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Godzilla (GODZILLA ゴジラ?) is a Godzilla Gojira2014 American science fiction monster film produced by Legendary Pictures, making it the second American-made Godzilla film after Godzilla in 1998. It is the 30th entry in the Godzilla franchise, as well as the first film in the MonsterVerse. The film was released to American theaters on May 16, 2014, and to Japanese theaters on July 25, 2014.
Godzilla was directed by Gareth Edwards, with a screenplay by Max Borenstein. It acts as a reboot to the franchise, with the film detailing a world where Godzilla rises in the present day to fight its native predators, following their awakening.
Godzilla, as a reboot, was the launchpad for a new continuity and cinematic universe known as the MonsterVerse. It was followed by multiple sequels, the first being 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters, which was released on May 31, 2019, while the second, Godzilla vs. Kong, was released on March 31, 2021, and the third, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, was released on March 29, 2024. A spin-off/prequel, Kong: Skull Island, was released in 2017, acting as an origin story for the universe's incarnation of King Kong.
Plot[]
In 1954, Godzilla, an ancient prehistoric reptilian creature, was accidentally awakened by an American submarine reaching the bottom of the ocean. Throughout the mid-1950s, the United States and Russian militaries attempted to kill Godzilla through the use of nuclear weapons; however, Godzilla survived every attempt, and the operation was covered up under the guise of atomic tests, keeping his existence hidden from the general public. Film footage shows the preparation and detonation of a nuclear bomb at Bikini Atoll.
Forty-five years later, in 1999, Dr. Ishiro Serizawa is called to a mining site in the Philippines along with his assistant, Dr. Vivienne Graham. Accompanied by a small team, he finds a colossal fossilized skeleton and two spores in a large underground cave, one of which has already hatched. Upon noticing the spore breach, the team then comes across a nearby tunnel extending up to the surface, appearing to have been forcibly bored out of the cave. At the exit they find a massive trail leading out to the ocean. The other spore, still unhatched, is taken to Mount Yucca in Nevada, United States, where it is stored in a nuclear waste repository. Days later, near Tokyo, Japan, a nuclear power plant located in the city of Janjira starts to experience seismic activity. Nuclear physicist and plant supervisor Joe Brody and his wife, Sandra Brody, make their way to the power plant. Sandra assembles a team to perform a damage check, under Joe's supervision. The power plant is soon breached by an explosion and radiation leak, killing Sandra and her team, leaving a heartbroken Joe and their son Ford alone, and bringing the entire area to ruin. The event is attributed to a large earthquake, and the Janjira area is evacuated and subsequently quarantined.
In 2014, Ford is now an explosive disposal officer for the United States Navy, and is living in San Francisco with his wife Elle and son Sam. After returning home from a tour of duty, he finds out that Joe was arrested for trespassing in Janjira while looking for an explanation for the catastrophic event of 1999. After Ford travels to Japan and bails his father out, Joe convinces him to sneak into Janjira, for Sandra's sake. They soon discover it is not radioactive (as had been claimed for the past 15 years) and, after recovering Joe's old data on a handful of ZIP drives and finding their abandoned home in ruins, they notice the power plant in the distance with its lights on, believing that the facility is being rebuilt. They are soon caught and arrested by security and taken to the power plant. The power plant now houses a large laboratory for studying a mysterious and strange chrysalis, similar to the one discovered in the Philippines; the hatchling from the previously-discovered spore. After breaking out of the chrysalis, the creature wreaks havoc on the lab, killing and injuring many of the personnel. During the chaos, Joe is thrown off a metal catwalk and critically injured. After the monster flies away, the military takes Serizawa to the USS Saratoga, who requests that Joe and Ford accompany him, wanting to know what they knew about the situation. Joe later dies peacefully with his son by his side in the helicopter while en route to the Saratoga.
On the Saratoga, Serizawa and Graham are revealed to be part of a secret scientific organization called Monarch. They are part of a small US Navy fleet, commanded by Admiral William Stenz. Serizawa reveals that they knew of the creatures beforehand, and explains to Ford what the beast that attacked the plant, now referred to as a MUTO (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism), is, detailing its ancient origins and that it feeds on radiation and radioactive materials, moving underground and putting itself in a cryptobiotic state when Earth's radiation subsided. Serizawa also explains Godzilla's origins, the numerous failed attempts to kill him with nuclear weaponry, and the subsequent cover-up stories. Ford informs Serizawa of what his father knows, explaining that Joe mentioned tracking a form of echolocation within Janjira, leading the team to think that the MUTO was communicating with something else. Stenz informs Ford that the fleet is now charged with pursuing Godzilla to mainland North America.
Ford is then taken to Honolulu, Hawaii to eventually return to San Francisco and reunite with his family. In a dense forest in Honolulu, a U.S. Navy Special Forces team finds the wrecked remains of a Russian nuclear submarine that, earlier, reported an attack. While there, the winged MUTO arrives on the island, ripping apart the submarine and feeding on its reactor. After being provoked by the military, it sends out an electromagnetic pulse that shuts down all electronics within miles. Meanwhile, Ford is boarding an elevated train at the airport, where he witnesses a young boy named Akio being separated from his parents. Ford, holding Akio, assures his parents that he will return their son. After the EMP caused by the MUTO, the train comes to a standstill for a moment before the power returns. Ford and Akio are attacked and almost killed by the MUTO, which bites into the tracks and causes the train to derail and hang. On a different side of the city, Godzilla's arrival creates a tsunami that floods most of Waikiki. The MUTO's actions start a chain reaction that leads to mass destruction at Honolulu International Airport, where Godzilla arrives and confronts the creature. After a brief fight, the MUTO flies off with Godzilla pursuing it, and the two are no longer a secret as footage of the brawl airs on the news, which Elle and Sam witness back home in California.
