Information and BIG Images — Direct from Toho!

Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Polygon Pictures, Netflix

Official Site: godzilla-anime.com (Japan)

Twitter: @GODZILLA_ANIME

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and high-res images from their upcoming anime film, GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS (GODZILLA 怪獣惑星, Gojira Kaijuu Wakusei). Produced by Polygon Pictures, the first-ever high quality animation of the iconic monster roars onto screens in Japan this November from Toho, and worldwide exclusively on Netflix in late 2017/early 2018.

The following text and images are courtesy of Toho, with additional content from Polygon and Netflix…

INTRODUCTION

From live action SHIN GODZILLA to animated GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS

Crossing dimensions and 20,000 years of evolution — could this be the biggest, baddest Godzilla yet!?

First introduced in the acclaimed 1954 feature film, Godzilla has become a colossal cultural icon loved by millions around the world. 2016 saw the release of SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016), directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. This grounded depiction of the iconic monster story reinvigorated the franchise and captured the imagination of fans new and old alike. The no. 1 smash hit live action film earned ¥82.5 billion at the Japanese box office, and has been honored with seven prizes at the 40th Japan Academy Awards, including Picture of the Year.

Now in 2017, Godzilla continues to surprise with the release this November of GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS. This landmark year in which the Japanese animation industry celebrates its 100th anniversary will also herald the first time in history that Godzilla has been adapted into a feature-length animated film. The movie takes the franchise into uncharted territory; mankind’s fateful confrontation to retake their planet in a distant future where Godzilla has dominated the Earth for 20,000 years.

To create Godzilla’s latest adaptation, Toho is working with Polygon Pictures, the leading Japanese anime studio which produced KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA (シドニアの騎士, Shidonia no Kishi, 2014) and BLAME! (ブラム, Buramu, 2017). Polygon is a 3-consecutive Emmy award winner, with their 3DCG U.S. television series STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS earning Outstanding Special Class Animated Program at the 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Using unparalleled technique and expression in CG animation, the animation studio will depict the devastating fight between the giant monsters and the human race with action-packed battle scenes that are a trademark of the Godzilla franchise.

Directing is Kobun Shizuno, whose theatrical releases DETECTIVE CONAN: THE DARKEST NIGHTMARE (名探偵コナン 純黒の悪夢（ナイトメア）, Meitantei Konan Junkuro no Akumu (Naitomea), 2016) and DETECTIVE CONAN: THE CRIMSON LOVE LETTER (名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌（からくれないのらぶれたー）, Meitantei Konan Kara Kurenai no Renka (Kara Kurenai Nora Buretaa), 2017) grossed over ¥63.3 billion each, the highest box office successes yet for that famed franchise. He is joined by another proven talent on the cutting edge of computer graphics, Hiroyuki Seshita, director and supervising director of KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA: BATTLE FOR PLANET NINE (シドニアの騎士 第九惑星戦役, Shidonia no Kishi Dai-kyuu Wakusei Seneki, 2015), AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN (亜人, Ajin, 2016) and BLAME! Penning both the story and screenplay is Gen Urobuchi of PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA (魔法少女まどか☆マギカ, Maho Shojo Madoka Magika, 2011) and PSYCHO-PASS (サイコパス, Saiko Pasu, 2012-2013), a writer known to his large and loyal fan base as a master of meticulous and unpredictable storytelling laced with powerful ideas.

A star-studded voice cast who will be bringing the film to life, led by Yuki Kaji (ATTACK ON TITAN, AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN), Takahiro Sakurai (AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN, BLAME!), Tomokazu Sugita (METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER, JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE), Junichi Suwabe (NODAME CANTABILE, PRINCE OF TENNIS), Kana Hanazawa (BLAME!, PSYCHO-PASS) and Mamoru Miyano (AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN, THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS).

The first teaser images of Godzilla from GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS reveal the difference between this and the depiction of the iconic monster in SHIN GODZILLA. With regard to the images, director Kobun Shizuno commented, “From the start we had the blessing of Toho to not be constrained by previous entries in the franchise, and with the freedom of imagination offered by animation I feel we have come up with a cool new form for Godzilla.”

