Godzilla Minus Zero Makes Cinema History

The legendary Japanese kaiju Godzilla is returning to the big screen with Godzilla Minus Zero, the latest entry in the long-running franchise. Beyond continuing the story established by its predecessor, the upcoming film is also set to achieve a major milestone in Japanese cinema.

Serving as a follow-up to 2023’s Godzilla Minus One, the new movie continues the story of the Shikishima family as they attempt to rebuild their lives after the devastating events of the previous film. Their efforts are soon disrupted when a new threat connected to Godzilla emerges. Once again, the family and the Disaster Response Bureau must join forces to protect their homes and confront the danger.

With the film’s world premiere scheduled for the New York Film Festival in September, Toho has released a new behind-the-scenes preview of Godzilla Minus Zero. The footage offers a glimpse at the movie’s large-scale action sequences and practical sets while also revealing an important production achievement: the film is the first Japanese production to be filmed using IMAX. The decision is expected to give the sequel an even larger visual scope and cinematic scale.

IMAX has been part of the film industry for decades, but its popularity has grown considerably over the last 10 years. Increasingly, filmmakers have embraced the premium format not only for theatrical releases but also as a major part of the filmmaking process.

Christopher Nolan has been one of the most prominent directors associated with the format. His upcoming film The Odyssey has recently attracted attention for becoming the first narrative feature to be shot entirely using IMAX 70mm. Nolan has been working with the format for years, beginning with The Dark Knight, which helped establish the use of 70mm IMAX photography in narrative filmmaking.

Although Godzilla Minus Zero will reportedly be the first Japanese production filmed using IMAX, the franchise itself is no stranger to the premium format. Every movie in Legendary’s Monsterverse has received IMAX and IMAX 3D releases. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, released in 2024, also used ARRI Alexa LF and Mini LF cameras during production before its footage was converted for 3D presentation.

The decision to film Godzilla Minus Zero in IMAX could also prove significant for the movie’s commercial prospects. Its predecessor, Godzilla Minus One, became a major success, earning strong reviews while becoming one of the franchise’s most successful films. It was also the third-highest-grossing Japanese movie of 2023.

While Godzilla Minus One received IMAX screenings, the sequel’s more extensive use of the format could provide another reason for audiences to experience the film on the biggest possible screen. With the franchise already enjoying renewed international attention, Godzilla Minus Zero could use its IMAX presentation to deliver an even more ambitious cinematic experience.