Serizawa reports that Godzilla appeared because he heard an echolocation signal and is now hunting down the MUTO. They later question why the MUTO would send out a signal, and soon realize that the other spore is still active and later find out that it has already hatched. The resulting hatchling, much larger than the first, is then found to have broken out of the repository and started to rampage through Las Vegas. The team concludes that the larger MUTO is a female, whereas the winged one is a male. It is theorized that the two are headed to San Francisco to build a nest to hatch their brood being carried by the female. Stenz approves an idea that involves attracting the three monsters to a nuclear warhead and detonating it in the ocean, hoping to wipe out all three monsters. Serizawa disapproves, claiming that Godzilla could be the only monster capable of stopping the MUTOs and restoring peace to the world.
Ford, now on the mainland, journeys on a military train with a group of soldiers to get Elle and Sam out of San Francisco. The train, containing two ICBMs that were hoped to be strong enough to kill the three monsters. Ford joins a small team that reconnoiters a trestle before the train is allowed to cross it. The MUTO walks past it and they see it has a glowing, red egg sac on it's body. The MUTO hears the train and attacks it, sending the now-burning train onto the trestle. Ford and his fellow soldier are forced to run but the MUTO smashes the trestle and Ford falls into the river below, narrowly missing being crushed by the train.
Ford is found the next morning, the sole survivor. One of the warheads is swallowed by the creature, while the other warhead is flown by helicopter to San Francisco. The male MUTO arrives shortly after and steals the warhead immediately after it is armed to detonate. At this time, citizens in San Francisco are being evacuated on school buses. Elle leaves Sam with a trusted friend of hers to evacuate while she stays behind to help around in the hospital. The buses, including the bus carrying Ford and Elle's son, then make their way out of the city through the Golden Gate Bridge, but traffic is jammed due to military activity. Moments later, Godzilla resurfaces near the bridge, where the NAVY, believing him to be a threat, opens fire in an attempt to prevent Godzilla from entering the city, despite the protests of the soldiers and the presence of civilians. Stuck in the middle of the bridge, the bus driver of Sam makes a break for the other side, weaving between tanks and soldiers in the opposite lane. The commotion caused by both the military and Godzilla results in the destruction of the bridge as well as many people getting killed and injured, thus only leaving two buses intact, including Sam's, one of only several vehicles to escape from the middle of the bridge. Realizing that Godzilla may be the only thing who can stop the MUTOs, the military allows him to enter the city so he can confront them.
Meanwhile, the MUTOs meet in Chinatown and start building their nest after mating, only for Godzilla to attack the male MUTO, causing another conflict. Ford is ordered to join a skydiving team on a HALO drop to retrieve the warhead from the MUTO nest and defuse it, so it does not detonate in the city's center. After parachuting into the city, they quickly locate the nest where the female MUTO is laying her eggs. Godzilla soon arrives to engage the female in combat, giving Ford's team the opportunity to venture into the nest. Although Godzilla has gained the upper hand by overpowering the female MUTO, the male comes to her aid, prompting both of them to wound and beat Godzilla to near-death. After the team find the warhead and get out of the nest, Ford stays behind and using gasoline from a damaged fuel truck, destroys the nest of eggs before the baby MUTOs could hatch. The explosion attracts the attention of the MUTOs, who abandon Godzilla and leave him as they rush to their nest. After feeling stricken with grief upon seeing all of her young killed, the female MUTO notices Ford and attempts to kill him, but Godzilla appears and incapacitates the MUTO with two blasts of his atomic breath, saving Ford and allowing him to escape. Before Godzilla can deliver the final blow, the male MUTO attacks him again. Godzilla is able to slam the male MUTO into the side of a building with a swipe of his tail, impaling the beast on rebar and killing him. As Godzilla stops to catch his breath, the impact of his tail swipe causes the building to collapse, pinning Godzilla underneath a pile of rubble and dust. Falling to the streets, Godzilla suddenly catches a brief glimpse of Ford as he runs to the docks. After briefly locking eyes with Ford and realizing that he saved him, Godzilla spares his life before disappearing in a cloud of dust.
Ford's team gets to the bay and realizes they cannot disarm the warhead and instead devise a plan to sail it out into the ocean, far enough not to endanger the population. While loading it onto a boat, the female MUTO, having recovered from her injuries, makes her way to the bay and attacks the crew, killing them all except Ford. Ford starts to drive the boat away in an attempt to take the warhead out of the city before it can detonate, but it is disabled by the female's EMP field before he comes face-to-face with the beast. Exhausted, Ford aims his pistol at the MUTO, but stands no chance and accepts his fate as the female recognizes him and rears back to kill Ford once more. Suddenly, Godzilla reappears behind the female and clamps his jaws on the MUTO's neck before pulling her away from Ford. After a brief struggle, Godzilla pries open the female MUTO's jaws and mustering all his energy, fires his atomic breath down her throat, decapitating the female. After roaring triumphantly, an exhausted Godzilla drops the MUTO's severed head into the sea and collapses on the city's shoreline, seemingly dead. With the MUTO's EMP ability no longer a danger, Ford gets the boat working, but is too injured to move. Not long afterward, he is rescued by helicopter before the warhead detonates far offshore.
The next morning, in the aftermath of the chaos, Ford is finally reunited with Sam and Elle while Serizawa and Graham stare sadly at Godzilla, believing him to be dead. However, Godzilla suddenly opens his eyes and begins to stir. The media acknowledges Godzilla's actions, hailing him as "King of the Monsters" and debating on his role as the city's possible "savior." Now that both of his enemies are defeated and with balance in nature restored, Godzilla unleashes one last victorious roar before diving back into the ocean and disappearing beneath the waves to lay dormant once again as all the gathered humans watch.
Staff[]
Staff role on the left, staff member's name on the right.