Joint director Hiroyuki Seshita also added, “With his masses of muscle fibers and unique body tissue to support his enormous bulk, this is an extraordinarily rugged-looking physique. It was an overwhelming presence that reverberated through the whole project, like a fearsome deity that even we who created it must prostrate ourselves before. That is our Godzilla.”

In addition, Toho’s Yoshihiro Furusawa, acting as executive producer for this project, added, “As a result of him continuing to grow for 20,000 years, we’ve surpassed SHIN GODZILLA to create the biggest Godzilla yet! We hope you’re looking forward to seeing this Godzilla, and the unique ecosystem created by his perpetual dominion over the Earth.”

On June 14th, Furusawa, Kobun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita attended a “Work in Progress” screening of GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS at the world’s largest animated film festival, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, in France. Annecy’s Work in Progress covers anticipated upcoming Japanese animated features; past festivals have shown rough versions of director Mamoru Hosoda’s THE BOY AND THE BEAST (バケモノの子, Bakemono no Ko, 2015) and Sunao Katabuchi’s IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD (この世界の片隅に, Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni, 2016).

GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS will be released nationwide in Japan on November 17, 2017 through Toho’s ODS (Other Digital Stuff) distribution division. Following the Japanese theatrical launch, Netflix will distribute the film worldwide.

“We are truly delighted to unveil GODZILLA, which is the latest addition to our growing catalogue of Netflix original anime content”, said Greg Peters, President, Netflix Japan. “Working with the best creators such as Toho in bringing Godzilla to Netflix users in over 190 countries marks a major milestone for us.”

Get ready for this story of the showdown between Godzilla on one side, and humanity along with two other alien species on the other!

STORY

Despair evolves…

The final summer of the 20th century… when mankind learns it is no longer the sole ruler of planet Earth.

The planet is beset by the emergence of colossal creatures that roam the Earth, and king among them is “Godzilla”. For a half a century, these beasts engage in ferocious battle with each other and mankind. Ultimately humanity, unable to compete, prepares for exile from its home planet.

In the year 2048, a select few humans are chosen by the central government’s artificial intelligence to set out on hyper-speed interstellar emigration vessel, the Aratrum, on an 11.9 light-year journey for the planet Tau Ceti e. But when they arrive after 20 years of space travel, the remnants of mankind find the environmental conditions on Tau-e to be much worse than expected, and uninhabitable by humans.

On board the vessel is a young man, Haruo. When he was four years old, he saw his parents killed by Godzilla before his eyes, and in the 20 years since he has thought about nothing but returning to Earth and defeating Godzilla. With their chance for escape to another world closed, and living conditions on the ship deteriorating, Haruo spearheads a movement to return to Earth despite the dangers of such a long return trip.

Somehow, the Aratrum makes the return journey in one piece, but the home they return to has become an alien planet. 20,000 years have elapsed, and a new ecosystem has emerged with Godzilla at its apex. Can mankind take back its native planet? Will Haruo get his revenge?

Prepare for the earth-shattering roar of a brand new Godzilla, unlike anything heard or seen before!

CHARACTER AND CAST PROFILES

■ Haruo Sakaki

Gender: Male

Classification: Human / Japanese

Class: Captain

Age: 24

Haruo Sakaki’s parents were killed during one of Godzilla’s attacks, and he has held a strong hatred in his heart for the monster ever since. Haruo is highly intelligent and has a slim but athletic body.

Voice Actor: Mamoru Miyano

Mamoru Miyano was born June 8, 1983 in Saitama Prefecture. His major works include the anime DEATH NOTE (as Light Yagami), MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00 (Setsuna F. Seiei), AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN (Kei Nagai), THE BOY AND THE BEAST (Ichirohiko), KABANERI OF THE IRON FORTRESS (Biba Amatori), THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS (Gilthunder), UTA NO PRINCE-SAMA MAJI LOVE (Tokiya Ichinose) and YURI!!! ON ICE (Jean-Jacques Leroy). He has been the voice of Ultraman Zero since the character’s introduction in MEGA MONSTER BATTLE ULTRA GALAXY THE MOVIE (大怪獣バトル ウルトラ銀河伝説 THE MOVIE, Daikaiju Batoru Urutora Ginga Densetsu THE MOVIE, 2009), and also played the lead character Newt Scamander in the Japanese dub of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (2016).

