Godzilla sequel greenlighted already. What can we expect?

[Overmind One]

Indeed. Godzilla movie fans call that abomination GINO (Godzilla In Name Only). For the faults that it has, the Godzilla currently in theaters got this part right - the Godzilla in it is a true Godzilla.

Yep, GINO. It isnt considered to be a kaiju movie. And yeah, this Godzilla IS Godzilla. The movie has already made more than $300 million so there will be another one. But they have to dump the Brodys. No more Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson or their kid. Really. They are still alive and they have been reunited AND the younger Brody is his father's son (only he is a military guy and not a scientist). He now has "Godzilla cred". They will probably bring back Watanabe. I hope they dump his female assistant and replace her with a new version of Emiko Yamane.

I feel okay with this first new Godzilla movie. But the next one better have more kaiju action and PLEASE turn up the lights! Godzilla 2014 was dark when it should not have been. Sometimes it looked like dark blobs moving in the smoke.

 

[Joelist]

The only cast member with any probability to return is Watanabe. Stop worrying about the Brody's returning - they won't be. Their story is done and also Godzilla movies are not known for having ANY recurring cast. Emiko did small cameos in 2 films after the original and Megumi Odaka was VERY unusual in actually appearing in several consecutive films (she played Miki Saegusa in the Heisei films).

 

[Overmind One]

The only cast member with any probability to return is Watanabe. Stop worrying about the Brody's returning - they won't be. Their story is done and also Godzilla movies are not known for having ANY recurring cast. Emiko did small cameos in 2 films after the original and Megumi Odaka was VERY unusual in actually appearing in several consecutive films (she played Miki Saegusa in the Heisei films).

Why are you so sure about that? I have not read anywhere that the Brody story is "done". And this Godzilla movie is not like other Godzilla movies. It had this Brody family storyline in the first place which no other Godzilla movie has done. They developed these characters and gave them top billing. They used Bryan Cranston in every trailer but he was hardly in the film. Also, Godzilla never trampled through Honolulu or the Phillipines or San Francisco.

I agree, no kaiju movies usually have recurring characters, but the new ones probably will. Almost as many people were drawn to this movie because of Cranston as were drawn by Godzilla himself. Indeed, I am not seeing anything anywhere which supports your notion that the Brody story is over, but I am finding significant support for my thoughts that he might return:

http://www.mtv.com/news/1827661/godzilla-sequel-what-it-will-be-about/

Excerpt (this is with regard to the sequel which is already greenlighted) from MTV:

The Return Of Brody

Conventional wisdom would say the humans don’t matter to a Godzilla movie, but the first film is extremely concerned with the Brody family. We could see a plot where he’s drawn back in to the fight against the MUTOs, or part of a MUTO task force established between movies.

Basically, if this series looks to the “Transformers” films as a model (not a bad financial model to have, either), then Taylor Johnson could be the Shia LaBeouf of this franchise.

This one from Moviefone (about the sequel):

http://news.moviefone.com/2014/05/19/aaron-taylor-johnson-godzilla-sequel/

Excerpt:

Cinema Blend noted that Taylor-Johnson's character's family, the Brodys, seem to have a connection to Godzilla that is reminiscent of the one between the protagonists and antagonist in the "Jaws" series, and the actor said that something along those lines could play out in future films (including one plot point the site says draws directly from "Jaws: The Revenge").

"[It's] sort of a happy coincidence in a way, but I don't know. I mean, I don't know where they'll go with it, to be honest," Taylor-Johnson said of the "Jaws" connection. "If anything, you know, it would be sort of cooler if it was ten years down the line and my son is somehow involved, you know what I mean? You never really know."

At least find something somewhere which gives credence to your idea that Brody wont be back. Im not finding anything of the sort. It really does not make sense if they DONT bring him back because of the investment in developing his character in this last movie. They are trying to bind the Brody characters to Godzilla.

I need to find out of he (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is contracted for future films with MGM. That alone will tell us a lot.

