Is Godzilla Minus One a Reboot: Unveiling the Truth

Godzilla Minus One has been released to audiences worldwide, and with the ongoing MonsterVerse, one may question whether it is a reboot or a remake. The design of Godzilla in Godzilla Minus One resembles the iconic monster's appearance in 2016's Shin Godzilla, which was also a reboot. However, the post-war Japan setting in Godzilla Minus One differs from the present-day setting in Shin Godzilla.

The MonsterVerse, produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, started with Gareth Edwards’ 2014 film Godzilla. It has grown to include other movies and TV shows, including a crossover with King Kong. Is Toho’s latest Godzilla movie a reboot or a remake? And how does it connect to the MonsterVerse? Keep reading to find out.

Is Godzilla Minus One a reboot?

Indeed, Godzilla Minus One is a complete reimagining, as it does not carry forward any storylines from Toho's 32 previous films in the Godzilla series. It also refrains from featuring any familiar characters from previous movies, except for Godzilla, who is presented in a new and updated form.

If Godzilla Minus One is a reboot, does that mean it's not a remake? Not necessarily. Writer-director Takashi Yamazaki incorporated elements from the original 1954 Godzilla movie into his film, such as the post-war setting, street-level protagonists, and nuclear terror overtones.

In addition to this, Yamazaki drew inspiration from other Godzilla films like Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack and Shin Godzilla for Godzilla Minus One’s story and execution. This not only pays homage to the franchise's upcoming 70th anniversary but also gives Godzilla Minus One the feel of a remake, even though it technically falls under the category of a reboot.

Is Godzilla Minus One part of the MonsterVerse?

Legendary and Warner Bros. have significantly increased their focus on the MonsterVerse recently. Along with the upcoming MonsterVerse show, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which will premiere on Apple TV+ in November, there is also the highly anticipated big screen sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, set to be released in April 2024. This raises the question: how does Godzilla Minus One fit into all of this? The simple answer is that it doesn't.

Unlike the MonsterVerse’s canon, Godzilla Minus One is entirely separate from Toho's output, and features none of the same creative personnel. Nevertheless, individuals who have been associated with the MonsterVerse are optimistic about the success of Godzilla Minus One upon its international debut.

In fact, Gareth Edwards, one of the original architects of the MonsterVerse, recently commended Godzilla Minus One as a potential candidate for the best Godzilla movie ever made. Edwards praised Yamazaki for introducing many fresh elements to the franchise and admitted to feeling envious while watching the film.

Godzilla Minus One is in cinemas now. You can check out our other coverage below:

Editor's P/S

As a lifelong Godzilla fan, I was thrilled to hear about the release of Godzilla Minus One. I've been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see this new take on the iconic monster, and I must say, I was not disappointed. Godzilla Minus One is a truly remarkable film that manages to capture the essence of the original while also bringing something new and exciting to the table.

The film's director, Takashi Yamazaki, has done an incredible job of creating a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience. The special effects are top-notch, and the action sequences are truly breathtaking. But what really sets Godzilla Minus One apart is its story and characters. Yamazaki has crafted a compelling narrative that explores the themes of war, peace, and the power of nature. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the film.