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Godzilla returns — in animated form

TOKYO - Japan’s movie giant, Toho, has announced the production of a feature-length Godzilla animation. Simply titled Godzilla, it is set for release next year.

The current iteration of Godzilla can be seen in Shin Godzilla (or Godzilla Resurgence in some markets). Japan's movie giant, Toho, says a new animated movie about the monster - a first - is in the works. Photo: Movie still

The current iteration of Godzilla can be seen in Shin Godzilla (or Godzilla Resurgence in some markets). Japan's movie giant, Toho, says a new animated movie about the monster - a first - is in the works. Photo: Movie still

TOKYO - Japan’s movie giant, Toho, has announced the production of a feature-length Godzilla animation. Simply titled Godzilla, it is set for release next year.

Tokyo-based Polygon Pictures is handling production duties with Kobun Shizuno (Detective Conan series) and Hiroyuki Seshita (Knights Of Sidonia) co-directing.

Gen Urobuchi, a popular writer of graphic novels, light novels and anime scripts, whose credits include the 2015 feature animation Psycho-Pass: The Movie, is in charge of the original story and screenplay.

Although Toho has previously collaborated on TV animation series based on the Godzilla character it controls, this is the first feature animation project in the franchise’s 62-year history.

“We’re aiming to make a big-scale animation entertainment that people who love Godzilla and people who know nothing about him can both enjoy,” Mr Shizuno said in a statement.

Toho has been encouraged by the success and revival of the monster franchise. Its latest live-action entry, Shin Godzilla has recorded more than 2 million admissions since its June 29 Japanese release.

It is expected to finish its theatrical run near the US$50 million (S$67.1 million) mark, compared with the US$31.6 million earned in Japan by Gareth Edwards’ version of Godzilla in 2014.

Toho has licensed rights to Shin Godzilla to 100 territories, with Funimation acquiring rights for all of the Americas, including the United States. REUTERS

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