How an Unmade Sequel to a 1971 Godzilla Film Inspired the Monsterverse

The creation of the Monsterverse can be traced back to a failed sequel concept for the cult classic Godzilla vs. Hedorah. This 1971 film, helmed by Yoshimitsu Banno, is renowned for introducing Hedorah, the Smoke Monster, who adds to the rich pantheon of Godzilla’s formidable adversaries. In this film, Godzilla battles Hedorah, a grotesque kaiju from outer space that thrives in the Earth’s polluted environment.

Although Hedorah posed a significant challenge to Godzilla in its debut, the character was sidelined in subsequent films as Toho opted to spotlight other iconic foes like Mechagodzilla and Ghidorah. It wasn’t until Godzilla: Final Wars that Hedorah re-emerged, joining a cast of both allies and opponents. In the years following his brief cameo, Banno expressed a desire to resurrect Hedorah, and while his attempts did not yield a new film immediately, they led to significant developments in the future of Godzilla cinema.

The Vision Behind Banno’s Sequel to Godzilla vs. Hedorah

Funding Challenges for Banno’s Sequel Concept

After the release of Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Banno maintained a strong interest in reviving Hedorah in other narratives. In the 2000s, he envisioned a sequel with a unique twist: a 3D Godzilla film designed for IMAX screens, titled Godzilla 3D: To the Max. This ambitious project would see Godzilla face off against Deathla, a red variant of Hedorah, while reintroducing a notable ability from the original film—Godzilla’s capacity to fly using his atomic breath.

Despite its intriguing concept, the film’s journey was marred by challenges. Toho had ceased production of Godzilla movies after Final Wars in 2004. In a bid to see his vision come to life, Banno sought negotiations with Toho. Although they permitted him to create a film featuring Godzilla and Hedorah, they did not offer financial backing, forcing Banno to seek alternative funding sources.

The Unborn 3D Movie’s Legacy in the Formation of the Monsterverse

Banno’s Pivotal Role in the Legendary Pictures Accord

Godzilla fighting Hedorah in a dramatic scene

Initially, Banno’s project was intended as a brief 40-minute showcase. However, the ambition grew, extending the runtime to 60 minutes. This evolution prompted Banno to reach out to Hollywood, ultimately catching the interest of Thomas Tull from Legendary Pictures, which invested in the project. Yet, the extended length raised concerns; Hollywood executives indicated that a 60-minute film would not be viable for theatrical release. Consequently, Banno was tasked with reconceptualizing the project to align with traditional feature-length requirements.

As a result of these negotiations, plans for Godzilla 3D: To the Max were shelved, paving the way for the 2014 reboot of Godzilla. While Banno’s envisioned sequel never materialized, his efforts rekindled Toho’s interest in the franchise and saw Legendary gain the rights to produce new Godzilla films.

Honoring Banno’s Legacy in the Monsterverse

Banno’s Lasting Influence on the Monsterverse Franchise

Godzilla destroying infrastructure in the 2014 reboot.

Although Banno’s vision of a showdown with Deathla never came to fruition, his contributions were critical in reshaping Godzilla’s cinematic landscape. His negotiation successes paved the way for a new universe centering around the King of the Monsters and encouraged Toho to rejuvenate its own Godzilla series.

Furthermore, Banno’s impact is reflected in the overarching narrative of the Monsterverse. He actively communicated with director Gareth Edwards, ensuring that the environmental themes pivotal in Godzilla vs. Hedorah would resonate throughout the new film. While more subtle, the environmental messages persisted; in the 2014 film, human actions involving nuclear power inadvertently awaken the MUTOs, paralleling the pollution-driven emergence of Hedorah in Banno’s original work.

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