When Should Godzilla Minus Zero Be Set?

Hold onto your popcorn, folks! A sequel to the blockbuster hit Godzilla Minus One is on its way, and the excitement levels are off the charts! Why all the buzz, you ask? Well, not only are we getting another film featuring our favorite oversized lizard, but the title Godzilla Minus Zero is shrouded in mystery that has fans speculating about other legendary monsters joining the fun!

But wait! Before we dive into the monster mash, let’s chat about where this next colossal showdown should take place. Minus One, despite being the 37th entry in the franchise, was set back in the tumultuous years of 1945 and 1947, which allowed our brilliant director Takashi Yamazaki to tackle some serious historical themes. Now, as we’re eagerly waiting for updates on Minus Zero, let’s brainstorm potential decades that could work.

The Swinging 60s

If you ask me, shifting to the 1960s could be a perfect fit! It’s like a time capsule where we can peek in on our former characters Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and his gal Noriko (Minami Hamabe). Plus, the 60s were the height of the Cold War when the U.S. and the USSR were having a nuclear showdown while the rest of us just held our breath. Japan, navigating its relationship with America while grappling with its own past, presents a goldmine of storytelling opportunities.

The Rad 80s

Now, let’s crank it to the 1980s! Talk about a decade dripping with nostalgia! This era witnessed the resurgence of Godzilla with The Return of Godzilla in 1984, which acted as a direct sequel to our favorite gigantic monster’s original hijinks. Setting Godzilla Minus Zero between 1984 and 1985 would allow Yamazaki to weave in some important themes about Japan’s technological boom, all while Godzilla stomps around causing chaos. It was a time of innovation and economic competition, making it the perfect playground for our iconic creature!

The Present Day Dilemma

And last, but certainly not least, we have the 2020s. Before the arrival of Godzilla Minus One, many fans hailed Shin Godzilla, released in 2016, as the title to beat. It cleverly used Godzilla as a metaphor for Japan’s struggles with recent disasters like the devastating 2011 tsunami. However, the modern-day Godzilla universe has since joined forces with Legendary Pictures, offering us monster mash without the deep commentary we’ve come to expect.

Yamazaki could shake things up in the 2020s, where the pandemic left a global mark and Japan faces a population dip alongside fears of losing its traditional culture. These anxieties could easily fuel the next monstrous rampage!

So, horror fans unite! The question isn’t just about where Godzilla Minus Zero will take place, but how this giant lizard will tackle the times we live in. Let’s keep those fingers crossed (and our eyes peeled) for more news!