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From Frankenstein to the Island of Doctor Moreau, genre writers have thoroughly explored the horrors that can result from scientists playing God. However, as real life science continues to evolve, it makes sense that our bogeymen have also changed in order to adapt to modern fears.

I was reminded of this while watching Jurassic World: Rebirth; regardless of the film’s overall quality, the misshapen D-Rex marks a return to the genetically-engineered terror of Michael Crichton’s original novel – a sci-fi/horror trope that I think is in dire need of a comeback. And in honor of the test tube scares of yesteryear, we’ve decided to come up with a list celebrating six of the scariest genetically engineered monstrosities in film!

For the purposes of this list, we’ll be defining “genetic engineering” as the intentional manipulation of DNA with the goal of creating a new lifeform. This means...

Toho’s 2016 feature “Shin Godzilla”, directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, starring Rando Yaguchi, Hiroki Hasegawa, Kayoko Ann Patterson and Hideki Akasaka, has been restored in 4K for a re-release screening August 14, 2025 in theaters:

“…during a peaceful day in Japan, a strange fountain of water erupts in the bay, causing panic to spread among government officials. At first, they suspect only volcanic activity, but one young executive dares to wonder if it may be something different… something alive.

“His worst nightmare comes to life when a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and begins tearing through the city, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

“As the government scrambles to save the citizens, a rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red tape to uncover the monster’s weakness and its mysterious ties to a foreign superpower. But time is not on their side—the greatest...

During the Godzilla at 70: Seven Decades of the King of the Monsters panel at San Diego Comic-Con, fans were treated to some exciting updates, especially about the sequel to Godzilla Minus One, directed by Takashi Yamazaki.

The sequel is set to start filming on August 30 under the placeholder title that roughly translates to, Super Blockbuster Monster Movie.

Like its predecessor, it was confirmed that the sequel will also be a period piece, continuing the retro setting that helped define the first film's tone and atmosphere.

The Burning Godzilla Fun! Fun! Vinyl Figure from Super7 isofficially up for pre-order! Inspired by the 1995 sci-fi horror classic Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, the collection reimagines the King of the Monsters with a surprisingly adorable twist. Standing at 5 inches tall, this 2-part vinyl figure is part of Super7’s Fun! Fun! line, known for giving famous characters playful makeovers.

The collectible captures one of the most iconic versions of the popular monster as he’s on the verge of meltdown. Made from premium soft vinyl, Burning Godzilla features bold, orange accents and comes in a colorful, window-box package that’s perfect for display. Retailing for $22, the figure is suited for ages 14 and above.

The Burning Godzilla is available for pre-order on Entertainment Earth, with an estimated arrival window of July 2025. The figure joins the growing list of Super7’s growing line of Godzilla Fun! Fun! collectibles. Previous releases have included the...

In 2016, So Watanabe’s short film about the Koshien baseball tournament, “The Cheering Squad: Breaking Through the Limits”, was selected by the Pia Film Festival. In the same year, the Fukuoka-based director began work on “When You Wish Upon a Black Hole.” Besides working on “Shin Godzilla” and other promotional media projects for the city of Kitakyushu, it took him eight years to make this film. Having already won the Top Project Award at Takashi Miike’s “Kachinko Project”, the Sci-Fi flick celebrates its premiere at the Skip City International D-Cinema Festival.

When You Wish Upon a Black Hole is screening at Skip City International D-Cinema Festival

Miyuki Iseda works at a research laboratory that seeks to create black holes. One of their head scientist, Dr. Akagi, takes revenge on humankind by using the technical apparatus of the lab to create time bubbles that function as a trap to freeze people in time and space.

Toho’s Shin Godzilla is stomping into theaters next month with a brand new 4K remaster courtesy of Gkids, and they’ve released a stunning new trailer for the release.

Look for Shin Godzilla in theaters on August 14, with a home release to follow.

The film, originally released in 2016, will be released in its original Japanese language with subtitles, including restored text cards and a 4K remaster that has never before been released in North America.

In Shin Godzilla, “The Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm after a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then, it evolves. The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster when an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents. On its cover is written ‘Godzilla.’”

Hideaki Anno (“Neon Genesis Evangelion...

