This is the kind of tentpole we can get behind. In a couple months, “Godzilla” will be stomping back onto screens around the world, but the movie brings one major ingredient with it that’s missing from the Marvel movies, and other remakes, sequels and spinoffs: freshness. Yes, it’s a new take on the famous monster that scared audiences decades ago, but yet in the hands of director Gareth Edwards, it feels revitalized, new and authentic. That being said, he did reveal an interesting influence when approaching the movie.
“I think one of the most visually breathtaking films ever made is ‘Akira‘. In terms of films you’re jealous you didn’t make, ‘Akira’ is in my top ten for sure,” the director told Popular Mechanics. “My concept designer, who worked on the movie and had a very big influence on the film and storyboards, it’s his favorite graphic novel. We pulled all our favorite moments from ‘Akira’ and had this library of reference, so whenever we got stuck, or we ever felt like a sequence wasn’t inspired enough, or we didn’t know exactly how to give it that edge to made it feel as epic as we could, we would always thumb through the ‘Akira’ imagery and suddenly get a wave of excitement or a new direction. A lot of imagery from that film subconsciously or consciously affected this one. I’d never claim that our film is as good as that. It’s just a strong piece of filmmaking. It’s so brave with its storytelling.”
So below, is the latest international trailer for “Godzilla” — can you spot any feeling of “Akira” within? Either way, we’re pretty stoked to see what Edwards is delivering with “Godzilla,” which is already promising to be a genuinely engaging piece of popcorn entertainment.
Look out above starting on May 16th.