 

[Overmind One]

I broke this subject out in a new thread, since we know the sequel is coming and there is no doubt going to be lots of speculation from fans and hiding of details by the producers. My concerns are:

1. The (dreaded) return of Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Ford Brody, along with Elizabeth (OMG OMG Im so worried!) Olsen, and the generic kid they had, who looks too old to have Olsen and Johnson as parents.
2. The continued use of the moniker M.U.T.O. to describe kaiju which are not Godzilla. How can we have titles like Godzilla vs Mothra if all kaiju are now M.U.T.O.s?
3. Will Godzilla draw from the story structure of Jaws AGAIN?

This last movie gives me the same feeling that the 2009 Trek did. It was good because Trek was back and had a great looking new cast. That movie was cool, but the changed elements like Uhura + Spock, the destruction of Vulcan, transwarp beaming...all of that did not gel until the second movie when we could see the (disappointing) direction the new films were taking. The second movie retroactively ruined the first movie IMO. I think the second Godzilla will do the same for this franchise. We will know from the second film where the Godzilla franchise if going.

The good thing is, Godzilla will survive even if they damage the American Godzilla franchise.

 

[Overmind One]

Note that both things you cited are just pure speculation by people, in one case the writer (who mistakenly thinks the model is transformers) and the other is just musing by ATJ. I'll go with the idea that Kaiju films don't use recurring characters and like this film respected the genre so will the sequel.

When MTV and Moviefone speculate, I listen. Also, the nature of contracts in the Industry are very consistent. Like I said, it makes no sense NOT to bring the Brodys back, and the actors which play them. In contrast, where are you getting the idea that they will not return or that their story is over? Even speculation somewhere online would give me something to ponder. Im not finding it, even with crawlers. As far as I can see, the idea that the Brody story is "done" is only coming from you.

They ARE using formulaic methods in this film. The Transformers model MTV referred to is perfectly comparable to this new Godzilla franchise launch. And the speculation will not have to go on for long, since the actors of the film will be announced early in pre-production. This Godzilla reboot is a package deal. Those packages are almost standardized in the Industry these days. That means, package deals for the actors, production crews and writers, the reuse and continuation of CGI models, locales, etc. If Aaron Taylor-Johnson is announced for the second film, that means the return of Brody is 100% certain.

 

[Joelist]

I'm saying their story is done because it is done. He is reunited with his family. Dad died, and even if he were alive there is no more hidden conspiracy. There is literally nowhere to take these characters, and neither of them has any skills or such that a future "kaiju task force" would find remotely useful. Remember, in the execrable Transformers flicks the human characters had a direct, logical story tie to the robots which justified their presence.

Of the human characters in Godzilla 2014, the only one with such a tie is Serizawa (Ken Watanabe). He would make sense as a head of a Kaiju task force.

As to what they call the other Kaiju, good question. M.U.T.O does sound like how such creatures might be designated by military personnel or such. Godzilla only got his name when he did because Serizawa told them the Japanese word Gojira. But yes, I hope they start naming creatures in the sequel.

And yes, they used formulae in this film. But really the formula was not the typical American blockbuster formula - it was the old Toho Kaigu Eiga formula. And I would think they stick to it.

 

[Overmind One]

I'm saying their story is done because it is done. He is reunited with his family. Dad died, and even if he were alive there is no more hidden conspiracy. There is literally nowhere to take these characters, and neither of them has any skills or such that a future "kaiju task force" would find remotely useful. Remember, in the execrable Transformers flicks the human characters had a direct, logical story tie to the robots which justified their presence.

I don't understand why you are not seeing the obvious setup for Ford Brody for the next film. Really, Im not. I have scoured the internet for anything supporting your idea that he wont return. This movie is not the end of his (Brody) story, it is the BEGINNING. I find lots of stuff about him returning though, along with Elizabeth Olsen and the kid. I actually can pull a string or two at MGM from past associations to find out. Right now, nothing is in stone except the green light for the next movie.