"It can be killed." "I sure hope so." GKids Films has revealed another official trailer for the 4K remastered re-release of the other Japanese Gojira movie known as Shin Godzilla. It originally hit theaters in 2016, opening in Japan and US the same year, also under the original title Godzilla: Resurgence. It was the first big Japanese reboot of Godzilla in many years, and it was handed to iconic filmmakers Hideaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi (who later went on to direct Shin Ultraman & Bullet Train Explosion) to re-imagine. So they gave us this strange, new, gilled lizard creature instead of the typical Gojira kaiju – it wasn't exactly a big hit in the US. After the immense success of Godzilla Minus One, GKids got their hands on a new 4K remaster and will give it another shot. With a re-release in US theaters this August. "Something has surfaced in Tokyo Bay..." As the...

Gkids has officially announced the theatrical return of Shin Godzilla, the critically acclaimed 2016 entry in the long-running kaiju franchise directed by Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and co-directed by Shinji Higuchi (Shin Ultraman). Tickets are now on sale for the film’s nationwide release onAugust 14, with select screenings available in 4Dx and D-box, giving fans a fully immersive experience as the monstrous terror resurfaces in Tokyo Bay, along with a new trailer for the epic take on the legendary monster.

This marks the first time Shin Godzilla will screen in North American cinemas in its original Japanese version with subtitles, now fully remastered in 4K with restored on-screen text and a theatrical presentation befitting one of the most acclaimed Godzilla films ever made. It also marks Gkids’ first Godzilla release since its acquisition by Toho earlier this year, expanding the distributor’s growing library of landmark Japanese live-action films.

The...

It’s hard to think of a better time in history to be a Godzilla fan.

The MonsterVerse continues to expand with the upcoming release of Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, hitting U.S. theaters on March 26, 2027. But the action isn’t limited to Hollywood as Japan has some major plans of its own.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, there are currently three Godzilla theatrical films in development in Japan, including sequels to both Godzilla Minus One and Shin Godzilla.

While a follow-up to Minus One had already been confirmed, news of another Shin Godzilla entry comes as a welcome surprise for longtime fans.

A sequel for "Shin Godzilla" could potentially be in the works per Bloomberg: "Building on Godzilla Minus One’s performance, Toho is planning a sequel for as soon as next year, plus a potential sequel to the film Shin Godzilla and a still-untitled Southeast Asia-focused project.

We know that Godzilla Minus One writer-director Takashi Yamazaki is developing a follow-up for as soon as next year, but that’s not the only Godzilla film on the table in Japan.

Toho International president Koji Ueda revealed to Bloomberg that there is still potential for a sequel to Shin Godzilla.

A new 4K restoration of the 2016 film is set to stomp into North American theaters on August 14 from Gkids. Perhaps a strong box office showing could help encourage Toho to move forward with another installment in addition to the Minus One follow-up.

Co-directed by Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Attack on Titan), Shin Godzilla stars Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, and Satomi Ishihara.

When a massive monster emerges from the deep and tears through Tokyo, the government scrambles to save its citizens. A rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red tape to uncover the...

Toho is planning sequels to multiple Godzilla movies. Toho is a Japanese production company that is best known for the Godzilla franchise, which follows a giant irradiated lizard who is alternately depicted as a rampaging avatar of destruction or a valiant hero who defends humanity from other monsters.

Altogether, there are 33 Japanese Godzilla movies and five English-language installments, four of which are part of Legendary's Monsterverse, which also features monsters and locations from the King Kong movies.

Per Bloomberg, after distributing 2023's Godzilla Minus One themselves and earning $116 million worldwide against a slim reported budget of just $15 million, Toho is pushing to own more of its content. This includes the planned sequel to Godzilla Minus One, which is currently in development.

However, Toho's international head Koji Ueda also revealed that, in addition to the upcoming Godzilla Minus One 2, Toho's plans include a follow-up to 2016's Shin Godzilla and...

The next Godzilla movie might hit theaters sooner than fans thought. According to Toho International, the sequel to Godzilla Minus One could be ready as early as 2026, as reported by Bloomberg News. The report also says Toho is planning other projects, like a possible Shin Godzilla sequel and a new movie set in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, Toho is working with Legendary on season two of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which is planned for release next year on Apple TV+.

Even though director Takashi Yamazaki said back in January and February 2024 that there were no official plans for a sequel yet, he admitted he was interested in making one. Speaking to Mono Magazine, Yamazaki said he wanted to keep following the same characters and this time give Godzilla a rival monster to fight.