Miyano has appeared as Prince Ismir in the stage production “Crest of the Royal Family” (王家の紋章, Ooke no Monshoo). A talented singer, he has released 16 singles and 5 albums to date.

■ Metphies

Gender: Male

Classification: Xilien

Class: Civilian Priest and Lieutenant Colonel

Age: 50

An Xilien alien, Metphies is an archbishop in the religious class of his race, and an ally of Haruo. He is a moral being who respects others, and his known for his soft smile and gentle tone. The Exiles are a long-lived race, and Metphies has an appearance equivalent to a 25 year-old human.

Voice Actor: Takahiro Sakurai

Takahiro Sakurai was born June 13, 1974 in Aichi prefecture. His main works include CODE GEASS: LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION (voice of Suzaku Kururug), BAKEMONOGATARI (Meme Oshino), AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN (Yu Tosaki), BLAME! (Killy), ANOHANA: THE FLOWER WE SAW THAT DAY (Atsumu Matsuyuki), PSYCHO-PASS (Makijima Seijiro), ACE OF DIAMOND (Kazuya Miyuki), KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA (Norio Kunato), MR. OSOMATSU (Osomatsu) and GENOCIDAL ORGAN (John Paul).









■ Yuko Tani

Gender: Female

Classification: Human / Japanese

Class: Sergeant

Age: 19

Yuko is a childhood friend of Haruo, who grew up with him following the death of his parents. Her slim and delicate form belies her heightened physical ability. Yuko is also skilled in the design and remodeling of weapons.

Voice Actor: Kana Hanazawa

Kana Hanazawa was born in Tokyo on February 25, 1989. Her voice works include STEINS; GATE (as Mayuri Shiina), PSYCHO-PASS (Akane Tsunemori), THE GARDEN OF WORDS (Yukari Yukino), TOKYO GHOUL (Rize Kamishiro), BLAME! (Cibo), ORANGE (Naho Takamiya) and MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION (Hinata Kawamoto).

In 2012 she made her debut as a singer and has released 11 singles and 4 albums.









■ Martin Lazzari

Gender: Male

Classification: Human / Italian-American

Class: Major

Age: 34

Martin Lazzari is an environmental biologist; an eternal optimistic personality with a scholarly sense of curiosity. His talents allow him to quickly analyze and discover the truth behind the altered global ecosystem.

Voice Actor: Tomokazu Sugita

Tomokazu “Freedom” Sugita was born October 11, 1980 in Saitama Prefecture. His credits include the anime GINTAMA (as the voice of Gintoki Sakata), CLASSICALOID (Beethoven), BATTLE SPIRITS DOUBLE DRIVE (Toshio Mogami), MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION (Tatsuyuki Misumi), HAND SHAKERS (Hibiki), MONSTER HUNTER STORIES: RIDE ON (Reverto), JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE (Joseph Joestar), POCO’S UDON WORLD (Shinobu Nakajima) and DRIFTERS (Count Saint-Germi) plus the video game METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER (Kazuhira Miller). He provided the voices of Ultraman Giga and Dark Lugiel in ULTRAMAN GINGA (ウルトラマンギンガ, Urutoraman Ginga, 2013) and ULTRAMAN GINGA S (ウルトラマンギンガＳ, Urutoraman Ginga S, 2014), and also plays the lead character Walter O’Brien in the Japanese dub of the American television series SCORPION (2014-).

■ Adam Bindewald

Gender: Male

Classification: Human / German

Class: Lieutenant

Age: 21

Adam Bindewald is one of the young officers following Haruo. Even-tempered and cheerful, he serves as a landing hovercraft pilot.

Voice Actor: Yuki Kaji

Born September 3, 1985, Yuki Kaji hails from Tokyo. His anime voice credits include ATTACK ON TITAN (in the role role of Eren Yeager), THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS (Meliodus), DIVE!! (Tomoki Sakai), AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN (Shinya Nakamura), BLUE SPRING RIDE (Kou Mabuchi), YO-KAI WATCH (Fuyunyan), MY HERO ACADEMIA (Shoto Todoroki), BLUE EXORCIST: KYOTO SAGA (Konekomaru Miwa) and THE HEROIC LEGEND OF ARSLAN (Hilmes). He is also the voice of Christian “Crispo” Powers in the Japanese dub of 100 THINGS TO DO BEFORE SCHOOL (2014-2016).









