Lost Monsterverse Concept: A New Idea to Finally Unite Godzilla and This Iconic Kaiju Duo

Over the past 15 years, there have been three concerted efforts to bring Godzilla, Gaira, and Sanda together on the silver screen, yet none of these initiatives succeeded. Although these attempts have yet to manifest, the emergence of the Monsterverse has sparked renewed hope among fans. Notably, director Michael Dougherty has expressed his interest in integrating the Gargantuas into this expansive cinematic universe, suggesting that their eventual inclusion might still be on the horizon.

War of the Gargantuas, released in 1966, is celebrated as an iconic film featuring Sanda and Gaira, with Sanda portrayed as the hero and Gaira as the antagonist. The film centers around these two genetically engineered behemoths and is widely regarded as one of the finest non-Godzilla kaiju films ever produced. While the narrative stands strong on its own, the allure of a crossover featuring these characters alongside Godzilla raises intriguing possibilities. Despite Toho’s persistent but unsuccessful attempts to create this crossover in the past, the question remains: can Legendary succeed where Toho faltered?

Understanding Sanda & Gaira’s Three Aborted Appearances in Godzilla Films

Eliminated from All Monsters Attack & Destroy All Monsters

One year after the release of War of the Gargantuas, Sanda and Gaira were envisioned for an exciting return in the ambitious project, Destroy All Monsters. Launched in 1968, this film was notable for showcasing a multitude of Toho’s beloved monsters, with Godzilla at its core. Initially, the script aimed to encompass all Toho kaiju, which would have included King Kong, Sanda, and Gaira. However, after the decision to drop King Kong due to expired rights, the Gargantuas were similarly excluded from the final version.

Toho also revisited the Gargantuas’ potential in the making of All Monsters Attack, which featured a dream-like narrative that explored Monster Island. This film utilized a mix of existing footage and new content to depict Godzilla engaging various island inhabitants, including a concept that featured the Gargantuas alongside adult Mothra, as noted in John LeMay’s The Big Book of Giant Japanese Monsters.

Perhaps the most significant collaborative effort that was proposed to integrate Godzilla and the Gargantuas occurred between the Showa and Heisei eras. Following the 1975 film, Terror of Mechagodzilla, Toho considered a potential reboot of the Godzilla franchise in 1978. Under the guidance of producer Henry G. Saperstein, who had a great admiration for War of the Gargantuas, plans were formed for a film titled Godzilla vs. Gargantua, with a considered budget of $6 million. Ultimately, Toho decided against pursuing this revival, leading to an extended hiatus for the iconic franchise.

Introducing Sanda & Gaira into the Monsterverse: A Potential Pathway

Hints of Sanda & Gaira’s Origin in King of the Monsters

If Legendary Pictures is indeed contemplating the revival of the Gargantuas, there may already be a narrative foundation established in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Director Michael Dougherty expressed his eagerness to adapt these characters to the screen, and an intriguing detail was nestled among the credits’ newspaper clippings. One particular line mentioned Monarch’s past endeavors in creating organic Titans, which could explain various Titan-related incidents in the film.

The concept of “organic Titans”is vital for weaving Sanda and Gaira into the Monsterverse. Both characters echo the notion of Frankenstein’s Monster, suggesting that their origins may be rooted in genetic engineering. It seems feasible for Monarch to have either created or attempted to create these Titans using Titan DNA at some point in the timeline of the Monsterverse.

Conceptualizing a Godzilla Narrative Featuring the Gargantuas

The Possibility of Godzilla Joining Forces with Sanda

A storyline in which Monarch engineers the Gargantuas could present a wealth of storytelling possibilities. If the narrative upholds their original character arcs, Gaira is likely to emerge as the aggressive force, while Sanda assumes the role of the heroic figure. This dynamic might culminate in a dramatic alliance between Godzilla and Sanda during a climactic confrontation with Gaira or another appointed antagonist. Sanda’s emergence as a heroic figure in search of its identity could foster a compelling subplot.

The introduction of Sanda and Gaira would distinctly diversify the Monsterverse, as it has yet to feature genetically engineered creatures. Additionally, this narrative choice would help to break away from the recurring theme of ancient rivalries, an element that has characterized previous Monsterverse films. Gaira might then become the first Monsterverse adversary for Godzilla without being rooted in a historical conflict.

This approach aligns with a broader theme running through the Monsterverse — the idea that humanity plays a significant role in the turmoil faced by these titans. Up until the climax of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, every principal threat that Godzilla confronted emerged from human actions. Whether through the emergence of MUTOs, King Ghidorah, or Mechagodzilla, the franchise consistently highlights the ramifications of human intervention. To introduce a genetically engineered creature as the primary villain would resonate seamlessly with these underlying themes.

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