that he's world-famous, so who wouldn't want to be involved in a Godzilla production?" and shouted, "I want to give this role all I've got!" His fellow cast member, Takenouchi declared that after 61 years since the original, this will be the 29th and best of them all, "With a deeper message." While she received the offer over the phone, Ishihara shouted "Alright!", but now she's feeling the pressure from all of her English dialogue. She admitted, "Sometimes it's so frustrating, I just wanted to cry."


What will the new Japanese Godzilla look like? The world awaits!

It was previously stated that the Big G appearing in SHIN GODZILLA would be taller than the 108-meter long creature appearing in Gareth Edwards' GODZILLA (2014). Undoubtedly, when this new Godzilla is finally revealed, for the first time in twelve years, he'll garner even far more attention than the human cast. More importantly, what will this new "Shin Godzilla" look like? Are the rumors of his design and designers true? And how will he be brought to life? So, stay tuned for more details as it develops, as the true King of the Monsters returns to the screen once again!

Based on various Japanese news reports including Sanspo.com and the official "Shin Godzilla" website.

Previous reports on SHIN GODZILLA:
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

SHOOTING BEGINS ON TOHO'S "GODZILLA 2016" Extras Flee For Their Lives In Tokyo's Ota Ward!

出った！『シン•ゴジラ』が蒲田駅に襲来 !!


Co-Directors Anno (left) and Higuchi (right) on location in Tokyo.

Just a few hours ago, dozens of extras fled from the Big G down the commercial street at Kamata Station's East Exit in Tokyo's Ota Ward, as Toho's first domestic Godzilla film in nearly twelve years finally commences production. Now tentatively titled, "Shin Gojira" (New Godzilla), the film is being co-directed by modern mavericks Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion), who also penned the screenplay, and Shinji Higuchi (Attack on Titan).

Already proving to be one of the most highly-anticipated kaiju eiga productions in over a decade (with next to nothing known about the upcoming film's plot, cast, or other particulars), inside sources are saying that this iteration of the world-famous king of the monsters threatens to be "frightening"; harkening back to the original 1954 film, while co-director Higuchi promises, "I'll give you the greatest worst nightmare!"

According to this author's sources, "New Godzilla" will premiere in Japanese Cinemas on Saturday, July 23, 2016.* Please stay tuned for confirmation of release date and other details as they develop!

(Above photo Tweeted by Cast Co., Ltd.)

Previous reports on "Godzilla 2016":
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

*Release date has been confirmed as July 29, 2016.