■ Mulu-Elu Galu-Gu

Gender: Male

Classification: Bilsaldian

Class: Colonel / Technical Officer

Age: 60

Mulu-Elu Galu-Gu is a member of the Bilsaldian race. The alien resembles a 35 year-old human in splendid physical condition and is a superior engineer, with a mind for science and rationalism.

Voice Actor: Junichi Suwabe

Junichi Suwabe was born in Tokyo on March 29, 1972. His major works include the anime THE PRINCE OF TENNIS (as Keigo Atobe), FATE/STAY NIGHT [UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS] (Archer), KUROKO’S BASKETBALL (Daiki Aomine), UTA NO PRINCE-SAMA (Ren Jinguji), YURI!!! ON ICE (Viktor Nikiforov and Makkachin), SPACE DANDY (Dandy), NODAME CANTABILE (Toru Kikuchi), BLACK BUTLER (Undertaker), NATSUME’S BOOK OF FRIENDS (Seiji Matoba), MY HERO ACADEMIA (Shota Aizawa) and THE ECCENTRIC FAMILY (Yaichiro Shimogamo). He has also done voice work for Toei’s Super Sentai and Kamen Rider franchises, including narration for the series KAMEN RIDER EX-AID (仮面ライダーエグゼイド, Kamen Raidaa Eguzeido, 2016-2017).

CREATOR PROFILES

■ Kobun Shizuno

“We’re looking forward to bringing a spectacular entertainment experience for both existing fans of Godzilla and people new to the franchise. Please stay tuned.”

Kobun Shizuno was born in 1972 and has worked at Golden Creative (Beijing) and kry Inc. He began directing in 2004 with the TV anime DETECTIVE CONAN (名探偵コナン, Meitantei Konan), and was selected as supervising director for the 2005 American animated series G.I. JOE SIGMA 6. Has also worked in directorial roles on EVANGELION: 1.0 YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版: 序, Evangerion Shin Gekijoo-ban: Jo, 2007), FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE LEGENDS OF THE TRUE SAVIOR: LEGEND OF TOKI (真救世主伝説 北斗の拳 トキ伝, Shin Kyuuseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken Toki Den, 2009), NEGIMA! MASTER NEGI MAGIC: ANOTGHER WORLD (魔法先生ネギま！もうひとつの世界, Mahoo Sensei Negima: Mo Hitotsu no Sekai, 2009-2010), the TV series KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA, and the DETECTIVE CONAN series of feature films (2011-2016).





■ Hiroyuki Seshita

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with two very talented colleagues, Mr. Gen Urobuchi and Director Kobun Shizuno to bring to life a unique vision of a universal human drama set in an epic world.”

Hiroyuki Seshita was born in 1967 and joined Links in 1989. He worked as a CG director/designer in various fields of CG/VFX including feature films such as KAPPA (河童, 1994) and PARASITE EVE (パラサイト・イブ, Parasaito Ibu, 1997), and TV commercials, game cinematics, etc. In 1997, Seshita left for the USA to join Square USA and worked as Art Director on FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN (2001). In 2000, he returned to Japan to join Square (now Square Enix) and worked as a designer/VFX supervisor on cinematics for games such as FINAL FANTASY X (2001), FINAL FANTASY XI (2002), KINGDOM HEARTS (2002), FINAL FANTASY X-2 (2003) and others. He joined Casio Entertainment in 2004 and worked as VFX Director on Hitoshi Matsumoto’s films BIG MAN JAPAN (大日本人, Dai Nipponjin, 2007) and SYMBOL (しんぼる, Shinboru, 2009). In 2010, Seshita joined Polygon Pictures and has since worked as a director on KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA, KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA: BATTLE FOR PLANET NINE, AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN and BLAME!

■ Gen Urobuchi

“I am very honored to join this Godzilla project as one of its Japanese creators. I’m grateful for all the support and really excited to bringing this content to fans worldwide.”

