What I Hope To See Be Invested In Development Of GODZILLA Sequel
With a sequel to GODZILLA on the way, fans of the monster king rejoice that a new franchise has been grounded in the wake of Gareth Edward's film. But of course, for the sequel, here's a list
By OniGoji -
May 20, 2014 01:05 AM EST
Like a nuclear blast Gareth Edward's GODZILLA has been shattering the Box Office heavily, with an opening weekend debut of 93 million dollars, and nearly 200 million total from the worldwide numbers, Godzilla has proven to be a monstrous hit. A hit so massive that Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures have announced that a sequel to GODZILLA is already in the works, thus grounding a solid new franchise for the iconic King.
Yes, early on many thought GODZILLA would be the biggest box office flop, a major bomb, but here he stands larger than ever, and crushed all doubters within a single rampage. Now that the King of the Monsters is officially here to stay, I'd like to express warranted points in what Gareth Edwards needs to potentially consider should he be up for the sequel. (Hopefully he will be!)
1. MORE GODZILLA PLEASE:
This is quite an obvious area in need of improvement, in GODZILLA, teasing and building up Godzilla for a grand reveal and a fantastic final battle were acceptable. Showing restraint towards a huge pay-off can make for a incredibly satisfying film. And for GODZILLA it worked well for its approach. However, now that Godzilla has been revealed, for the sequel it is best to show more of the title monster. There's no longer any reason to hide or tease him anymore for a build up. Teasing his next grand opponent a bit is fair game, but not Godzilla himself during a second outing.
2. LOOSEN YOUR RESTRAINTS A BIT?:
Now, I'm not saying splash all of your best cinematic hits on the screen, showing some restraint to hold back the big surprises is respectful and can effectively make the film feel more solid. But as a sequel, fans and people are going to expect to see more. More monster action, more Godzilla, and more chaos on the big screen. Showing restraint on the first film is once more, respectable and understanding according to Garath's cinematic approach, but in terms of sequels, cutting a bit more loose is warranted for a satisfying installment. It will please fans who enjoy a grand Godzilla film, and non-fans who were craving more than what the first film offered.
3. BRING BACK DR. SERIZAWA AND VIVENNE GRAHAM:
Both are great scientist who understand Godzilla and are at the very least trying to further understand his existence. They would provide great ground in building Godzilla's character, while exploring more of their own character. However the most interesting aspect about them is how far they can tie into other possibilities. Within the film they knew about the MUTO upon discovering and trying to study it which begs the question: Are there other monstrousites that they could have discovered or unearth throughout the passing years since 1999? The characters are a doorway that could set up potential monsters to being introduced into future sequels. Plus they are interesting characters that should be brought over from the first film to show a sign of contunity.
4. CHANGE UP THE MAIN CHARACTERS/FOCUS A BIT MORE ON GODZILLA IN TERMS OF PLOT:
Ford Brody's story has a bit of a firm end, him and his family had survived the monster storm and are reunited once more. The character could still return to face Godzilla and other monstrousities again, so his involvement within a sequel is possible. However, there is the chance to follow a new lead of characters, and this time, potentially have them inflicted by Godzilla's existence and the disasters that follow in his wake. Add a well structured and well focused emotional character as a fair main lead to follow and we could have a wonderfully ripe human element.
Adding another layer to that, since Godzilla is a character himself, having him be more involved within the events unfolding as reactions to his very existence would be meaningful. Especially with him being the title monster and all. Don't take away too much of the spotlight away from him unless it is really needed to focus on another area. A human story can still be built as the forefront(As usual with all G-films), but having Godzilla share the same grounds is just as welcoming.
5. BRING IN CLASSIC TOHO MONSTERS:
A Godzilla franchise can't be faithfully a true franchise without at least a few of Toho's Classical Godzilla Monsters in the mix. Creating original monsters is a fine starter for a first film, plus it brings fresh blood to Toho's monster roster as well. But to really pull in fans and movie-goers for the next big outing with the King, you need to co-star Toho's monsters into the mix.
Rodan, Mothra, Anguirus, Hedorah, or even King Ghidorah himself, fans want to see their favorite non-Godzilla monsters to be on the big screen. Just be sure to carefully respect them and properly design them that mirrors that same fantastic treatment given to Godzilla.
6. JAPAN?
In some possible way, perhaps bringing Godzilla back home and telling the next story there would be more enticing than telling it within a different part of the world. It's woth taking into consideration given the fact that Godzilla's home is Japan. And it would be an interesting change of setting than expecting things to take place within the U.S again.
REMAIN CONSISTENT IN TONE: Carrying the same tone as the first installment generally goes without saying. And from what Gareth has said about his Destroy All Monsters themed sequel, he appears well determine in carrying the same serious approach that he invested within GODZILLA into said sequel idea.
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That about concludes this little article and everything I wanted to express, obviously it is too early to tell what will unfold for Godzilla 2. But none the less I am happy that the King of the Monsters is back. Gareth Edwards I hope you return to helm the sequel!