History of Godzilla Minus Zero in Timeline

Godzilla Minus Zero is a Japanese kaiju film written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who also supervised the visual effects. It is the 39th film in the Godzilla franchise, the 34th produced by Toho, and the sixth installment in the Reiwa era. The film continues the Godzilla saga, focusing on the iconic monster's destructive impact.

2023: Release of Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus Zero is scheduled to be released in Japan on November 3, 2026, and North America on November 6, 2026. This timing adheres to the longstanding Toho–Legendary Pictures agreement that prohibits competing Godzilla films from releasing in the same calendar year, as previously seen with Godzilla Minus One in 2023.

November 1, 2024: Takashi Yamazaki to Helm Another Godzilla Film

On November 1, 2024, Takashi Yamazaki was confirmed to direct another Godzilla film, announced during Godzilla Minus One's television broadcast.

November 2024: Another Godzilla Film Greenlit

In November 2024, following the international success of Godzilla Minus One, Toho announced that another Godzilla film directed by Takashi Yamazaki had been greenlit.

2024: Release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

February 2025: Screenwriting and Storyboarding Begun

In February 2025, Takashi Yamazaki began screenwriting and storyboarding the follow-up to Godzilla Minus One.

April 2025: Clarification of Sequel and Release Plans

In April 2025, Kōji Ueda, the president of Toho International, clarified that the new Godzilla film would be a sequel, with plans for a 2026 release.

June 2025: Filming Schedule Disclosed

In June 2025, it was disclosed that filming for Yamazaki's next movie would take place from early August to December 2025, with film students being recruited.

August 2025: Principal Photography Commenced

In August 2025, principal photography for the new Godzilla film commenced in Japan, New Zealand, and Norway.

September 14, 2025: Principal Photography in Ibaraki Prefecture

From August 30 to September 14, 2025, principal photography took place with extras on location in Ibaraki Prefecture. Additional shooting will occur in New Zealand and Norway.

November 3, 2025: Official Title Unveiled at Godzilla Fest 2025

On November 3, 2025, the official title of Yamazaki's next Godzilla feature, Godzilla Minus Zero, was unveiled at Godzilla Fest 2025 in Japan. A teaser logo illustrated by Yamazaki was shown.

November 2025: Film Title Announced

In November 2025, the title of the new Godzilla film was announced.

December 2025: Filming to Wrap Up

In December 2025, filming for Yamazaki's next movie was expected to wrap up.

2025: Scripting and Storyboarding Underway

In 2025, Takashi Yamazaki revealed that scripting and storyboarding for his follow-up film were ongoing and expected a higher budget than Godzilla Minus One.

January 9, 2026: GKIDS to Distribute Film in North America

On January 9, 2026, it was announced that Toho's subsidiary GKIDS would distribute Godzilla Minus Zero in North American theatres on November 6, 2026.