He also shared an idea of focusing the story on a curse left behind by Godzilla,...

A sequel to Godzilla Minus One might arrive sooner than fans expected. According to Bloomberg News and Toho, the next movie could release as early as 2026.

It was also mentioned that Toho is working on several projects at the same time, including a possible sequel to Shin Godzilla and a new film set in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Toho is also teaming up with Legendary for a second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which should come out next year on Apple TV+.

Back in early 2024, director Takashi Yamazaki said there hadn’t been any real talks about a sequel yet, though he admitted he was interested in making one. When speaking to Mono Magazine, he said he wanted to follow the same characters again and this time have Godzilla fight another monster.

He also shared an idea about exploring the curse Godzilla left behind on Japan, something inspired by the Tatari-gami from Princess Mononoke.

Now in production in Japan and set for release in 2026, Kaiju: Island of Fire has been revealed with two posters and teaser art that Bloody Disgusting is exclusively debuting tonight.

The team tells Bloody Disgusting, “A new in production teaser trailer will be revealed exclusively at the Godzilla and giant monster convention G-Fest in Chicago this weekend and very limited edition lobby card flyers featuring both the English and Japanese posters will be given away to lucky convention attendees!”

Meet the film’s volcanic Kaiju with the official teaser art below!

In Kaiju: Island of Fire, “A combined military task force travels to an ancient Japanese Island, searching for the missing members of a construction team, currently in the process of building a new military base. Once there, they find a foreboding, fiery landscape that hides a terrifying threat, capable of destroying them…and all who venture near.”

The film...

Toho’s 2016 feature “Shin Godzilla”, directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, starring Rando Yaguchi, Hiroki Hasegawa, Kayoko Ann Patterson and Hideki Akasaka, has been restored in 4K for a re-release screening August 14, 2025 in theaters:

“…during a peaceful day in Japan, a strange fountain of water erupts in the bay, causing panic to spread among government officials. At first, they suspect only volcanic activity, but one young executive dares to wonder if it may be something different… something alive.

“His worst nightmare comes to life when a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and begins tearing through the city, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

“As the government scrambles to save the citizens, a rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red tape to uncover the monster’s weakness and its mysterious ties to a foreign superpower. But time is not on their side—the greatest...

For their encyclopedic, eye-popping new narrative and visual history, Godzilla: The First 70 Years, authors Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski had a rare opportunity: unfettered access to the Toho archives. Having previously teamed up for Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa, the first biography of the legendary filmmaker, the duo unearthed a treasure trove of concept art, sketches, photographs, and behind-the-scenes stories about the King of the Monsters, from the iconic Showa Era films (1954-1975) up to 2023's Godzilla Minus One, which earned the franchise its first Oscar win.

In the excerpt below, the authors reveal how a kid raised on Steven Spielberg and George Lucas was selected to transform Godzilla into a formidable awards monster. Here's the story of how Takashi Yamazaki came aboard Godzilla Minus One — a film the authors describe as a "unique rewriting of Godzilla’s origin story [that] received critical acclaim worldwide...

The last decade has been a good one for fans of Godzilla. The famous Japanese kaiju keeps coming back in his Hollywood MonsterVerse franchise but, sometimes, Japanese cinema also brings forward a story that shows the iconic Titan in a new light, such as 2016's Shin Godzilla. The movie is considered one of the best ever made in the franchise, and U.S. audiences will finally get a chance to see it on the big screen in the best quality possible. As first reported by Variety, Gkids has acquired North American distribution rights for the movie, and will release it on August 14 in a never-before-seen 4K remaster.

Shin Godzilla has all the elements of a high-stakes alien invasion movie. In the story, Japanese authorities struggle to find a way to deal with the fact that a huge monster simply appeared in Tokyo, destroying everything in its path. The movie's approach...

Super7 is one of our favorite pop culture brands, producing a wide array of high-quality toys and collectibles. And this year at San Diego Comic-Con, they are going all in on the King of the Monsters.

That’s right – the Super7 is the hub for “Godzilla (Minus One)” at Sdcc. According to the official release, the store will be transformed into a recreation of the iconic scene in the movie where Godzilla bites a train. Godzilla Station, as they are calling it, “will feature a Godzilla train entry way, destroyed interior and exterior, actual movie props, Godzilla cosplayers, Kaiju Response Team Staff, and exclusive toys and apparel.”

