Back in August, the legendary Japanese studio Toho announced they were making their first everGodzilla anime movie, withKobun ShizunoandHiroyuki Seshitadirecting from a script by popular graphic novel and anime movie writerGen Urobuchi. We haven’t had any updates since then, but today Toho has not only announced the first six cast members, but also released the first pieces of concept art. The anime movie will feature the voices ofYuuki Kaji,Takahiro Sakurai,Mamoru Miyano,Junichi Suwabe,Kana HanazawaandTomokazu Sugita, although no details were given for their characters.
The cast members and concept art were released on the film’s new official website, Godzilla-Anime.com, withAnime News Networkrevealing that all six cast members will be featured in a stage event at AnimeJapan 2017 on Sunday, March 26. No plot details have been released at this time, but Toho and Polygon Pictures are aiming for a 2017release date, although an official date hasn’t been announced.
Over the years, there have been a number of animatedGodzillaTV shows and specials. But this is the first feature length film ever produced with the sole intent of premiering on the big screen in the franchise’s 62 year history. This movie comes off the success of Toho’sGodzilla: Resurgence, which was released last June in Japan. TheTohoproduced movie earned $75 million in Japan, the second-highest grossing movie of 2016 in that country, behind the animated blockbusterYour Name, which will be released in the U.S. this coming April.Godizlla: Resurgence, also known asShin Godzilla, manged to out-gross American hits such asZootopia,Finding DoryandFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themin its Japanese release.
The 2014Godzilla moviefrom Warner Bros.,Legendaryand director Gareth Edwards only managed to earn $31.6 million in Japan during its run, but its worldwide success ($529 million from a $160 million budget), inspired Toho to developShin Godzillaand thisGodzillaanime movie. There is moreGodzillacoming to the big screen in the U.S. as well, with Warner Bros. developingGodzilla vs. King Kong, which is set for release on August 08, 2025. That movie will tie into the events of this year’sKong: Skull Island, which hits theaters March 10.
It isn’t known how far along production is on Godzilla quite yet, but with the release of this concept art, it’s possible the first trailer may be coming soon. WhileGodzilla: Resurgence/Shin Godzillawasn’t a huge hit in the United States ($1.9 million), it was only in theaters for four weeks, and was only released in 34 theaters. Perhaps if there is enough demand, thisGodzillaanime movie may get a much wider release in the United States, but that may depend on how fans react to the first trailer. Take a look at the concept art below, as we wait for more on this newGodzillamovie.