Gen Urobuchi was born in 1972. He is a scenario writer / novelist who works for Nitroplus. He won “Best Scriptwriter” from the Tokyo Anime Award for his work on the TV anime PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA. He has written screenplays of various anime, including PSYCHO-PASS, GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET (翠星のガルガンティア, Suisei no Garugantia, 2013) and EXPELLED FROM PARADISE (楽園追放 -Expelled From Paradise-, Rakuen Tsuihoo -Expelled From Paradise-, 2014). He also developed the story and wrote screenplays for the television series KAMEN RIDER GAIM (仮面ライダー鎧武（ガイム）, Kamen Raidaa Gaimu, 2013-2014) and was script supervisor on the film KAMEN RIDER GAIM: GREAT SOCCER BATTLE! GOLDEN FRUITS CUP! (劇場版 仮面ライダー鎧武 サッカー大決戦！黄金の果実争奪杯！, Gekijooban Kamen Raidaa Gaimu Sakkaa Daisakusen! Kogane no Kajitsu Soodatsu-hai!, 2014).



Teaser trailer for GODZILLA: PLANET OF THE MONSTERS. Video courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © 2017 TOHO CO., LTD.

CREDITS

Work in Progress Presentation: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 (Annecy International Animated Film Festival)

Japanese Release Date: Friday, November 17, 2017 (Nationwide Roadshow)

US Release Date: TBA

Cast

Haruo Sakaki: Mamoru Miyano

Metphies: Takahiro Sakurai

Yuko Tani: Kana Hanazawa

Martin Lazzari: Tomokazu Sugita

Adam Bindewald: Yuki Kaji

Mulu-Elu Galu-Gu: Junichi Suwabe

Crew

Directors: Kobun Shizuno, Hiroyuki Seshita

Executive Producer: Yoshihiro Furusawa

Producer: Takashi Yoshizawa

Original Story: Gen Urobuchi

Screenplay: Gen Urobuchi

Series Composition: Gen Urobuchi, Sadayuki Murai

Character Design: Yusuke Kozaki

Assistant Director: Hiroyuki Morita

Technical Director: Naohiro “Tady” Yoshihira

Production Design: Naoya Tanaka, Ferdinando Patulli

CG Character Design: Yuki Moriyama

Modeling Director: Mitsunori Kataama

Art Director: Yukihiro Shibutani

Color Design: Hironori Nochi

Sound Director: Satoshi Motoyama

Production Company: Toho Co., Ltd.

Production Studio: Polygon Pictures

Distributor: Toho (Japan), Netflix (Worldwide)

International Sales: Toho

© 2017 TOHO CO., LTD.

About Toho Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Tokyo, Toho Company, Ltd. is one of the leading entertainment conglomerates in Japan. Toho is best known worldwide as the producer of the Godzilla films, as well as most of the films by the world-renowned director, Akira Kurosawa. Besides film production, Toho also distributes Japanese films (earning the highest box office receipts for decades in Japan) as well as foreign films through its subsidiary, owns first class movie theaters throughout Japan, produces legitimate plays and musicals, and has more than 100 entertainment-related subsidiaries.

About Polygon Pictures

Founded in July 1983, PPI is one of the largest digital animation studios in Japan and produces cutting-edge entertainment content in keeping with their mission to “do what no other has done, in unparalleled quality, for all the world to see and enjoy.” Including their Malaysian subsidiary studio, Silver Ant PPI Sdn. Bhd., and visual software development company, J Cube Inc., they have brought together over 400 creators from around the world. Together as the Polygon Family, they devote their days to producing digital content for all types of media.

Polygon’s notable works include TRANSFORMERS PRIME and STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS (both Daytime Emmy award winners), Tron: Uprising (Annie award winner), KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA (Director: Kobun Shizuno), RONJA, THE ROBBER’S DAUGHTER (Director: Goro Miyazaki), AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN (Supervising Director: Hiroyuki Seshita, Director: Hiroaki Ando) and more. By fusing unrivaled technical and production planning know-how with the internationally recognized quality of Japanese animation, PPI aims to become a leading company in the content business.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 93 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.