Additionally, “Shin Godzilla” director Shinji Higuchi, will be be stopping by the booth to do a signing that will be held at the Super7 store on Friday, July 25, at 11 a.m. Pt.

But what exclusive toys? Well, read on to see just what...

Warner Bros. Discovery has surrendered the long-held screen rights to Katsuhiro Otomo’s cyber-punk classic Akira, allowing the property to revert to Japanese publisher Kodansha after 23 years of fitful development. The lapse—first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and echoed across entertainment outlets—instantly ended Taika Waititi’s stalled live-action adaptation and cleared the way for Kodansha to court fresh studio and streamer bids.

Warner Bros. bought the rights in 2002 and spent tens of millions cycling through directors including Stephen Norrington, the Hughes brothers, Jaume Collet-Serra, Jordan Peele and, most recently, Waititi, without ever rolling cameras. Attempts to “Westernise” Neo-Tokyo—at one point renamed New Manhattan—regularly drew criticism and were cited in leaked scripts for deviating sharply from Otomo’s themes.

Waititi’s version, announced in 2017 with a $150 million budget and a 2019 California shoot, was postponed when the filmmaker pivoted to Thor: Love and Thunder and other projects. By...

For his latest creative endeavor, filmmaker Shinji Higuchi adopts a different approach from his contributions to the “Shin Japan Heroes Universe.” Instead of being a straight-up reboot of a classic property, his new film “Bullet Train Explosion” is a legacy sequel to Junya Sato‘s thriller “The Bullet Train.” A passion project for Higuchi, with a script by Kazuhiro Nakagawa and Norichika Oba, the production faced challenges in securing funding and distribution until Netflix eventually stepped in, allowing for its completion and subsequent release on the popular streaming platform. The final result is a movie that’s not only entertaining on its own but also serves as a terrific expansion of the original.

Click the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix

The E5 Series Shinkansen Hayabusa No. 60 departs from Shin-Aomori, destined to reach Tokyo. Panic arises when an anonymous caller contacts the Jr East headquarters located in Tokyo...

Gkids, a global leader in acquiring and maintaining one of the greatest, most acclaimed animation libraries, had a banner year at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The company acquired four films out of the festival – “All You Need Is Kill,” “Another World,” “Chao” and “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain.” This is on top of films that were presented at the festival that were co-produced by Gkids, “100 Meters,” “Allah Is Not Obliged” and “Sunny.” There was also a 4K restoration of cult classic “Angel’s Egg” from 1985, written and directed by Mamoru Oshii.

The collected titles are “a testament to the company’s unyielding commitment to the animated art form,” according to an official release.

“As Gkids has evolved, our mission has remained the same: to champion the best animation from around the world from the most exciting talent. We’re proud to have that mission illustrated at this year’s Annecy,...

Reboots of long-established franchises have regularly been recurring in the Japanese entertainment industry. For example, the ongoing “Shin Japan Heroes Universe” has modernized numerous classic pieces of tokusatsu history with movies such as “Shin Godzilla,” “Shin Ultraman,” and the upcoming “Shin Kamen Rider.” Reboots have also taken a unique direction in present-day cinema’s independent side. Such an example is reimagining a long-lost piece of Japanese cinema. That is the case with the outlandish low-budget film “The Great Buddha Arrival.”

Watch The Great Buddha Arrival on Bijou Theater

The original “The Great Buddha Arrival” is a lost 1934 independent kaiju movie directed by pioneer filmmaker Yoshiro Edamasa who served as a mentor to many filmmakers, including special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya. Its place in Japanese cinema is rather significant as it was one of the earliest pieces of daikaiju filmmaking ever constructed, predating the original “Godzilla” directed by Ishiro Honda, by two decades.

Tom Cruise is one of the most popular movie stars in the world, and many of his films have become successful blockbusters or cult classics. However, the actor is also a big movie fan and never fails to show his appreciation for other films.

Just recently, Cruise shared his support for two popular releases: Ryan Coogler's Sinners, which stars Michael B. Jordan, and Ballerina, the John Wick spinoff starring Ana de Armas. His appreciation for other films continues with a very popular choice. In a new interview with filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki via Paramount, Cruise just proclaimed his Godzilla Minus One is a "perfect" creature feature.

