Big News for Godzilla 2016! (update w/ video)

Gman the original, I said campy is sorta outta the question. Over-the-top, however.......

On top of that, following Legendary's example, I think a combination of its seriousness, combined with Pacific Rim's over-the-topness, is how I predict the 2016 film will be approached. Keeping true to the original's tone and underlying themes, whilst incoporating the intense action and thrill of later films.

Anyone Else thinking they may go with something like this for the new design?

I don't think so, Daikaiju Danielle. A skinny/human-like Godzilla just doesn't suit the character. Sure, a bit of grace in his movement is appreciated, but nothing that screams runway model or stuff like that. Big and lumbering has always been one of his main running motifs.

I don't mind him being somewhat slimmer, but not like an EVA or whatever.

I'll admit that Pacific Rim was likely more "over-the-top" than campy, but it was still oozing the camp of 60s and 70s toku: Yelling the attacks before they happen. Using a boat as a sword. Smashing a monster's face with containers. The analogue line. Pentacost's speech.

Camp is largely inherent in this genre. Even Legendary's Godzilla couldn't escape it entirely with Watanabe's "We call him Gojira." line. (Admittedly, though I think that moment is less self-aware than what I listed in Pacific Rim.) I'm not saying it's impossible to do a movie in the genre without camp, but it's not often the case.

It's really too early to expect a specific tone from the film. All we really know is that Anno writes some pretty dark, even depressing stuff and Higuchi is going for a nightmare approach for Godzilla. It sounds like something pretty serious, but we've been sent mixed signals before. Afterall, Terror of MechaGodzilla is borderline the most depressing movie in the series and camp runs up and down that movie like an Olympic runner.

I've read in a couple of places that Takashi Yamazaki was handling the visual effects for Toho Godzilla 2016. Is this true? I thought Shinji Higuchi was.

Any info on this, anyone?

Thanks.

%MCEPASTEBIN%

@Jamaal,

I don't think so. Those articles can't be true. I'm like Gman2887 i have to hear it from August Ragone. August Ragone has confirmed that Shinji Higuchi is the special effects director. However, it could be possible that he could be on the job and could be a sort of backup plan incase something goes wrong. Maybe he could be a assistant. Shinji Higuchi was an assistant to Teruyoshi Nakano on the return of Godzilla in 1984. But, until confirmation from August Ragone, i wouldn't hold my breath on it.

Well, no offense to Takashi Yamazaki, but I think Higuchi is the best choice to direct the special and visual effects. So, I hope the original reports are true.

Takashi Yamazaki isn't all that bad but i do agree. We have wanted Shinji Higuchi to do the special effects for Godzilla ever since we saw his work on the heisei Gamera films. I love his work. As I've said, he's my 3rd favorite japanese special effects director. Eiji Tsuburaya being 1st and Teruyoshi Nakano being 2nd.

It is possible that if Toho feels confident in making more films, depending on how successful this one is, we could eventually see his work on a future Godzilla film.

Since the initial report suggested Higuchi I think we're okay. Plus it doesn't make a lot of sense to have Higuchi on board and not do the effects.

Jammal, where have you read this about Yamazaki?

I believe it was IMDB.com.

This site: http://www.vcpost.com/articles/54803/20150405/new-godzilla-movie-release-date-spoilers-attack-on-titan-evangelion.htm mentioned Hayo Miyazaki. But the reference was vague as to what he would be doing.

Here's an article confirming the original news regarding Anno and Higuchi directing:

http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/190291/20150406/godzilla-2016-movie-news-evangelion.htm

The article, containing last week's news, does have this quote about Anno and Higuchi, attributed generally to Toho:

"Their drive to take on such new challenges was exactly what we all had been inspired by." 

The Yamazaki thing was speculation based on his previous work, trust with Toho, and timetable (i.e. his completion of his latest project coinciding with the planned shoot for Godzilla 2016).  He won't have anything to do with this film.

^Reply.

That's good. The pairing of Anno and Higuchi is a dream come true. I've wanted to see Higuchi direct the SPFX/VFX for a Godzilla film since around 1997: when I first saw Gamera: Guardian of the Universe. I didn't know who he was. Then I saw his name on the box for the ADV released VHS of G:GOTU, after watching the film. I know he directed the fighter jet scene in GMK. It will be very interesting to see what he does with Godzilla.

Plus, he loves, respects and is brilliant with 'suitmation' effects.

@Jamaal

I wouldn't trust the kpopstars article, though. They have a history of falsifying their stories.

Afterall, they were the ones that started the whole "Mechagodzilla in Godzilla 3" rumor after King Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra were confirmed for the Legendary sequel. They also started the "Asia-Only Mothra After-Credits" thing for the 2014 movie.

@Natezilla10000

You mean there's something on the Internet that's not credible?

No, no way...

Seriously, Natezilla10000, thanks for the heads up about that site.

I think we can rest assured with the news we have by way of August Ragone. Anno and Higuchi are so right for this, it just makes so much sense. Two fans of tokusatsu and the Showa films working to bring us a Japanese Godzilla, and , in the process, help this beautiful, distinct genre. And what better way, than to do so through the character that started it all?

I'm hoping it is a return to form for the character. It sounds like it from what the filmmakers are saying. Quite honestly, that's where Godzilla belongs for this fan. If you want a campy Godzilla there are plenty of films out there; one can get their fill. We don't need any more campy Godzillas. I'm looking forward to what they're going to do with it. It will hopefully be what 2014 hinted at, specifically in the 2012 ComicCon teaser. That's the movie I was looking for.

As for Pacific Rim, I love it. It's a loving tribute to the toku and mecha genres. It doesn't take itself seriously, even though it is a serious movie. It's still a fun, kick-ass, and at times, funny, monster movie. It absolutely does not belong in the same universe as the Legendary Godzilla, however, as some fans have wanted. Two different animals.