TOHO and GKIDS, the Academy Award-winning curator, producer, and distributor that was acquired by TOHO in 2024, revealed on stage at CinemaCon the first teaser for GODZILLA MINUS ZERO. Director Takashi Yamazaki took to the CinemaCon stage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas this morning, presenting for the first time footage for the highly anticipated new film, and additionally confirming that the film is the first-ever Japanese production to be Filmed For IMAX.
GODZILLA MINUS ZERO picks up in 1949, two years after the tumultuous events of Godzilla Minus One, and continues the story of the Shikishima family as they face an all-new calamity. Additionally confirmed out of CinemaCon, Ryunosuke Kamiki, the hero who faced Godzilla’s terror in Godzilla Minus One, returns as Koichi Shikishima, and is joined by Minami Hamabe as Noriko Oishi, who miraculously survived Godzilla’s first attack on Tokyo.
On returning to his role, Ryunosuke Kamiki stated:
“I am beyond happy to be able to participate in a film set two years after Godzilla Minus One, which is one of the most important works of my life. I also feel proud to have been able to work with Director Takashi Yamazaki and everyone on the team once again. The pressure of participating in a Godzilla work loved by so many people remains the same as in the previous film, but I have done my absolute best so that everyone who watches it, and everyone who loves Godzilla, can enjoy it.”
With gratitude for returning to Director Yamazaki’s Godzilla universe, Minami Hamabe stated:
“Following the previous film, I am grateful to be able to exist in the world of Godzilla Minus One as Noriko. My heart is already racing with excitement to share this grand moment with everyone as soon as possible, and see Godzilla Minus Zero in theaters soon. Since this work will be released in Japan and the U.S. around the same time, I am very happy to be able to share Godzilla’s shocking return not only with people in Japan but also with those in America. I pray that this work will also be one that everyone can enjoy and love very much.”
In addition to his on-stage comments, Director Takashi Yamazaki notes to fans:
“See you at the movie theater! “
As a project Filmed For IMAX, GODZILLA MINUS ZERO was shot with high-definition digital cameras certified by IMAX, and optimized in sound and imagery unique to IMAX screens. Fans can look forward to seeing Godzilla presented to all new terrifying heights, making GODZILLA MINUS ZERO in a true cinematic event not to be missed.
GODZILLA MINUS ZERO is the highly anticipated new film from Director Takashi Yamazaki, following his critically-acclaimed Godzilla Minus One. That landmark film is the highest recorded grossing Japan-produced Godzilla film, earning more than $116 million worldwide and winning Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy AwardsⓇ, becoming the first Asian film to take home the award. TOHO will release GODZILLA MINUS ZERO theatrically in Japan on Tuesday, November 3, with GKIDS set to launch a wide theatrical release across North America beginning Friday, November 6, 2026.
The release date of November 3 holds a special significance in Godzilla’s storied legacy, marking the date of the original theatrical release of Godzilla in 1954. Now, 72 years after the birth of the iconic creature, and three years after the global success of Godzilla Minus One (released in Japan November 3, 2023), GODZILLA MINUS ZERO is set to continue the monster’s undeniable legacy, making its debut on Japan’s Godzilla Day 2026. Additionally, the near-simultaneous release in Japan and North America marks the first time in the history of the Japan-produced Godzilla series that such a rollout will take place. Cineplex Pictures will support GKIDS with the Canadian rollout on November 6, and release dates for additional territories will be announced at a later date.
While plot details for GODZILLA MINUS ZERO remain tightly under wraps, Oscar-winning filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki returns as Director, Screenwriter and VFX lead in his new film starring the King of the Monsters. Produced by Toho Studios and ROBOT, with VFX from SHIROGUMI Inc., the film is currently in production.
GODZILLA MINUS ZERO marks GKIDS’ second stewardship of a Godzilla franchise film from TOHO for North American release, following TOHO’s acquisition of GKIDS in 2024. Last year, GKIDS spearheaded a new 4K remaster and theatrical re-release of TOHO’s globally acclaimed Shin Godzilla, directed by Hideaki Anno and co-directed by Shinji Higuchi–creators of the cult-classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion–introducing the landmark 2016 film to a new generation of audiences outside of Japan. Notably, Shin Godzilla held the record as the highest-grossing Japan-produced entry in the franchise for seven years, earning $78 million worldwide until it was surpassed by Godzilla Minus One in 2023.
About GKIDS
GKIDS is the Academy Award-winning curator, producer, and distributor of artist-driven, globally inspired cinema dedicated to connecting North American audiences with distinctive stories from around the world. Widely celebrated for its leadership in the “animation is film” movement, the studio has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape for feature animation in the U.S. and internationally for nearly two decades. GKIDS represents the work of many of the world’s most acclaimed animation filmmakers, including Makoto Shinkai (Your Name., Weathering With You), Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress), Tomm Moore (Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers), Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai, Wolf Children), and serves as the North American home of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli.
Upcoming theatrical releases include the highly anticipated Godzilla Minus Zero, the follow up to director Takashi Yamazaki’s Academy Award-winning Godzilla Minus One; and Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the latest Aardman feature in the beloved Oscar-nominated film series. In addition to the Oscar-nominated films Kokuho and Little Amélie and the Character of Rain, recent theatrical releases are the box office hit Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, Mamoru Oshii’s cult classic Angel’s Egg, and the critically acclaimed All You Need Is Kill, alongside groundbreaking television series such as Dan Da Dan, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Arcane: League of Legends. @GKIDSFilms
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