Of the human characters in Godzilla 2014, the only one with such a tie is Serizawa (Ken Watanabe). He would make sense as a head of a Kaiju task force.

But this movie did not center around Serizawa. He was not a main character, and very little development was done for him. The movie was a showcase vehicle for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and I am more than 90% certain he will return. Perhaps you are using past kaiju movies to guide your thoughts? Better guidance would come from the writer's past works and then think Jaws and Transformers and you will be more on the mark. I think you are ignoring the goings-on of Hollywood. Taylor-Johnson and Olsen were set up in this film...like the new cast of NuTrek. ATJ took up no less than 2/3 of the movie, and the real story of the film was Ford Brody and the extended Brody family. There is no reason for Warner NOT to being him back. If I discover he is contracted, I will move my 90% prediction to 100%.

As to what they call the other Kaiju, good question. M.U.T.O does sound like how such creatures might be designated by military personnel or such. Godzilla only got his name when he did because Serizawa told them the Japanese word Gojira. But yes, I hope they start naming creatures in the sequel.

And yes, they used formulae in this film. But really the formula was not the typical American blockbuster formula - it was the old Toho Kaigu Eiga formula. And I would think they stick to it.

Meh, I think this movie is pretty standard American blockbuster formula with a kaiju film skin. It deviated significantly from all other kaiju films, and is even less traditional kaiju than Pacific Rim. Just my opinions! Im pretty sure your thoughts on Brody are off the mark, but I don't know yet for sure so I will wait and see, or try and do some digging.

 

[Joelist]

I'm not seeing it because there isn't one. Where is the plot connection for Brody to appear in any future films? He's an EOD specialist not an expert of any sort in the behavior, physiology or anything else of Kaiju. His wife is a medical doctor. Their role in the film was basically that she was in San Francisco and he was trying to get to her, and he gets pulled into the bomb disarming mission because he is the only EOD they have immediately on hand. Well, he got to her and they are all safe. And now that the military understands that using nukes against these creatures is counterproductive they would have zero need for a Marine EOD specialist.

As to formula, the standard Hollywood Blockbuster formula is to shovel loads of fast paced action to our ADD audience as fast as they can, and overuse CGI to the point of inducing groans. There is no idea of buildup and payoff it is just throw it all at the viewer as fast as possible. Had the film been done that way Godzilla would have shown up in full and battling other monsters by the time we were 5 minutes into the film. Instead there was a buildup to and wait for his entry and indeed to the entry of the MUTOs as well, which is a characteristic of Toho Kaiju films - which in several cases did this.

 

[Overmind One]

I'm not seeing it because there isn't one. Where is the plot connection for Brody to appear in any future films? He's an EOD specialist not an expert of any sort in the behavior, physiology or anything else of Kaiju. His wife is a medical doctor. Their role in the film was basically that she was in San Francisco and he was trying to get to her, and he gets pulled into the bomb disarming mission because he is the only EOD they have immediately on hand. Well, he got to her and they are all safe. And now that the military understands that using nukes against these creatures is counterproductive they would have zero need for a Marine EOD specialist.

All of this directly contradicts what we see in the film, in terms of character investment. Ford Brody is intimately connected to this franchise now. This movie is very much a Ford Brody story, with Godzilla as a prop. That is how they did this movie. I cannot find anything anywhere on the web in support of Brody NOT being in the film. You are the one and only I know of. Lets just say...for fun...that Brody IS coming back. If he is, then he will be the only person who has his dad's data disks. He and his wife and kid are connected by history (established b the first movie), and they are all alive and reunited. That event was treated as importantly as Godzilla's return to the ocean. Besides that, movie productions are very structured. Contracts between actors and studios are NEVER single movie deals. And ATJ is talking about the sequel already as is Elizabeth Olsen. The Brody story would only be over if they were all dead. It is far more likely we will see ATJ in the next movie than not. And again, perhaps you could find some other blog or individual who is aligned with your idea that he will not be in the next film? Im not giving these writers enough credit to think through the scientific or military logic. They could not even get his military haircut or the military behaviors right.