- Directed by Gareth Edwards
- Produced by Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Mary Parent and Brian Rogers
- Executive Producers Patricia Whitcher, Alex Garcia, Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira
- Screenplay by Max Borenstein
- Story by David Callaham
- Music Supervisor Dave Jordan
- Music by Alexandre Desplat
- Director of Photography Seamus McGarvey
- Film Editor Bob Ducsay
- Production Designer Owen Paterson
- Art Department Mark N Tompkins
- Special Effects by Tosin Akinwoye
- Special Effects Supervisor Jim Rygiel
- Costume Designer Sharen Davis
- Sound Designer Erik Aadahl
Cast[]
Actor's name on the left, character played on the right.
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Actor's name on the left, character played on the right.
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Appearances[]
Monsters[]Weapons[]
Organizations[] |
Vehicles[]
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Development[]
2007[]
Film producer Brian Rogers met former Toho company director Yoshimitsu Banno, who had the rights to make an IMAX 3D Godzilla film. Rogers then met Toho to arrange a license to produce a 3D Godzilla film. After securing the rights, Rogers approached several film companies and Legendary Pictures agreed to work with Rogers on the project.
2009[]
In August, rumors surfaced that Legendary were in talks with Toho to produce a new American Godzilla film to be released in 2012.
2010[]
On March 29, it was confirmed that Legendary had acquired the rights to Godzilla. They plan to reboot the franchise with Warner Bros. co-producing and co-financing. TriStar Pictures would not be involved in the production because their rights to the character expired in 2003. Legendary plans to make the new film closer in style to the original Japanese character than TriStar's iguana-like creature. According to Thomas Tull, chairman, and CEO of Legendary Pictures, "Our plans are to produce the Godzilla that we, as fans, would want to see. We intend to do justice to those essential elements that have allowed this character to remain as pop-culturally relevant for as long as it has".
The film was first announced at Comic-Con 2010, where an early concept art impression for the new Godzilla was revealed. Gareth Edwards, director of the movie Monsters, was announced as the director. Mr. Edwards stated he knows the importance of getting the film right for the fans. In October, David Callaham was named to write the first draft of the script. After Callaham, four more people worked on the screenplay during the film's development.
David Goyer (the story writer for The Dark Knight trilogy) was announced as a writer for the film. Many fans were excited about this choice as they say David Goyer, along with Christopher Nolan, brought justice to the Batman movies using dark themes. However, Goyer only worked for a few weeks on the script and did not get screenwriting credit.
At the 3D Summit conference held on September 2010 at Universal Studios, producer Brian Rogers confirmed the planned start date of 2012. The reboot will be a live-action project featuring a computer-generated Godzilla. Godzilla will fight at least one other monster, rather than the United States Army, like in Roland Emmerich's film. It was also mentioned that Godzilla would use his atomic breath, a trademark weapon omitted by Emmerich and co-writer/producer Dean Devlin in the previous American film in favor of power breath.
2011[]
In November 2011, Max Borenstein was hired to continue work on the script.
2012[]
During Comic-Con 2012 in July, director Gareth Edwards participated in a Godzilla panel, in which they screened a new teaser trailer, described as so, a destroyed city is seen, as Robert Oppenheimer's speech comes in, "I am become death, destroyer of worlds" as a huge dead centipede type creature is smoldering, and finally, a roar is heard, and the camera cuts to Godzilla, true to his Japanese origins, roaring. This same trailer was leaked a year later.
On September 13, the movie's release date was announced to be May 16, 2014.
In October, Legendary announced that writer Drew Pearce would polish the final script, making the principal characters older to suit the actors that Legendary intended to cast.
On October 3, the movie was set to enter production in March 2013 in Vancouver. In addition, Drew Pearce, the screenwriter of Iron Man 3, was hired to do some rewrites to the script.
On December 18, a screenshot of what appeared to be the Godzilla trailer was posted on the Tumblr of Jordane Menard, the modeler concept and texture artist for the film. Menard has said, "I'm Working on the Trailer of the next Godzilla here at MPC London as Modeler and Texture Artist. I've worked on the foreground on the building and the characters." Also, Drew Pearce was asked, on his Twitter, if there's going to be some scenes where Godzilla breathes fire, destroys buildings, taking out the military, done right and will be nothing like the 1998 film and his response was "There's a lot of it in the current trailer... but new stuff coming very soon..."
2013[]
In January 2013, it was reported that Warner Brothers, in a meeting for advertisers, revealed that the film would contain two new monsters in addition to Godzilla. The plot of the film would revolve around the story of a young U.S. Marine. David Goyer, who is also a screenwriter, stated that there were two other monsters in the script when he worked on it. Frank Darabont, the writer, and director of The Shawshank Redemption and The Walking Dead, was officially added to work on the film script.
Darabont described his plans for Godzilla as returning it to a "terrifying force of nature" in interviews. The film will add a "very compelling human drama" and that Godzilla would be tied to a "different contemporary issue" rather than the original atomic bomb testing. Director Gareth Edwards, at a promotional appearance in 2012, described the tone of the film.
On March 12, in an interview with Collider.com, Gareth Edwards said that the U.S. government knew about Godzilla for some time and that the nuclear tests that they did were attempts to kill him.[6]
On the following day, it was announced the film had started production and filming on Vancouver Island.[7] Also, Jim Rygiel, visual effects supervisor of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, has been hired to do the special effects for this film.
On March 18, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced the final principal cast for the film, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, David Strathairn, and Bryan Cranston. Also, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Brothers while Toho will be distributing it in Japan, and the film will be in 3D.[8]
The day after, Gareth Edwards announced that they've finished filming the first scene.[9] Also, reports of a burning helicopter and a nuclear missile being transported by a train have been cited at Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, all of this is rumored to be in the movie.[10]
On March 21, Richard T. Jones joins the cast of the movie.[11]
On March 28, Akira Takarada, who starred in previous Godzilla films, joins the cast of the movie.[12]
On April 5, Sally Hawkins joins the cast of the movie.[13]
On April 17, Brian Markinson joins the cast of the movie.[14]
On April 20, Yuki Morita joins the cast of the movie.[15]
On April 23, it has been revealed that Godzilla will continue filming for two months in Hawaii.[16]
On April 25, Legendary posted a picture in their wall showing a path of destruction Godzilla has left behind.