The unexpected pairing happened while Cruise was promoting Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning alongside director Christopher McQuarrie and Takashi Yamazaki. During the conversation, McQuarrie also praised Godzilla Minus One, noting he felt it was "very beautiful, and very human."

Tom Cruise also shared...

Another weekend is upon us, which means it's time once again to bring you all the most important anime news of the past week. With the Summer 2025 anime season rapidly approaching, there's more news coming about what to expect during the summer months in terms of anime, including a look at what's in store for July's 2025 iteration of Anime Expo.

In the aftermath of last weekend's Anime Awards, the Bam Smack Pow team has been taking a look at look at the night's big winners. So be sure to check out our articles taking a look at Solo Leveling, Dan Da Dan, Frieren and Attack on Titan.

Crunchyroll announces Anime Expo 2025 schedule In this photo illustration a Crunchyroll logo seen displayed... | Sopa Images/GettyImages

Crunchyroll has announced its slate of panels, premieres and other announcements for Anime Expo 2025, set to take place July 3-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Since its debut in 1954, the Godzilla franchise has included 38 films so far, with the majority in Japanese. One of the most successful ones was 2016's Shin Godzilla.

The film came from Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, with a screenplay by Anno and visual effects by Higuchi. Shin Godzilla premiered on July 29, 2016, to critical acclaim from critics in Japan. Per Variety, Gkids has acquired the North American distribution rights for Shin Godzilla, and the film will head to theaters on Aug. 14, with a home release to follow.

The theatrical release will be in the original Japanese language with subtitles. Shin Godzilla's release will include a 4K remaster that was never released before in the U.S., with a superior quality.

Shin Godzilla marked the 31st film in the overall franchise and the 29th from Toho. It was also Toho's third reboot, and the first in the Reiwa era, which also...

August will be a devastating month for Kaiju No. 8 fans. Shonen Jump magazine has confirmed that the giant monster movie-inspired series will soon come to an end.

According to the Shonen Jump News account on X (formerly Twitter), Kaiju No. 8 will come to an end in two more chapters, as confirmed in the newest official chapter release. The most recent issue, Chapter 127, was officially released on digital reading platforms, like Manga Plus, on June 5, 2025. Chapter 129, set to be the final chapter in the series, is scheduled for release sometime in August. News that Kaiju No. 8 is coming to an end in Shonen Jump+ arrives as Season 2 of the anime TV series is set to premiere on July 19, 2025.

Kaiju No. 8 Will End In 2 More Chapters in Shonen Jump+ Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto will be ending in 2 more chapters, with Chapter 129, at Shonen Jump+ App. pic.

Whether you need a Father’s Day gift for a monster-loving dad or want to class up your wardrobe beyond graphic horror tees, Fright-Rags has you covered with Godzilla polos.

Available in black, blue, grey, and green, each shirt features a subtle Godzilla embroidered on the left breast to quietly reminds everyone who’s the King of the Monsters.

The 3.5-ounce 100% polyester polo shirts feature a three-button placket and moisture-wicking and Uv protection performance.

Priced at $42, they’ll ship the week of July 11.

Godzilla celebrated its 70th anniversary last year and is more popular than ever, with Takashi Yamazaki currently writing a follow-up to the Academy Award-winning Godzilla Minus One for Toho.

Meanwhile, the next installment in Legendary’s MonsterVerse, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, in production for release on March 26, 2027. Grant Sputore (I Am Mother) is directing from a script by Dave Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the...

The word “shin” not having the same meaning in English as it does in Japanese, Toho had provided an English title for their 2016 Godzilla film, Shin Godzilla – but I’ve never seen anyone call that movie by its official English title, Godzilla: Resurgence. Instead, it’s always just been Shin Godzilla, and will continue to be now that Gkids has acquired the North American distribution rights to the film with the intention of bringing it back to theatres on August 14th, with a home video release to follow. Variety notes that Gkids will be releasing the film “in its 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 and Shinji Higuchi, Shin Godzilla has the following synopsis: Make way for the ultimate homage to one of the most enduring legends of the big screen—Godzilla!

