We heard about this years back, but some details have emerged in the Japanese press. Some highlights:

The thing they’re most conscious of going forward is the idea of a “Shared Universe,” following the model set by Iron Man, Hulk, etc. and the Marvel “crossover” films. This would allow for kaiju inhabiting this world to have leading films of their own, opening up more merchandising potential.



Rather than making the obvious move of following up the huge hit Shin Godzilla with Shin Godzilla 2, they’re thinking about making a “Godzilla World” that can extend beyond a mere sequel.

As previously reported, they aim for at least a film every couple years or one per year if possible.

Up until now, they say, Legendary and Warner Bros. had held a lot of foreign marketing rights. So Toho itself had not been making shirts and games and so forth for foreign markets. Now, they’d like to start doing it all in-house.

With the caveat that this is “big talk,” the notion of Godzilla theme parks or selling Godzilla heads like the one in Shinjuku for display on foreign hotels is not out of the question.

Following this strategic convention, Toho has reoriented its thinking on Godzilla tie-ins and appearances in other media, allowing a wider range of uses with fewer restrictions. They say, for example, that Godzilla’s charm is not only in his strong and menacing side but also in humorous elements that they’re okay with now.

There is mention of developing content (anime, picture books) to appeal to kids.

They’d like Godzilla to represent Japan and greet the world at the 2020 Olympics.