‘Godzilla: Resurgence’ Artwork And Trailer Reveal Japan’s Rebooted Monster [Video]
It has been more than a decade since Japan released a Godzilla film. While America has appropriated Godzilla and used updated technology to revamp the creature, which is ironic considering the shared history between the two countries, Japan has all but forsaken the giant green lizard. That all changes with Godzilla: Resurgence and the production company behind the new addition to the franchise, Toho Pictures, has just released new images and concept art to go along with a previously released trailer.
Godzilla Resurgence Proves Japan Is Still Not Safe From Monsters
Fans of Godzilla are very particular in what they want from their monster, but American and Japanese fans alike may be pleased with what Godzilla Resurgence has to offer. Toho Pictures has previously said that Godzilla Resurgence will take place outside of Godzilla films produced by Hollywood and that the rebooted feature film will show a much more classic Godzilla.
Toho has released a couple of sketches to promote the upcoming release of Godzilla Resurgence. The concept art was created by the celebrated Japanese animation artist Mahiro Maida and reveals a Godzilla that does look very much like the monster from earlier films. The first sketch is an image of Godzilla’s head, giving the view of looking straight on at the monster, while the second image shows the full body. The second, full body image reveals a much bigger Godzilla, so it seems the monster has been eating well since he’s been away. Another noticeable change is the grander scales climbing Godzilla’s spine and while they really serve no purpose, the larger and more plentiful scales seem to give the monster a much more menacing look.
The concept art will be included in an ambitious 432-page book, which is to be released following the premiere of Godzilla Resurgence, which the studio has revealed will contain more concept art and storyboards for the film.
Godzilla Resurgence Reboots A Beloved Movie Monster Icon
After a total of 29 films, a number which includes the Warner Bros. offerings licensed through Toho, some are wondering if Godzilla really has the ability to stay relevant, but the Godzilla Resurgence directors, Hideaki Anno (Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Attack on Titan), say the time has never been better to bring Japan’s pride and joy back to the big screen. They add that Godzilla had become too big at one point with the legend overshadowing the films, so a break was needed.
Godzilla has always been much more than a giant lizard. At its core, the Godzilla mythos has really been a metaphor for the destruction caused by events beyond human control: tsunamis, earthquakes, nuclear explosions. This remains true for Godzilla Resurgence, say Higuchi and Anno.
The Godzilla Resurgence directors are joined in their view of the true meaning of Godzilla by Matt Alt, an author who has made a living studying Japanese culture and traditions. Most recently, Alt released Yokai Attack!: The Japanese Monster Survival Guide, so his observations of the importance of Godzilla in modern Japanese society may be especially relevant.
“One of the things that’s hard to grasp for foreign audiences is that while the monster is obviously fictional, Japanese don’t see the scenes of destruction as simply just a dramatic backdrop. It’s something that could happen here,” Alt said. “I think that Godzilla Resurgence is going to heavily play up that natural disaster aspect, echoing the fears many Japanese have about the potential for another large-scale earthquake.”
As for the actual creation of the monster for Godzilla Resurgence, Higuchi says they are employing a melding of both CGI technology and more classic effects, which includes the use of a Godzilla doll and a series of miniature sets. Helping to add realism to Godzilla Resurgence, the Japanese military has donated weapons and ammunition for the firearms barrages, such as the ones seen in the trailer.
Godzilla Resurgence will be released in Japan on July 29.
[Image by Toho Pictures]
