Films are the embodiment of a moviemaker’s creative imagination. Creating a movie is a strenuous and lengthy process, and the final product might not even make its money back. Despite these major drawbacks, films are made because the people behind them are passionate about their work and will go through great lengths to see it done, much like what we have in store for you today.
From a beloved franchise’s sequel, to a surreal original project – here’s what’s in the works and coming to a big screen near you.
“Godzilla Minus One” Sequel In Development
Since 1954, Godzilla has been the undisputed king of the Kaiju, dominating both the world and our imaginations. Since its big break in Hollywood, the giant radioactive lizard has been featured in nearly 40 movies, duking it out with fellow Kaijus or people, and occasionally teaming up with a giant ape to take out more Kaijus.
However, the most famous interpretation of Gojira is a fairly recent one. “Godzilla Minus One” has been hailed as one, if not the pinnacle, of Godzilla movies, where we see the titular reptilian decimating a post-war Japan. Receiving incalculable praise from audiences and critics alike, this Oscar-winning smash hit reinvigorated the love for Kaiju films among fans. With the franchise celebrating its 70-year anniversary, legendary Japanese studio Toho, creator of Godzilla, made a special announcement.
In a post on X, “Godzilla Minus One” director Takashi Tamazaki announced that a sequel has been greenlit and is now in the works. In the same video, he also announced that he will be helming the project once again.
Naturally, with the announcement being only eight seconds long, it’s unclear if the next Godzilla instalment will be a direct sequel to the 2022 smash hit or if it will be a standalone film. “Godzilla Minus One” famously had a budget of US$15 million and managed to earn back US$116 million globally. It is because of this, alongside its critically positive reviews, that we eagerly await what will happen next to the oldest-running movie franchise in the world.
Snoop Dogg’s “Planet of the Apes-Inspired” Film
Yup, you read the title right — Snoop Dogg is cooking up something we never expected. The famous rapper has come forth to tease a number of projects he is working on, including a science fiction movie.
In an interview with Variety, he stated that “I can’t really give up the storyline, but I’m going to [share] the idea. I love ‘Planet of the Apes.’ ‘Planet of the Apes’ made me wait too long to see the next one.”
For those who are unaware, there is a seven-year-long gap between 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” and 2024’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” something Snoop Dogg just couldn’t handle, which prompted him to end the drought himself. But instead of apes, he will do it with, you guessed it – dogs.
It is a pretty straightforward concept, but it is also pretty hard to imagine and might take some cues from “Island of Dogs.” But of course, the million-dollar question is: how can these highly intelligent canines develop a proper civilisation over the course of a few generations like 20th Century Fox’s trilogy?
If the project does go into development, many speculate that it might take on the self-aware comedic tone of the R-rated dog-based comedy “Strays.” This is something you can easily imagine, especially since Snoop is now slowly embracing his identity as both a brand and a meme.
Snoop has actually stressed his love for the franchise and actually holds it in high regard. Back in May, the rapper posted an Instagram story showing himself getting duped into watching a “Planet of the Apes” knockoff on Tubi. So, though it may look like a pipe dream, he really cares for the franchise and might actually go out of his way to create an enjoyable animal-centric sci-fi story.
Source: X [1], [2], The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, HipHopDX