As to formula, the standard Hollywood Blockbuster formula is to shovel loads of fast paced action to our ADD audience as fast as they can, and overuse CGI to the point of inducing groans. There is no idea of buildup and payoff it is just throw it all at the viewer as fast as possible. Had the film been done that way Godzilla would have shown up in full and battling other monsters by the time we were 5 minutes into the film. Instead there was a buildup to and wait for his entry and indeed to the entry of the MUTOs as well, which is a characteristic of Toho Kaiju films - which in several cases did this.

The interpersonal drama sets it apart from all other kaiju films (and not necessarily in a good way). ATJ is the latest on the list of packaged male leads in the vein of Sam Worthington and Shia LeBouf. He will be in Avengers 2 along with Olsen who is his female counterpart in the bill of new actors. The intense setup of the Brodys and Godzilla in this first film is setting the tone for the franchise. I would say that within a month, we will get confirmation and then you and I can discuss how they will tell the next story with Brody and Godzilla.

 

[Overmind One]

More and more on Aaron Tyler-Jones in the next Godzilla movie is being published...all over the internet on every major media site (check Google!). Warner does not own rights to Mothra, Ghidorah or Rodan, so we wont see them.

http://news.moviefone.com/2014/05/19/aaron-taylor-johnson-godzilla-sequel/

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Aaro...-Could-Pull-From-Jaws-Inspirations-43073.html

http://www.torontosun.com/2014/05/09/aaron-taylor-johnson-talks-godzilla-epic-and-avengers-2

http://www.lfpress.com/2014/05/09/aaron-taylor-johnson-talks-godzilla-epic-and-avengers-2

More appearing every few hours. Just because you are not seeing a story after this with the Brodys does not mean there isn't one. They will create one. This first film could have gone quite will without a single Brody in it. You could have had Cranston as a lone scientist, or have his whole family killed when the reactor meltdown happened. But Cranston was killed off. ATJ is on the "star track", and after Avengers 2, his role in Godzilla (almost certain already) will be solidified.

 

[Joelist]

Actually none of these are new in any way. the lfpress and torontosun are the same article, and nowhere in it is a return appearance even hinted at (especially because the article predates the release of the film). In the same vein, moviefone and cinema blend are also both the same, old article (5/19) and all ATJ does in there is VERY loosely speculate a little (considering it is a print up of a pre release interview not surprising) and all he ever says is IF he is involved then maybe it would be by dint of being in the military).

Really there is nothing out there right now at all past the green lighting. All Legendary has said is that they have greenlit. The script is yet to be written, the basic plot concept is yet to be decided. The ONLY attached person to the sequel is Gareth Edwards.

 

[Joelist]

Different item - Warner Brothers does not own any right here at all. They were just co-fianciers and distributors on this film and its merchandising. Toho's licensing agreement is with Legendary Films, so which monsters and such can be used is between Toho and Legendary. This also means that absent some sort of pre arranged deal between them the sequel will be through Universal as Legendary's deal with Warner expired and they signed one with Universal. This was a direct factor in the total lack of promotion last year for Pacific Rim in fact.

 

[Overmind One]

Actually none of these are new in any way. the lfpress and torontosun are the same article, and nowhere in it is a return appearance even hinted at (especially because the article predates the release of the film). In the same vein, moviefone and cinema blend are also both the same, old article (5/19) and all ATJ does in there is VERY loosely speculate a little (considering it is a print up of a pre release interview not surprising) and all he ever says is IF he is involved then maybe it would be by dint of being in the military).

Really there is nothing out there right now at all past the green lighting. All Legendary has said is that they have greenlit. The script is yet to be written, the basic plot concept is yet to be decided. The ONLY attached person to the sequel is Gareth Edwards.

