Shin-Gojira set out to change the way audiences viewed the King of all Monsters and created a completely new origin story for Gojira, once again rebooting the franchise for Toho in Japan. In Shin-Gojira, Godzilla was a marine organism that mutated as a result of nuclear waste infecting the local ecosystem. This Godzilla was not a pre-existing prehistoric creature like the 1954 classic or Legendary's 2014 Hollywood adaptation, nor was it a mutated dinosaur like later Toho installments. This Godzilla was completely new and although the concept was innovative for the franchise, it was met with some hostility by some fans, which was to be expected after rebooting and rewriting mythological history for a film franchise as big as Godzilla. However, despite the early criticism and skepticism, it seems as though Shin-Gojira has managed to capture the imagination and appreciation of most of its fan base, ringing it in as one of the most powerful and influential Godzilla films to be released to date.
In Shin-Gojira, Godzilla also evolved through various forms as the film progressed. On-screen, we witnessed five main forms, a larva / tadpole like form where Godzilla was merely a snake / slug looking monster, a slightly enhanced and larger version of the precious, with two legs and then finally the massive behemoth witnessed in the film's trailer.
Following this stage we also witnessed smaller humanoid creatures coming out of Godzilla at the end of the film. While many have had theories as to what these creatures were, it seems that these creatures were in fact collectively Godzilla's next form. (Not offspring, as some had thought.)
In a page from The Art of Shin Godzilla art book, concept art depicts the final stage of development - one that has Godzilla spawn a rather Humanoid looking Hybrid army to better combat Humanity. Thanks to our friends at Gormaru Island, we have a look at what this Humanoid Godzilla creature would have looked like:
UPDATE: The artwork depicts actual concept close-ups of creatures featured in Shin-Gojira, not unused concepts. Article updated.
What do you think of this concept? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
More to explore from the Monsterverse:
- About Godzilla x Kong: Supernova
- Godzilla x Kong: Supernova forum
- Godzilla x Kong: Supernova Image Gallery
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2
- Spin-off Godzilla series
Godzilla x Kong: Supernova will hit theaters on March 26th, 2027!
More to explore from Toho:
- Godzilla Minus One sequel now in development!