Is Godzilla Minus One part of the MonsterVerse and a sequel or prequel? Legendary Pictures produces the franchise that began back in 2014 with the Gareth Edwards-directed blockbuster Godzilla, with future installments continuing to pluck characters from Toho Co., Ltd.’s arsenal.
Audiences are compelled to reminisce about the franchise after seeing the mindblowing new trailer for Godzilla Minus One, a forthcoming Japanese movie directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The titular behemoth is seen causing destruction on a grand scale, but with this incarnation striking fans as unique, audiences have questions: Is Godzilla Minus One part of the MonsterVerse and a sequel or prequel?
Is Godzilla Minus One part of the MonsterVerse?
Godzilla Minus One is not a new installment of Legendary’s MonsterVerse.
The MonsterVerse has been composed of four movies so far, including Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King Of The Monsters, and Godzilla Vs. Kong. The upcoming fifth MonsterVerse installment is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, a totally separate entity from Godzilla Minus One.
On the whole, Godzilla Minus One is the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise and Toho’s 33rd Godzilla entry. The very first was released in 1954 and was directed by Ishirō Honda.
Takashi’s Godzilla epic takes place in postwar Japan and finds the country grappling with the colossal threat of a feared kaiju.
Is Godzilla Minus One a sequel or prequel?
Godzilla Minus One is not a sequel or prequel but rather a new installment of the franchise’s Reiwa era that doesn’t follow up or rely on any previous movies.
Upon its announcement, many speculated that the film would serve as a sequel to 2016’s Shin Godzilla, which commenced the Reiwa era and was then followed up by three anime movies: Godzilla: Planet Of The Monsters, Godzilla: City On The Edge Of Battle, and Godzilla: The Planet Eater.
Godzilla Minus One is the fifth film of the Reiwa era and the second to be presented in live-action. Nevertheless, it doesn’t follow up Shin Godzilla. The Reiwa era simply refers to Japanese Godzilla movies released since 2016.
All five films have been released concurrently with MonsterVerse blockbusters, sharing no connection.
Godzilla Minus One release date
Godzilla Minus One has its release date set for Friday, December 1st 2023, and will be opening in theaters nationwide.
Before its US release, it will be opening in Japanese theaters on Friday, November 3rd 2023 in celebration of the franchise’s 70th anniversary.
Toho International is handling the US distribution.