Originally published at: https://geektherapy.org/gkids-to-release-shin-godzilla/
Author: Newsroom
NEW YORK, NY (June 2, 2025) – Academy Award®-winning producer and distributor GKIDS has announced today that it has acquired all North American distribution rights to SHIN GODZILLA. The 2016 feature is directed by Hideaki Anno (NEON GENESIS EVANGELION Franchise, LOVE & POP) and Shinji Higuchi (BULLET TRAIN EXPLOSION, SHIN ULTRAMAN) with screenplay by Anno and visual effects by Higuchi. GKIDS will release the feature in North American theaters nationwide on August 14th, with a home entertainment release to follow. GKIDS will release the film in its original Japanese language with subtitles, including restored text cards and a 4K remaster that has never before been released in North America.
SHIN GODZILLA’s release marks GKIDS’ first release of a Godzilla property since the company’s 2024 acquisition by storied Japanese film studio Toho. SHIN GODZILLA also joins GKIDS’ expanding lineup of classic Japanese live-action features, following the company’s first-ever nationwide release of Hideaki Anno’s LOVE & POP.
First released domestically in Japan in 2016, SHIN GODZILLA is the 29th film in Toho’s storied Godzilla franchise, and the first Godzilla film to be released from Toho since 2004’s Godzilla Final Wars, taking a fresh design approach with the iconic monster. The film held a highly successful original box office run, grossing $79 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Japanese-produced Godzilla film in the franchise’ history, until it was recently surpassed by 2023’s Oscar®-winning Godzilla Minus One. SHIN GODZILLA went on to receive eleven Japan Academy Prize nominations, and take home seven wins, including Picture and Director of the year.
“With an incredibly timely story of people struggling to work together to stop imminent destruction, backed by some of the most explosive action scenes the franchise has ever seen, SHIN GODZILLA is a modern masterpiece,” said GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt. “We are honored to play a part in bringing the film back for American fans, better than ever.”
“SHIN GODZILLA marked the first Japanese-produced Godzilla film since the release of Godzilla Final Wars in 2004,” says Toho’s Chief Godzilla Officer, Keiji Ota. “Upon its release, it became a social phenomenon in Japan, playing a pivotal role in reviving the Godzilla franchise after a 12-year hiatus, and we’re thrilled to bring this landmark film back to the big screen in North America. For some, this will be their first time experiencing it — and there’s no better way to feel the overwhelming presence, power, and terror of Godzilla than in a theater. Enjoy the film!”
Synopsis
Something has surfaced in Tokyo Bay. As the Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm, a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then it evolves. The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster when an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents. On its cover is written “GODZILLA.”
From visionary directors Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, Shin Godzilla offers a thrilling origin story to one of cinema’s greatest creations. Propelled by astounding visual effects and rapid fire dialogue, Shin Godzilla is equal parts pulse-pounding action film and venomous political satire, worthy of the franchise’s towering history.
Director: Hideaki Anno
Co-Director: Shinji Higuchi
Written by: Hideaki Anno
Music: Shiro SAGISU
Produced by: Minami Ichikawa, Akihiro Yamauchi, Yoshihiro Sato, Masaya Shibusawa, Kazutoshi Wadakura
Starring: Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara
Cinematography: Kosuke Yamada
Edited by: Atsuki Sato, Hideaki Anno
Production Companies: Toho Pictures, Inc., Cine Bazar Inc.