The latest visual of Godzilla from "Godzilla-0.0" (directed by Takashi Yamazaki, opening November 3), the 31st installment in the "Godzilla" series, has been released. Director Yamazaki appeared on the main stage of "CinemaCon 2026," held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on April 14th local time (April 15th Japan time), and revealed the latest information about "Godzilla-0.0." In addition, a new still image of Godzilla appearing in "Godzilla-0.0" has been released.
◇ "Godzilla-0.0" will be produced as the first Japanese film to be "Filmed For IMAX".
CinemaCon is a film convention where major Hollywood studios showcase their most anticipated films of the year to film industry professionals from around the world. This will be the first time that a live-action Japanese film will be presented on a project-by-project basis at CinemaCon.
When director Yamazaki appeared before the packed venue of film industry professionals, he was met with thunderous applause, demonstrating the high level of anticipation. Director Yamazaki began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the success of his previous film, "Godzilla Minus One," which exceeded his expectations. He then touched upon the turning point in the film industry brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and said that he approached the production of "Godzilla Minus One" with the desire to bring audiences back to movie theaters.
The director spoke about Godzilla, saying, "Godzilla was born in a Japanese movie theater in 1954, and for 70 years, it has been powerfully etched in our memories as a 'movie meant to be seen in a theater.' The colossal scale you look up at on the screen, the roar that shakes your seats—Godzilla is only truly Godzilla when experienced in a movie theater." He spoke passionately about his desire to continue proving the value and experience of going to the movies with Godzilla, and announced that "Godzilla-0.0" was produced to meet the "Filmed For IMAX" standard, the first time a Japanese film has done so, in order to deliver an "overwhelming sense of immersion" as a theatrical experience to fans around the world.
Director Yamazaki made two major announcements, while stating that he would not reveal any information that would touch upon the core of the story. First, he revealed that "Godzilla-0.0" is set in a world that takes place after "Godzilla Minus One," and second, he revealed that the film will depict the great fate of the Shikishima family, and that the Shikishima family, consisting of Koichi Shikishima, played by Ryunosuke Kamiki Kamiki, and Noriko Shikishima, played by Minami Hamabe, will reappear.
He further emphasized his passion for the film, saying, "In the previous film, postwar Japan was plunged into 'minus' by the attack of Godzilla. People tried to climb back up and move forward towards the future. In this film, Japan, and the Shikishima family, are struck by even deeper despair. How will humans confront an overwhelming force that they cannot resist? What kind of resolve will the Shikishima family make to protect those they love? The path from 'minus' to 'zero' is by no means a smooth one. We are now pouring all our skills and passion into delivering this new story of despair and hope to theaters around the world."
Finally, the director concluded his speech by saying, "I look forward to welcoming many Godzilla fans back to theaters with the latest film, 'Godzilla-0.0.' Let's all work together to make theaters around the world tremble with excitement. Let's show the world the true power of movie theaters!"
Then, the first teaser video, which was being shown for the first time to the attendees, was presented. When the Statue of Liberty and Godzilla appeared towards the end of the video, a huge cheer and roar of excitement erupted.
After finishing his speech, Director Yamazaki said, "It was so exciting! I was so happy that everyone was so enthusiastic when I went out onto the stage and gave me such a warm welcome. The reaction when they saw the first teaser video was so passionate, and I really felt that the film is highly anticipated around the world, so I'm glad I came!" He seemed to still be very excited.
◇Includes the latest scene cuts in full aspect ratio, made possible by "Filmed For IMAX"
"Godzilla Minus One," the 30th live-action Godzilla film produced in Japan, was released on "Godzilla Day" in 2023 and grossed over 7.65 billion yen at the box office. It won over 50 awards at domestic and international film festivals, including the first-ever Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards, creating a "Godzilla" phenomenon around the world.
"Godzilla-0.0" is set in post-war Japan in 1949, during the reconstruction period. It depicts a completely new story of disaster that takes place two years after the Godzilla attack in "Godzilla Minus One". It was also announced that Ryunosuke Kamiki will reprise his role as Koichi Shikishima, the protagonist who confronted Godzilla, who plunged Japan into the depths of despair in the previous film, and Minami Hamabe will reprise her role as Noriko, who miraculously survived the Godzilla attack.
The release date, November 3rd, is recognized as "Godzilla Day" because the first film was released on the same day in 1954. Director Yamazaki, who worked on the previous film "Godzilla Minus One," is in charge of directing, screenwriting, and VFX for this film. It will also be released in North America three days later, on November 6th.
A shocking still image has now been released, capturing the most terrifying Godzilla yet, plunging people into "a new kind of despair = negativity." This single shot, filmed in full aspect ratio only possible with "Filmed For IMAX," is filled with overwhelming terror and power.