On May 2, Legendary posted a picture in their wall showing what seems to be a power plant.
On May 16, a new photo about people being hospitalized in the FEMA stadium popped up and was confirmed by Gareth Edwards appearing in it in an update.[17]
On May 18, Legendary posted a new picture in their Twitter.[18] Other sources, like Lainey Gossip, PUNKD Images, Spoilertv, Clayton Perry Photography, and VancityFilming have put up additional pictures and videos.[19]
On May 22, Legendary uploaded a new photo to their Facebook page. It shows top-secret documents that do not reveal much, but it also revealed a map of Maintop and Maintop Bay (Farallon Islands), which used to have nuclear waste dumped into them in real life.
On May 24, Legendary was filming a scene with what seems like a ship set.[20]
On June 6, Legendary uploaded a new photo to their Facebook page.
On June 10, many pictures appeared on Comicbookmovie.com surrounding the filming of the film.[21]
On June 6, many pictures featuring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Cranston were uploaded in m.justjared.com.[22]
On June 17, Variety.com released an article that says that 'Godzilla' will have action figures, with Bandai America Incorporated as the film's master toy partner.[23]
On June 18, Comingsoon.net released pictures of posters from Licensing Expo 2013, including Jurassic Park 4, Ninja Turtles, and Godzilla.[24]
On June 19, Legendary posted a new photo on their Facebook showing a closed radioactive containment door.
On June 22, yvrshoots.com released pictures of Elizabeth Olsen on set.[25]
On July 15, IGN.com released a teaser poster for the Legendary Godzilla.[26]
On July 17, Deadline.com spotted and released an image of Godzilla from the Godzilla Encounter at SDCC 2013.[27]
On July 17, Collider.com posted around 75 pictures of what was inside Legendary's Godzilla Encounter museum. Between the many pictures, two concept designs of the Legendary Godzilla can be seen.[28]
On the same day, the Official Legendary Godzilla Facebook page released the third official poster for the film, which reveals Godzilla's tail.
Two days later, ShockTillYouDrop.com interviewed Gareth Edwards.[29] They found out the following facts:
- The photo of the Godzilla statue below is close to the final design.
- The last day of filming was July 18, 2013.
- Godzilla will be a force of nature, not an antagonist or a hero, but an anti-hero. "He's the punishment we deserve."
- The theme is man versus nature, and Godzilla "is definitely on the nature side."
- There's a nuclear element in the movie, and the film will be "as realistic as possible."
- Toho was very involved in designing Godzilla. Edwards said, "they feel we've stayed true to their roots. In the encyclopedias and books you read about Godzilla, there's these different groups - all of the Godzillas in one section, and then there's the American film. I'd love ours to be considered as part of the Toho group."
During Comic-Con 2013 on July 19, in an interview with IGN, Edwards has confirmed that this will be the tallest Godzilla ever.[30] The following day, another trailer was shown. Cosmicbooknews.com posted what happened in it:[31]
Soldiers are shown running through streets and a flooded city. Cranston's character takes off his radiation suit; Olsen is shown crying. The military then shows with paratroopers and soldiers loading missiles. The shot continues, revealing a massive, skinny, four-legged monster. It seemed to have smaller arms on its chest and looked as if it had wings as well.
The next shot is from inside the airport terminal, and through the glass walls, we see a plane crashing in a ball of fire right in front of the structure as the monster approaches in the background. Godzilla’s foot lands in view as well.
Next shot is the clearest yet from the front as we see the beast seemingly opening its wingspan as Godzilla – clearly several times larger than the aggressor – rises from behind it, roaring, as if it's going to destroy the creature to protect the land. It cuts to the Godzilla logo. Godzilla's face was not shown.
On July 20, sometime from 10:45 to 1:15 at Comic-Con, Legendary and Warner Bros. showed a preview for the film.[32]
On July 22, a video was uploaded to YouTube containing Godzilla's design straight from the Godzilla Encounter. It has since been taken down.[33]
On July 25, in an interview posted on io9.com, Gareth explains some of the symbolism behind the movie.[34]
On September 10, an image taken by a Brazilian Godzilla fan revealing the American Godzilla's final design was uploaded to Facebook.
On September 18, Omelete Entervista uploaded a video to YouTube that revealed Bryan Cranston's character, Joseph Brody, as well as Olsen's character and Aaron Taylor-Johnson's characters, named Elle Brody and Ford Brody, respectively. Cranston also said,
Elizabeth Olsen described the film as "definitely not lighthearted. It's kind of going back to its roots of the original Japanese film" and that "there's a strong theme of the importance of family, as well as the theme of trying to control nature, and how that backfires in the end". Cranston said that he plays a scientist called Joseph Brody that "discovers an anomaly in some sonar, signalings, patterns, and is just starting an investigation when all hell breaks loose".[35]
On October 4, the first teaser trailer for Godzilla was leaked. It appeared to be the first Comic-Con trailer. Four days later, a second trailer for Godzilla was leaked.
On November 12, Moviepilot.com posted an interview with Gareth Edwards, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, and Bryan Cranston.[36]
On November 21, a full-body image of the American Godzilla was leaked on an Amazon.ca page for the paperback Godzilla: With Light and Sounds!.[37]
On December 8, the film's viral marketing campaign finally started with the M.U.T.O. Research website being launched.
