'Godzilla Minus Zero' Officially Sets 'Rare' Release Date for North America

Just a year after its release, "Godzilla Minus One" earned a sequel following its impressive run at the box office and Best Visual Effects win at the 96th Academy Awards, becoming the first Asian film to take home the award.

In North America, “Godzilla Minus One” earned $56 million, the highest-grossing Japanese-language live-action film of all time. It became the first Godzilla film ever nominated for an Oscar.

Takashi Yamazaki Returns to Direct

Takashi Yamazaki is returning as director, screenwriter and VFX coordinator for the sequel. Last year told Variety “Godzilla Minus One” was made for $15 million and that the budget for the sequel would likely be larger.

Despite the rise in use of AI in filmmaking, Yamazaki made it clear fans could count on his upcoming film to be film based. “Until recently, I’ve been still shooting on film and I like to use miniatures. So I know that someday we’re going to  have to embrace and kind of work with AI, but I’m probably going to be one of the later ones because I do like working with older technology and techniques," he said.

"Godzilla Minus Zero" Sets Theatrical Release Date

Toho and Gkids officially locked in a release date for the new film, which hits theaters in Japan on Nov. 3, 2026, the same day the original Godzilla debuted in Japanese theaters in 1954 - now celebrated annually as Godzilla Day.

Fans in North America will have to wait just three more days until the film's theatrical release on Nov. 6, "marking a rare near-simultaneous rollout for a Japan-produced Godzilla feature," per the release.

"Gkids is proud to bring Godzilla Minus Zero to North American audiences, following the incredible global reception of Godzilla Minus One,” Gkids president David Jesteadt said. “This next chapter is sure to become another defining moment for the most colossal monster ever to dominate the screen. It is only fitting that this bold, new Godzilla event be experienced in its fullest theatrical glory, and we’re honored that Tpho has entrusted us to carry this legacy forward."

"Godzilla Minus One" received a 99% score from critics and 98% score from fans on Rotten Tomatoes. Will the sequel live up to the hype?

Related: Netflix Quietly Cancels 'Stranger Things' Creators' Next Show