Roaaaar!! GKids Films has unveiled a brand new teaser trailer for the 4K remastered re-release of the other Japanese Gojira movie recently known as Shin Godzilla. This one originally debuted in 2016, opening in Japan and US the same year, also under the original title Godzilla: Resurgence. It was the first big Japanese reboot of Godzilla in a long time, and it was handed to iconic filmmakers Hideaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi (who later went on to direct Shin Ultraman & Bullet Train Explosion) to re-imagine. So they gave us this strange, new, gilled lizard creature instead of the typical Gojira kaiju – it wasn't exactly a big hit in the US. After the immense success of Godzilla Minus One, GKids got their hands on a new 4K remaster and will give it another shot. With a re-release in US theaters this August. "Something has surfaced in Tokyo Bay..." As the Prime Minister pleads...

Godzilla in all his horrifying forms gets a new lease on life beginning August 14. Gkids announced plans to re-release 2016 giant monster movie Shin Godzilla in theaters in North America with a newly remastered 4K treatment. A new teaser trailer and poster debuted along with the announcement. Shin Godzilla 4K Remaster Teaser Trailer Shin Godzilla 4K movie poster Related: Godzilla x Kong: Supernova Stomps into Theaters on March 26, 2027 Hideaki Anno ( Rebuild of Evangelion ) and Shinji Higuchi ( Shin Ultraman ) directed Shin Godzilla . The film also features a script by Anno, music by Shiro Sagisu and cinematography by Kosuke Yamada. Gkids describes the story of Shin Godzilla : Something has surfaced in Tokyo Bay. As the Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm, a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then it evolves. The government assembles a motley...

2016’s Shin Godzilla is stomping into theaters this August with a brand new 4K remaster courtesy of Gkids, who picked up North American distribution rights, Variety reports today.

Gkids will release Shin Godzilla in theaters on August 14, with a home release to follow.

The film will be released in its original Japanese language with subtitles, including restored text cards and a 4K remaster that has never before been released in North America. The announcement comes with a new teaser trailer and poster, below.

In Shin Godzilla, “The Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm after a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then, it evolves. The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster when an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents. On its cover is...

Hold on to your hats, Godzilla fans, as the one of the best films in the franchise is finally headed back to U.S. theaters after nearly a decade thanks to Gkids, who have acquired the North American distribution rights to Shin Godzilla (a.k.a. Godzilla: Resurgence). Premiering back in 2016, the Toho film received a brief theatrical release in the United States thanks to then-rights holder Funimation, who distributed it across a limited number of screens during the month of October.

Per Variety, Shin Godzilla will hit theaters on August 14, but it remains unclear for just how long. The 4K release will feature the original Japanese language with subtitles and restored text cards, and after its theatrical run, a home video release will follow. This marks Gkids first release of anything Godzilla related since Toho acquired the company in 2024, and for President David Jesteadt, the timing couldn’t...

Gkids has acquired the North American distribution rights to “Shin Godzilla.”

The film is directed by Hideaki Anno (“Neon Genesis Evangelion” franchise) and Shinji Higuchi (“Shin Ultraman”) with a screenplay by Anno and visual effects by Higuchi. In the film, the Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm, after a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then it evolves. The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster when an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents. On its cover is written “Godzilla.”

Gkids will release the 2016 feature in theaters on Aug. 14, with a home release to follow. The film distributor is set to release “Shin Godzilla” in its original Japanese language with subtitles, including restored text cards and a 4K remaster that has never before been released in North America.

Superman, which releases in theaters worldwide on July 11, is expected to be one of, if not The, blockbuster movie of the summer. Writer and director James Gunn took inspiration from a wide variety of comics, TV shows, and movies for the Dcu's first official film. But one of the biggest influences on Superman will definitely surprise you. Obviously, Gunn pulled from the extensive catalog of DC Comics, and even from past Superman movies, like Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. But the director was also inspired by some creature features, including Takashi Yamazaki's Godzilla Minus One. But Gunn didn't look at the 2023 hit because of its kaiju. It was the human characters that James Gunn was interested in.

As part of the growing press tour for Superman, as DC Studios prepares for the film's release next month, James Gunn spoke to Japanese media outlet Cinema Today to promote the movie.

