Image credit: Toho
Toho is exploring a new long-term direction for its Godzilla franchise. Executive Keiji Ota recently indicated that the studio aims to build a more interconnected slate of projects inspired by Hollywood’s shared franchises. The move comes as Toho looks to expand on the universe with recent releases.
Toho exec shares plans for MonsterVerse-like ‘Godzilla World’
Toho is developing a long-term strategy to expand the Godzilla franchise through an interconnected model referred to as “Godzilla World,” according to Chief Godzilla Officer Keiji Ota. The plan reflects a shift toward a long-term, franchise-driven model.
According to Ota, the approach will rely heavily on developing original concepts within the studio, which can then be expanded into spin-offs and interconnected storylines. “In addition to the Godzilla films created by Hideaki Anno (2016’s Shin Godzilla) and Takashi Yamazaki (Godzilla Minus One and the upcoming Godzilla Minus Zero), if Toho itself creates original concepts for Godzilla, we will be able to strategically produce spin-offs as well,” he said as per IGN.
Ota also drew a comparison to the MonsterVerse, which has established a shared cinematic universe for its monster properties. “Just as Legendary has its MonsterVerse, we are currently progressing with plans to call ours Godzilla World,” he noted. The executive added that focusing on original ideas could help sustain the franchise for decades. He said, “If we focus on creating original concepts (for Godzilla), we might be able to keep the franchise going for another 50 years.”
Ota also referenced the influence of large-scale franchise models such as Legendary’s MonsterVerse. He said, “They are linking the Godzilla movies together, rather than just viewing them as standalones. They are creating these movies with the concept of building a franchise within a vast universe.”
Beyond film and television, the company is planning to grow the franchise through additional initiatives. This includes new retail locations, international attractions, video games, and streaming content. To support these efforts, Toho intends to invest more than 15 billion yen over the next three years.
