On Godzilla’s 70th anniversary, TOHO has confirmed that acclaimed director Takashi Yamazaki will return to the franchise for a new Godzilla film. The announcement, made via social media, comes in the wake of Yamazaki’s successful “Godzilla Minus One,” which garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide in 2023.

Yamazaki, known for his work on “The Fighter Pilot” (2013) and “Always: Sunset on Third Street” (2005), will serve multiple roles in the new production, taking on responsibilities as director, writer, and VFX supervisor. The announcement coincides with various 70th-anniversary celebrations, including the 10th annual Godzilla Festival in Tokyo.

While TOHO has officially greenlit the untitled project, the company has not revealed specific details about the film’s plot, cast, or release date. The company plans to release teasers for the project in the coming years.

The selection of Yamazaki follows his successful handling of “Godzilla Minus One,” which surprised industry observers with its strong box office performance and received widespread praise for both its visual effects and emotional storytelling.

The announcement coincides with TOHO’s significant expansion in Asia through its newly established subsidiary, Toho Entertainment Asia (TEA) in Singapore, which began operations on November 1. This development is part of the company’s “TOHO VISION 2032” strategy, focusing on content, IP, international expansion, and animation.

Moreover, Koji Ueda, CEO of Toho Global Inc., commented on the company’s expanding presence: “Our IPs, including Godzilla, have already gained significant recognition across Asian markets. With our new Singapore entity, we aim to better understand and serve the specific needs of fans in each market.”