On December 9, USAToday posted a few pictures from the trailer and two other pictures from the movie.[38] On the same day, TotalFilm posted a picture which is part of the viral marketing campaign showing Turkmenistan's infamous burning "Door to Hell," which might have something to do with M.U.T.O..
Marketing[]
2010[]
Visitors to the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con received a t-shirt with an image of the new Godzilla design. The image is credited to comics and manga publisher UDON Entertainment. Gonzalo Ordóñez Arias worked with Legendary and Toho for the painting. Visitors to the Legendary Pictures booth at the convention could view an animation of the new Godzilla breathing his atomic breath superimposed over their image captured via a webcam. The augmented reality promotion was designed by Talking Dog Studios of Saskatchewan, Canada.
In the summer, Legendary opened the Godzilla Encounter, a museum where Godzilla props and merchandise can be seen, in summer. They also released a Godzilla Encounter application for iOS and opened a Godzilla Encounter website.
2013[]
On December 8, the film's viral marketing campaign started with the release of the M.U.T.O. Research website.
On December 10, Legendary finally released the official teaser trailer as well as a new poster and a new official site.[39]
On December 11, the Japanese version of the Godzilla trailer was released, and the Japanese Godzilla movie site was launched. The trailer was mostly the same, although it contains two brief new shots. TV spots have also started appearing in Japan. It has since been removed.
Toho made a couple of promotional images for the film in Japan.
2014[]
On January 15, ET Canada took a look behind the scenes of the film with Bryan Cranston.
In January 2014's issue of Total Film, a few details of the film were revealed, such as Godzilla's height, the film's budget, and what fighting style Godzilla's was inspired by.
On February 25, Legendary released the main trailer for the film.
On February 27, Snickers made a commercial to promote the film.
On March 17, Godzilla: Smash3 was revealed, and the Godzilla toy embargo was lifted.
On March 18, Warner Bros. released the international trailer for the film. This trailer was mostly the same as the main trailer, but contained several new scenes and dialogue.
On April 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 18th, and May 7th, 17th, and 19th, Legendary Pictures released nine TV spots for the film, each titled, in order: It Can't Be Stopped, I Can't Believe This Is Happening, Whatever It Takes, Courage, Extended Look, Nature Has An Order, You're Hiding Something, Calling, and Awaken.
On April 20, footage of Godzilla was shown at WonderCon Anaheim.
On April 21, advance tickets for Godzilla began selling.
On April 28, Legendary released the Asian trailer for the film.
On May 3, a FIAT® commercial was made to promote the film.
On May 16, Godzilla was released to American theaters. Most of its marketing from dates near the release was based on showing the film's good reviews.
For a limited time, Godzilla cup tops were available in late May in Japan. In early June, Toho put up a Godzilla display in the JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Japan. They also had a Godzilla mural created on one of the walls of Toho Studios.
In Japan, Toho made a pure gold, 24 centimeter, 15 kilogram statue of Godzilla 1989 valued at 150,000,000 yen and released pictures of it on July 14, 2014.
In Japan, a 6.6 meter Godzilla statue based on the Godzilla design is to be unveiled in a park in Tokyo. Legendary released one official picture on Facebook on the 16th of July. On July 21, the statue was unveiled officially.
In mid-July 2014, the Godzilla-movie.jp site was completely redesigned and updated. On July 16, Toho released a fourth TV spot for Godzilla, and is the only TV spot that shows Godzilla using his atomic breath.
On July 21, 2014, Toho staged a talk event with 100 young women who weren't interested in seeing Godzilla at the Tokyo Midtown shopping and entertainment complex.[40] Godzilla actor Shiro Sano, Godzilla voice actress Haru, and film commentator LiLiCo were there, and by the end of the event got many of the girls interested. They all then took a picture with the Godzilla statue.
On August 18, 2014, Toho uploaded two more TV spots to their YouTube channel. Both spots featured the MUTOs more so than any previous trailer or TV spot.
$61.8 million were spent on advertising Godzilla through 5,115 airings of TV ads in the United States.[41]
Godzilla made its pay cable debut on January 16, 2015 through Cinemax.[42]
Theatrical releases[]
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Godzilla: The IMAX Experience[]
Godzilla: The IMAX Experience is an IMAX release of Legendary Pictures' American Godzilla film. It was released in theaters the same day as the film, on May 16, 2014.
"The IMAX release of Godzilla will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie."
Box office[]
Godzilla received the biggest opening day box office results of 2014 when it came out, scoring $38,525,000 on Friday, May 16. The was expected to gather $100 million by May 19,[43] and ended up surpassing it slightly with $103 million.[44] By next Friday, on May 24, Godzilla only received $8.8 million.[45] By the end of the four-day weekend that started on May 25, the movie had collected $38.4 million due to strong marketing,[46] and fell down to $3.3 million the rest of the week[47] and to $12 million on the May-June weekend.[48]
Godzilla earned £10,109,175 ($17,003,642) on its opening weekend in the United Kingdom[49] and a total of 149,098,752 Mexican dollars (US $11,559,835) on its opening weekend in Mexico.[50]
When Godzilla opened in China on June, it received $10.9 million for the biggest opening day of 2014.[51]
Godzilla's opening weekend box office total for Japan was ¥1,657,853,474, or $16,283,798.[52]
By August 3, 2014, Godzilla's worldwide earnings had surpassed half a billion dollars ($500,000,000).
By the end of its theatrical run, Godzilla had earned a grand total of $528,676,069 across all countries ($200,676,069 in the U.S. and $328,000,000 abroad).
Reception[]
Godzilla has received generally positive reviews by critics and fans alike.[53][54] Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 74% out of 100%.
