It looks as if a bomb has just been dropped that is about the size of Godzilla itself.
Yoshitmisu Banno, a legendary creator in Japan and executive producer on the new Godzilla movie from Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros., just said in a recent interview that not only is he planning a Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster sequel (he directed the original in 1971), but that his Godzilla and Hedorah short film was the basis for the new Gareth Edwards-directed Godzilla film that hits next year.
Speaking with Godzilla Fans Universe, Yoshitmisu Banno stated two interesting things.
The first being:
I am planning the Sequel of Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster now.
With the second (bold my own):
I first started to produce an I-MAX Godzilla movie of only a 40 minute running time, having obtained the permission to use the characters of “Godzilla” and “Hedorah” from TOHO Co. Ltd. This project developed to a fundamental theatrical movie thanks to the commitment of Legendary Pictures.
We see right there that Banno says his short film featuring Godzilla and Hedorah was developed by Legendary into the new upcoming movie. Of course, things could have changed, but this is a pretty big revelation. Not much about the movie has become known except for a few short teasers and some leaked toys that revealed a new Godzilla image and kaiju name.
Another interesting fact is back in July, Hedorah was rumored for Godzilla 2014; however, with Banno actually using The Smog Monster in a sequel, that might rule out Hedorah in the Legendary film. Of course, with Toho owning the Godzilla rights, they could always let Banno do a more direct sequel to his 1970s film.
Godzilla fans seem to be divided on seeing Hedorah back on the big screen, but with this news it seems it’s definitely happening one way or another.
Godzilla opens May 16, 2014 in 3D starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, and Juliette Binoche, with David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston. The screenplay is by Max Borenstein, Frank Darabont, and Dave Callaham.
Synopsis:
An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
