GKIDS has acquired North American distribution rights to 2016 kaiju epic Shin Godzilla, with Variety revealing today that the distributor will release the film in theaters on August 14, with a home release to follow.
The release comes in the film's original Japanese language with subtitles, including restored text cards and a 4K remaster that has never before been released in North America.
Directed by Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Shin Ultraman), Shin Godzilla stars Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi and Satomi Ishihara, with a supporting cast of many key Japanese genre players including Shin'ya Tsukamoto and Jun Kunimura, as politicians dealing with the bureaucratic red tape that comes when a giant monster appears off the coast of Tokyo.
Upon release, Shin Godzilla grossed $79 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Japanese-produced Godzilla film in the franchise’s history until the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One came along in 2023. While not quite as internationally acclaimed as its predecessor, Shin Godzilla fared very well in its native Japan, receiving 11 Japan Academy Prize nominations, and taking home seven wins, including picture and director of the year.
Keiji Ota, Toho’s chief Godzilla officer, had this to say of the release:
“Shin Godzilla marked the first Japanese-produced Godzilla film since the release of Godzilla Final Wars in 2004. Upon its release, it became a social phenomenon in Japan, playing a pivotal role in reviving the Godzilla franchise after a 12-year hiatus, and we’re thrilled to bring this landmark film back to the big screen in North America. For some, this will be their first time experiencing it — and there’s no better way to feel the overwhelming presence, power, and terror of Godzilla than in a theater. Enjoy the film!”
GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt adds:
With an incredibly timely story of people struggling to work together to stop imminent destruction, backed by some of the most explosive action scenes the franchise has ever seen, ‘Shin Godzilla’ is a modern masterpiece. We are honored to play a part in bringing the film back for American fans, better than ever.”
Look out for Shin Godzilla stomping into a theater near you this summer. While you wait, learn more about the Godzilla video games heading our way.