Mose Persico of CTV says it's "a film not to be missed," Scott Carty of ABC TV deems it "epic for all the right reasons," Shawn Edwards of FOX TV calls it "the most incredible movie of the year," and Nancy Jay of Daybreak USA says it's "an instant classic."[55] IGN gave it 9.0 out of 10.[56]
The movie has also received its fair share of criticism, however. Most of the complaints revolve around the fact that Godzilla gets very little screen time, less screen time than the M.U.T.O.s in fact, and that the battles don't take up much of the movie's running time. Also, some critics found Ford Brody to be bland and generic, and criticized marketing for misleading people to believe that Joseph Brody was going to be the main character, though Bryan Cranston's performance has received universal praise.
On opening day in Japan, the film received 3.55 out of 5 stars on Yahoo! Eiga.[57] Shinji Higuchi, director of the then-upcoming 2016 Japanese Godzilla film, later praised the film as a "masterpiece" in an interview with the Associated Press on July 2015.
Awards[]
The first award Godzilla received, or rather Legendary Pictures received for Godzilla, was the 'Japan Cool Content Contribution' award, or J3C, on September 13 at the Consulate General's residence. The award was created to recognize creatives who popularize Japanese media for worldwide audiences, which the box-office successful Godzilla did. Alex Garcia attended and accepted the award on Legendary's behalf.[58]
Godzilla was a contender for an Oscar nomination for 'Sound Editing.'[59]
Godzilla was also nominated for 'Best Science Fiction Film Release,' 'Best Film Music,' and Sony's Blu-ray Toho Godzilla Collection for 'Best DVD/BD Collection Release' as part of the 41st annual Saturn Awards.[60]
Home media releases[]
Distributor | Released | Region | Language | Format | Misc. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warner Bros. | September 16, 2014 | Region 1 | English | AC Dolby Digital 5.1 |
16:9 aspect ratio 123 minutes run time 1 disc American version |
Warner Bros. | September 16, 2014 | Region A/1 | English | Blu-ray AC DTS-HD Master Audio Dolby Digital 5.1 |
16:9 aspect ratio 123 minutes run time 2 discs American version |
Warner Bros. | September 16, 2014 | Region A/1 | English | Blu-ray 3D Blu-ray DVD Digital HD AC DTS-HD Master Audio Dolby Digital 5.1 |
16:9 aspect ratio 123 minutes run time 3 discs American version |
Warner Bros.[61] | December 31, 2014 | Region B/2 | English German |
Blu-ray DVD 3D |
16:9 aspect ratio 123 minutes run time 2 discs American version German version |
Graphic novel[]
A graphic novel titled, Godzilla: Awakening, acts as the prequel to the film told from Serizawa's father, depicting the creation of Monarch, its discovery of Godzilla, and their attempt to kill him at Bikini Atoll. It was written by Max Borenstein, the film's screenwriter, and Greg Borenstein, and illustrated by Eric Battle, Yvel Guichet, Alan Quah, and Lee Loughridge.
Sequels[]
- Main articles: Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong.
Gareth Edwards stated that he wanted Godzilla to work as a standalone film with a definitive ending, and opposed suggestions that the ending should leave the film open for a sequel.[62] While Edwards wasn't against the possibility of future sequels, his main concern was delivering a satisfying experience with the current film; "I want a story that begins and ends, and you leave on a high. That's all we cared about when we were making this; just this film. If this film is good, the others can come, but let’s just pay attention to this and not get sidetracked by other things."[63]
On May 18, 2014, after its successful opening weekend, a sequel was officially given the green light from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. Edwards was confirmed to be directing the sequel, but it is unknown if any of the previous cast will be returning. In a previous interview with Gareth Edwards, he said that if the film were to have a sequel that he would like to do a Destroy All Monsters-like film.[64]
On July 26, 2014, the official Legendary Twitter announced that Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah will be appearing in the sequel and showed teaser footage of it.[65][66]
A piece of "Classified Monarch Footage," a teaser for Godzilla 2, was shown in Comic-Con 2014. According to eye-witnesses, it looked like it was put together in the 1960s, with audio of John F. Kennedy talking about threats and dangers. Text comes on the screen saying that there was one more secret: "There were others." A pterodactyl-like shadow and "CODENAME: RODAN." An extreme close-up of a giant moth creature and "CODENAME: MOTHRA." Then a silhouette and quick cuts around a dragon-like shape figure and "CODENAME: GHIDORAH." Finally, "THREAT ASSESSMENT: CONFLICT INEVITABLE," followed by "LET THEM FIGHT."[67]
On October 14, 2015, Legendary Pictures confirmed the production of a remake of King Kong vs. Godzilla titled Godzilla vs. Kong for a 2021 release. Legendary revealed its plans to create a shared cinematic universe featuring Godzilla and King Kong, with the upcoming film Kong: Skull Island serving as the next entry. Kong: Skull Island will be released in 2017, followed by Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019, and finally Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021.[68] Gareth Edwards has since dropped out of Godzilla 2 to work on other projects, and Legendary is currently in search of a new director.[69]
Trivia[]
- This film was released the same year as Godzilla's 60th anniversary.
- This film is the first of two Godzilla-centered films of the MonsterVerse franchise, where Godzilla himself was portrayed by T.J. Storm, by motion capture, respectively.
- This film would have been actor Akira Takarada's first appearance in a non-Japanese Godzilla film, as he filmed a cameo as a customs officer that would greet Ford Brody in Tokyo. However, his scene was cut from the final film, though Takarada was present at the film's Japanese premiere.
- Most of the producers for this film were also involved with Pacific Rim.
- When Ford and Joe are searching through the ruins of the quarantine zone, the word "Mothra" can be seen printed below a glass case.
- At 355 ft. tall, or 108 meters, the Godzilla in this film was originally the largest seen in the film series.[70]
- On March 31, 2015, it was confirmed that the Godzilla in Toho's Shin Godzilla would exceed the size of Legendary's Godzilla, coming in at 118.5 meters.[71]
- However, the Shin Godzilla incarnation was then knocked down a notch by Godzilla Earth, introduced in the Godzilla anime trilogy, who was confirmed to be the tallest ever seen in the films at roughly 318 meters in height.[72]
- This film appears to borrow some plot elements from the script of the unmade 1994 TriStar Godzilla film:
- In both, Godzilla is believed to be destined to save the Earth from monsters that are more of a threat to it than him (the Gryphon and the MUTOs, respectively).
