Is the upcoming Godzilla movie a sequel to Godzilla Minus One? Explained

With a riveting story set in post-World War II Japan, Godzilla Minus One debuted on December 1, 2023, renewing the venerable monster series. Under Takashi Yamazaki's direction, this movie was rewarded for its creative narrative and amazing visual effects.

Ryunosuke Kamiki portrayed Kōichi Shikishima, one of the film's main characters. As a former kamikaze pilot, Shikishima struggles with the psychological scars of battle and faces Godzilla's terrible presence.

Whether the upcoming Godzilla movie, which Toho has confirmed on November 1, 2024, is a sequel to Godzilla Minus One is still somewhat vague. Though no official sequel has been confirmed, the film's ending left some story strands unanswered. This includes a regenerating portion of Godzilla's flesh and the consequences surrounding Shikishima's love interest, Noriko.

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Is the next Godzilla movie connected to Godzilla Minus One?

Though there is no official confirmation as to whether the upcoming Godzilla movie is a sequel to Godzilla Minus One, the popularity of the movie opens doors for possible follow-ups. Though the specifics of its premise and actors are unknown, the new movie, which Toho has confirmed formally, will likely have a fresh plotline.

With Godzilla Minus One ending on cliffhangers like the fate of Shikishima and Noriko, there is a possibility that a sequel might come up. Godzilla Minus One, a 2023 Japanese kaiju film directed by Takashi Yamazaki, is the 37th installment in the Godzilla franchise. Released on Netflix recently, the film is set in postwar Japan. It follows a former kamikaze pilot, played by Ryunosuke Kamiki, who struggles with PTSD after encountering the giant monster Godzilla.

Ryunosuke Kamiki stars in the film as the character Koichi Shikishima. Yuki Yamada plays Shirō Mizushima, while Minami Hamabe plays Noriko Oishi. Munetaka Aoki plays Sōsaku Tachibana, who contributes to the film's primary narrative.

Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, and Kuranosuke Sasaki perform supporting roles with the main actors. Produced by Toho Studios, the film had its theatrical release in Japan on November 3, 2023, which coincided with the anniversary of the original Godzilla film from 1954.

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Additional details About the Godzilla franchise

The Godzilla series began in 1954 when the original picture was released in Japan. The American version, named Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, debuted in 1956 and had additional sequences starring Raymond Burr. This adaptation propelled the Godzilla series to international popularity and paved the way for countless films and media.

Toho has made 33 live-action Godzilla films, three anime features, and numerous Hollywood adaptations. The 2014 film by Legendary Pictures launched the Monsterverse, a media series that includes King Kong. Toho produced Shin Godzilla in 2016, which gained critical praise and economic success, reigniting fan interest in the character.

Godzilla's influence extends beyond film. It has inspired many other monster movies and contributed to the development of the tokusatsu style in Japan. The character has become a cultural icon, often referenced in various forms of media worldwide. With the latest film, Godzilla Minus One, the franchise continues to thrive, with new films and adaptations being produced.

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Closing thoughts

Even if Godzilla Minus One does not have an official follow-up right now, the legacy of the movie and unresolved issues point to a future continuation. Fans may expect further adventures, including the legendary kaiju with a fresh Godzilla movie set for release next year, hopefully.