Godzilla 69 Anniversary

2019 is a major year for TOHO and the Godzilla brand as it celebrates its 65th anniversary, along with the release of Godzilla: King of the Monsters from Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. in May, which has earned more than $385 million worldwide, and was the number one selling DVD in the country when it was released.

Godzilla first appeared in Toho’s “Godzilla” (1954), a classic monster movie widely regarded as a masterpiece.

The work launched a monster franchise that expanded over 64 years with more than 30 films.

Over time, the franchise itself has evolved, as Godzilla and other creatures appearing in Godzilla films have become a metaphor for social commentary in the real world.

The characters are no longer mere entertainment icons, but embody emotions and social issues reflective of the times.

Godzilla has become a globally recognized icon, finding its way into worldwide pop culture and influencing many creative minds.

Today, TOHO, the owner of Godzilla accepted CGGE’s interview and tell us something about the anniversary activities.

CGGE: How do you celebrate 65 Anniversary of Godzilla including MIPCOM activities? Are there any activities in China in near future?

TOHO：TOHO has a variety of activities planned for 65th Anniversary. One of the most important initiatives is the GODZILLA: GENESIS campaign, which includes the offer of all 29 of the TOHO produced Godzilla films for dubbing in any language (including Chinese of course) which is being offered for the first time, with a few limited exceptions.

TOHO also plans to launch some limited-edition products including Grand Seiko’s Godzilla 65th anniversary watch, amongst others that we can’t share quite yet. Additionally, TOHO has events for 65th anniversary including the Godzilla Festival held on 3rd Nov in Japan, and for US fans Godzilla will have an exhibit at COMPLEXCON in Long Beach which is a famous pop culture, art, fashion event on November 2-3rd.

CGGE: for a well know franchising brand, will Godzilla’s legend will continue? Any changes will be brought to this huge monster?

TOHO：Of course Godzilla’s legend will continue! Throughout the years and in various forms of media the Godzilla franchise has shown itself to be resilient while entertaining generations, which will continue far into the future.

CGGE: Godzilla is also very welcomed in Chinese market. Will you bring more Chinese heroes to the movie, like Zhang Ziyi in King of Monster？

TOHO：We’re not able to comment on any current or future casting at this time, but we’re very glad that Godzilla has been welcome in the Chinese market and we look forward to further engaging with the Chinese audience.

CGGE: With the increasing of China box office, will China be your one of the key markets for the movie in future?

TOHO：China is already a very important market for Toho. The merchandising and box office for “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” in China was tremendous, and we see plenty of opportunities for further growth in China

CGGE: How do you keep the brand welcome by world fans during these years? What’s the Godzilla’s charm? It’s an “old” brand, how do you make it welcomed by the new generation?

TOHO：One of Godzilla’s core themes is the never-ending cycle of destruction and rebirth, which is universally understood and speaks to different generations in different ways. The films also change with the times to speak to new generations, while still remaining true to Godzilla’s core values.

Godzilla: Genesis

Toho is excited to discuss all 29 films with international broadcasters, cable stations and video platforms for the first time, either as a package or separately.  All 29 films will be provided a music & effect track to be dubbed into multiple languages for the first time in 65 years of Godzilla history (expect for very rare exceptions).

Toho is also plan to produce multiple Godzilla shorts in their own unique styles, creating fun and original bite sized content.

The genesis of the idea come from Godzilla’s first visit to San Diego Comic Con this year.  The exhibit mainly focused on Toho’s original series, and the team was blown away by the positive response from fans.  One of the surprising things they heard the most was simple words of thanks from the fans for being there at SDCC and for the original Toho series itself.  The team realized the huge demand and potential for the Toho’s original series and the amazing experience with fans is one of the main motivators for the GODZILLA: GENESIS campaign.

Godzilla will next be seen at ComplexCon in Long Beach, California where the exhibit will feature collaborations with high end brands and a surprise collaboration with a great artist, all to be revealed soon!

More news to come over the next 65th anniversary year!

Licensing Activity

Playmates Toys will join Godzilla franchise partners as the main international toy licensee from the beginning of 2020 covering major global territories

Grand Seiko Godzilla Watch: Nov 9, 2019 global launch. Limited number of units at 650 and the price is Japanese Yen 1,300,000 (= roughly USD 12,000).

Entertainment/Film

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

The movie was released on May 31st, and brought in over $385 million worldwide

Directed by Michael Dougherty, the film stars Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Vera Farmiga, Zhang Ziyi, Charles Dance, Sally Hawkins, Kyle Chandler, Ken Watanabe, Thomas Middleditch, Bradley Whitford, Natalie Pero and O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Godzilla vs. Kong (2020)

The movie will release on March 13, 2020.

Directed by Adam Wingard, the film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Kyle Chandler and Zhang Ziyi who are reprising their roles from King of the Monsters. Stay tuned for more updates.

Speaking in the photos is: Tak Nakazawa, Head of Licensing, Global Strategies / International Business Dept.

Editor:CGGE Editor