- Both have Godzilla beheading the enemy monster.
- The military believes Godzilla to be the bigger threat in both until Godzilla defeats the main threat.
- The biggest difference is that while Godzilla does not deliberately cause destruction in any location and avoids conflict with the military, the Godzilla from the canceled TriStar script does seem to attack human settlements, specifically the Japanese Kurila islands deliberately, and decimates the military's forces willingly when attacked.
- This is the first film since Terror of Mechagodzilla where Godzilla does not intentionally cause destruction. A possible reason for this is that the director of the film, Gareth Edwards, was more familiar with the more lighthearted and heroic incarnations of the character, specifically the one from the animated series, when he was a boy growing up in Warwickshire in the center of England.[73]
- One of the lines quickly "classified" in the opening credits reads: "Are these animals real? Can we prove they exist? Or are they merely men in rubber suits with costumes designed by tricksters?", referencing Godzilla's real-life origins.
- In one of the original drafts of the 2014 film, it was mentioned Godzilla was going to be 600 feet tall.[74]
External links[]
- Godzilla Movie Official Website
- Godzilla Movie Official Japanese Website
- Godzilla Movie Official International Website
- Godzilla Encounter - First Official site
- MUTOResearch.net - Viral Marketing Campaign site
- Godzilla.jp (Official Japanese Godzilla site) - Godzilla.jp
- GodzillaAlert.com
- Godzilla at the official Legendary Shop (Shop.Legendary.com)
- Godzilla at the official Warner Brothers Shop (WBshop.com)
- Legendary Official Facebook Page
- Godzilla 2014 Official Facebook Page
- Wikipedia page
- IMDb page
References[]
- ↑ The World Ends, Godzilla Begins promotional poster. Gojipedia. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Godzillamovie.com
- ↑ Graser, Marc (July 15, 2013). ‘Godzilla’ Ready to Roar at Comic-Con as Legendary Promotes Its Next Creature Feature Variety. Retrieved June 12, 2017
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Godzilla. The Numbers. Retrieved on March 13, 2020.
- ↑ Arce, Sergio (May 29, 2014). Meet the actor who gives life to Godzilla, who spoke with crhoy.com crhoy. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Nemiroff, Perri (March 12, 2014). Gareth Edwards Talks GODZILLA, Godzilla’s Origins, Making Him a Character with Layers, Hints at Additional Monsters, And More. Collider. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ ctvvi (March 13, 2013). Vancouver island to provide setting for two Hollywood flicks. Youtube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (March 18, 2013). WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES ANNOUNCE CAST AND START OF PRODUCTION FOR “GODZILLA”. Legendary. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Legendary (March 19, 2013). Gareth Edwards greeting from the set of Godzilla - Day 1 Youtube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ ctvvi (March 19, 2013). Godzilla takes over Nanaimo. Youtube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Kroll, Justin (March 21, 2013). Richard T. Jones Rounds Out Cast of ‘Godzilla’. Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Williams, Owen (March 28, 2013). Akira Takarada Returns To Face Godzilla. Empire. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Woods, Kevin (April 5, 2013). SALLY HAWKINS NABS FINAL LEAD ROLE IN LEGENDARY'S GODZILLA. Joblo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Gee, Dana (April 17, 2013).North Vancouver actor Brian Markinson kept Mad Men role quiet. Canada. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Barton, Steve (April 20, 2013). Good Morning Godzilla – Casting News! Revolutionary Sound Mix! Nuclear Panic!. Dread Central. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Shimogawa, Duane (April 23, 2013). ‘Jurassic Park’ sequel one of four movies with plans to film in Hawaii. Pacific Business News. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Legendary (May 16, 2013). Godzilla (2014) opens in theaters in exactly one year! Watch this greeting from Director Gareth Edwards and stay tuned for more behind the scenes updates:. Facebook. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Wilding, Josh (May 18, 2013). More Destruction Teased On The Set Of GODZILLA In New Official B-T-S Photo. Comic Book Movie. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ nailbiter111 (May 16, 2013). Aaron Taylor-Johnson Featured In Latest GODZILLA Set Video & Photos. Comic Book Movie. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ ScreamingMonkey52 (May 24, 2013). Godzilla filming, Richmond BC. YouTube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ nailbiter111 (June 10, 2013). GODZILLA SPOILERS: Leaked Call Sheet! FEMA Press Conference & SF's Destruction (Videos & Pics) 'Comic Book Movie. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (June 17, 2013). Aaron Taylor-Johnson: 'Godzilla' Set with Bryan Cranston!. Just Jared. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Graser, Marc (June 17, 2013). ‘Godzilla’ Ready to Roar at Retail (EXCLUSIVE). Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ CS (June 18, 2013). Exclusive: Licensing Expo Promos for Godzilla, Ninja Turtles, Jurassic Park 4, Fast & Furious 7 and More!. Coming Soon. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Gittens, Susan (June 22, 2013). SHOOT: Elizabeth Olsen Drenched by Rain Tower at GODZILLA in Downtown Vancouver. Hollywood North. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Tilly, Christ (July 15, 2013). GODZILLA POSTER PREMIERE IGN. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Patten, Dominic (July 16, 2013). Comic-Con: Godzilla Unveiled In San Diego. Deadline. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Weintraub, Steve (July 16, 2013). 75 Pictures From Inside Legendary's GODZILLA ENCOUNTER at Comic-Con. Collider. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Turek, Ryan (July 19, 2013). Comic-Con 2013 Interview: Gareth Edwards On Godzilla, Atomic Breath, the Design, Darabont & More!. Shock Till You Drop. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (July 19, 2013). GODZILLA: DIRECTOR, GARETH EDWARDS INTERVIEW - COMIC-CON 2013. IGN. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ McGloin, Matt (July 20, 2013). GODZILLA (2014) COMIC-CON TRAILER DESCRIPTION & PANEL RECAP: NEW MONSTER REVEALED. Cosmic Book News. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Comic Con 2013 (July 10, 2013). Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Preview Their Upcoming Lineups. Comic-Con 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (July 22, 2013). Godzilla Encounter Footage. YouTube. Retrieved June 14, 2013