What I am saying, is that there is lots of buzz about ATJ being in the next sequel, and NONE saying he wont be in it. I cannot think of a scenario where he would NOT be in it, despite what you are saying about the story being "done". In fact, this last movie was the beginning for him in this franchise. For all we know, he got a three film deal for Godzilla. All I ask is that you find any support anywhere for him not being in the next film. I have run three crawlers now, and some returns. All of which are parroting ATJ's comments on the sequel. He would not even be allowed to speak about a sequel if he was not going to be in it.

I do not understand why you are so adamant about it, since it is illogical for him to not be in the sequel. We do know Bryan Cranston wont be in the next one because he is dead. You don't have any backup for your theory. At least you have not posted it. Meanwhile, within three or four weeks, we will know.

 

[Joelist]

Actually it's the other way around. He would not be allowed to comment if he is in the sequel, and thus under contract. If he isn't then there is no contract and he can say whatever he likes. What I was just noting is there actually no buzz either way, as old articles dating back before release are not buzz.

All we actually have even rumors on is there is a sequel and Gareth Edwards is directing. We aren't even 100% sure whether it will be distributed through Universal or Warner.

 

[Overmind One]

Actually it's the other way around. He would not be allowed to comment if he is in the sequel, and thus under contract. If he isn't then there is no contract and he can say whatever he likes. What I was just noting is there actually no buzz either way, as old articles dating back before release are not buzz.

All we actually have even rumors on is there is a sequel and Gareth Edwards is directing. We aren't even 100% sure whether it will be distributed through Universal or Warner.

Cmon man. There IS buzz about ATJ being in the next movie, and NONE about him not being in it. I have posted several links to the buzz of him being in it already, and you have posted none the other way around. Just sayin! And his personal speculations would not be a violation of any contract. It could even enhance the profile of the movie. It was the same for Pacific Rim before it came out.

The more recent buzz came after the movie became a blockbuster, and I posted links to those too. Why would he talk sequel unless the movie had been greenlighted for one? Until I see anything to the contrary, and I have not, I will assume he is coming back. But I will reserve digging in my heels until I know more.

Oh, and it is not just a rumor that there will be a sequel. It has been approved already. Don't know about Gareth Edwards or distribution, but there will definitely be a sequel.

 

[Joelist]

Oh I know it has been green lit, the phrase "even have rumors on" includes confirmed stuff as it is rumors or better. Edwards as director is likewise confirmed. Distribution is unknown right now. Legendary Films is the production house. Beyond that we have nothing.

 

[mzzz]

I'm with Overmind on this one, think soldier guy is probably returning considering how they made some obvious parallels between him and Godzilla.

 

[Overmind One]

The next Godzilla installment will include in it....ready?...

Rodan, Mothra and Ghidorah! The tone of the next movie will be much different than the first one, and may or may not have Aaron Taylor-Jones in it. Only the basics (the kaiju I named) are known to be in the next one. Ghidorah and Rodan for sure, but they may not be called by their kaiju names. It is unlikely that there will be aliens in the film (Ghidorah comes from space in the original movies). The Godzilla film has made 200 million domestically, and 500 million internationally as of August 3, 2014:

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni57559669/

There was a clip shown at ComicCon which showed the three monsters, from what I hear. Im hoping Illiterati will show up and share some of what she saw there.

 

[Bluce Ree]

The next Godzilla installment will include in it....ready?...

Rodan, Mothra and Ghidorah! The tone of the next movie will be much different than the first one, and may or may not have Aaron Taylor-Jones in it. Only the basics (the kaiju I named) are known to be in the next one. Ghidorah and Rodan for sure, but they may not be called by their kaiju names. It is unlikely that there will be aliens in the film (Ghidorah comes from space in the original movies). The Godzilla film has made 200 million domestically, and 500 million internationally as of August 3, 2014:

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni57559669/

There was a clip shown at ComicCon which showed the three monsters, from what I hear. Im hoping Illiterati will show up and share some of what she saw there.

What about Godzuki?

 

[Bluce Ree]

Is this what Godzuki was based on?