- ↑ Newitz, Annalee (July 25, 2013). Godzilla director Gareth Edwards explains the symbolism of kaiju. IO9. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Entrevista, Omelete (September 18, 2013). Godzilla | Omelete Entrevista Elizabeth Olsen & Bryan Cranston YouTube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Molina, Melissa (November 12, 2013). Moviepilot Exclusive: Gareth Edwards And The Cast Reveal More Information About The Godzilla Remake. Moviepilot. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (November 21, 2013). Godzilla: With Light and Sound!. Amazon. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Truitt, Brian (December 9, 2013). Sneak peek: 'Godzilla' rules again in 2014. USA Today. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Godzilla (December 10, 2013). Godzilla - Official Teaser Trailer (HD) Youtube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Schilling, Mark (July 22, 2014). Japan’s Toho Woos Female Non-Believers to Hollywood ‘Godzilla’ Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (January 3, 2015). ‘Godzilla,’ Warner Bros. Lead the Year’s Top TV Ad Spend for Movies Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (January, 2015). GODZILLA (2014) Makes Pay Cable Debut this Weekend SciFi Japan. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Subers, Ray (May 17, 2014). Friday Report: 'Godzilla' Roars, Scores Biggest Opening Day of 2014 Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Subers, Ray (May 18, 2014). Weekend Report: 'Godzilla' is Box Office King Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Subers, Ray (May 24, 2014). Friday Report: 'X-Men' Kicks Off Holiday Weekend with $36 Million Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Subers, Ray (May 25, 2014). Weekend Report: 'X-Men' Rules Memorial Day, Falls Short of Franchise Record Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Subers, Ray (May 31, 2014). Friday Report: 'Maleficent' Conjures Up $24.2 Million Debut Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Subers, Ray (June 1, 2014). Weekend Report: 'Maleficent' Casts Box Office Spell, 'Million Ways' Dies Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (2014). United Kingdom and Ireland and Malta Box Office Index Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (2014). Mexico Box Office Index Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Variety Staff (June 13, 2014). China Box Office: ‘Godzilla’ Has Biggest Opening Day of the Year Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (2014). Japan Box Office Index Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (2014). Godzilla (2014) Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Gettell, Oliver (May 16, 2014). 'Godzilla' a solid if not smashing reboot, reviews say LA Times. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Godzilla (May 12, 2014). Godzilla - In Theaters Friday Youtube. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Cornet, Roth (May 10, 2014). GODZILLA REVIEW IGN. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (July 25, 2014). GODZILLA ゴジラ (2014) Yahoo. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Siegemund-Broka, Austin (August 14, 2014). Legendary's 'Godzilla' to Receive Japanese Governmental Award Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Caranicas, Peter (January 4, 2015). Contenders: Sound Editing Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Kelley, Seth (March 3, 2015). ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘Interstellar’ Lead Saturn Awards Noms Variety. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (December 31, 2014). Amazon.de: Godzilla Ultimate Collectors Edition (Amazon.de exclusive) (3D Blu-ray) Amazon.de. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ Busch, Anita (May 18, 2014). ‘Godzilla’ Sequel In The Works At Warner Bros. & Legendary Deadline. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ Nemiroff, Perri (March 12, 2014). Gareth Edwards Talks GODZILLA, Godzilla’s Origins, Making Him a Character with Layers, Hints at Additional Monsters, And More. Collider. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ Julian, Mark (July 25, 2013). GODZILLA Director Game For 'DESTROY ALL MONSTERS' Type Sequel Comic Book Movie. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ @Legendary (July 26, 2014). It's the news you've been waiting for. Monarch confirms Godzilla is not alone. Rodan! Mothra! King Ghidorah! #LegendarySDCC #SDCC. Twitter. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ @Legendary (July 26, 2014). Joining #Godzilla in future franchise installments will be several other classic monsters from Toho Co. #LegendarySDCC #SDCC. Twitter. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ Goldberg, Matt (July 26, 2014). GODZILLA 2 Announced at Comic-Con; Will Feature Rodan, Mothra, and King Ghidorah Collider. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ (October 14, 2015). LEGENDARY AND WARNER BROS. PICTURES ANNOUNCE CINEMATIC FRANCHISE UNITING GODZILLA, KING KONG AND OTHER ICONIC GIANT MONSTERS Legendary. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (May 13, 2016). Director Gareth Edwards Exits ‘Godzilla 2’ Deadline. Retrieved June 5, 2017
- ↑ (May 16, 2014).Godzilla Facts Tumblr. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (April 1, 2015). 2016年新作『ゴジラ』 脚本・総監督:庵野秀明氏&監督:樋口真嗣氏からメッセージ Oricon. Retrieved May 9, 2017
- ↑ (June 13, 2017).アニメ映画「GODZILLA」新ビジュアルで歴代最大サイズのゴジラが初披露! Eiga. Retrieved June 17, 2017
- ↑ McIntyre, Gina (May 9, 2014). ‘Godzilla’: Gareth Edwards aims for awe, tears with monster reboot LA Times. Retrieved June 14, 2017
- ↑ (June 20, 2012). June 20, 2012 screenplay revision of Godzilla script by David Callaham, David S. Goyer, and Max Borenstein Gojipedia. Retrieved June 14, 2017