As the weekend approaches, it's time once again for the Bam Smack Pow team to bring you the biggest anime news of the past week. This week, we're ramping up to the Summer 2025 anime season with new trailers and information, and taking a look at a showcase of the career of the one of the most important figures in the history of anime.

More information about Dan Da Dan season 2

Last week, Bam Smack Pow reported that the Dan Da Dan movie Evil Eye trailer went live. The movie itself will be a special early look at the first three episodes of the anime's second season, released as a compilation movie. This week, the official trailer for the full season of the anime has been released, which you can watch above.

Also notable is the announcement from Netflix that "On The Way", the opening for Dan Da Dan season 2 will...

A rare piece of Studio Ghibli artwork by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno has been rediscovered and will soon make its public debut.

Per Oricon, the image is an original layout of the heavy cruiser Maya, intended for Studio Ghibli's landmark anime movie Grave of the Fireflies,which Anno worked on as a key animator ahead of its 1988 premiere. The artwork will be exhibited at the Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation, which opens June 27 at Azabudai Hills Gallery and runs through Sept. 15. Anno's Maya layout will be presented alongside a harmony cel based on the sketch, which features a painterly technique "for greater realism, resembling fine art."

Rare Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered for Grave of the Fireflies Image via Akiyuki Nosaka / Shinchosha / Isao Takahata / Studio Ghibli

When Anno's long-lost Studio Ghibli artwork makes its exhibition debut, it will be a part of a larger gallery...

When Gareth Edwards released his magically scaled reboot Godzilla in 2014, no one knew it would lead to a six-movie franchise and a compelling TV series on AppleTV+. Yet, that is precisely what has happened. And now, after much anticipation, a cryptic tweet from the MonsterVerse has confirmed that something new is coming.

As the franchise's official account confirms, the latest film in the Monarch collection is officially titled Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. Coming March 26, 2027 is a film directed by Grant Sputore (2019's I Am Mother) from a script by Dave Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Michael Lloyd Green (also from I Am Mother). And it's clear that Godzilla and Kong will have a new major crisis on their hands.

Please stand by. Your call is very important to us.#GodzillaXKong: Supernova | Now in production. Only in theaters March 26, 2027

Report a Titan Sighting. Call (240) Mon-arch pic.

With roughly 30 million views in its first week of release, Netflix's brutal action film Havoc, starring Tom Hardy, topped the English-language top 10 list. The streamer's non-English list, on the other hand, was topped for the second time by the Dutch thriller iHostage. However, a couple of new releases claimed the second and third spots on the global top 10 list. At number three was the poorly reviewed Indian heist movie Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, but the number two spot was claimed by the much better-received Japanese thriller Bullet Train Explosion.

The movie scored a total of 12.3 million views in its first week on Netflix. It found spots inside the top 10 in as many as 80 countries, and was the number one movie of the week in four countries, including Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. A legacy sequel to the 1975 classic Bullet Train (not to be confused with the 2022 Brad Pitt...

Even at their most fantastical, high-concept blockbusters can prompt audiences to contemplate what might happen if their circumstances took place in real life. Frequently, the question is as simple as what would “actually” happen or how an individual would react if presented with a larger-than-life situation. But after watching local, national or even worldwide forces respond to an emergency or incident, it becomes easy — even natural — to compare that effort to what the characters in a movie do when they leap into action.

In that regard, “Bullet Train Explosion” meets a believability threshold that feels virtually unparalleled. Like his previous film “Shin Godzilla,” director Shinji Higuchi’s follow-up to the 1975 Japanese film “The Bullet Train” explores with meticulous and realistic detail what a bureaucratic response might be to, well, a scenario that’s likely only to happen in the movies. Even without a movie star fighting his way up and...

Bullet Train Explosion (新幹線大爆破 in Japanese) is a gripping Japanese action thriller directed by Shinji Higuchi, the visionary filmmaker behind the acclaimed Shin Godzilla. This film offers a modern reimagining of the 1975 Japanese classic The Bullet Train (Shinkansen Daibakuha). That original film served as inspiration for the 1994 Hollywood hit Speed. Bullet Train Explosion plunges audiences into a terrifying scenario: a state-of-the-art Shinkansen hurtling towards Tokyo with a bomb aboard, programmed to detonate if the train dares to slow down.

Bullet Train Explosion is a remake that refuses to be just a mere remake, delving into social conflicts and modernizing the 1975 classic.

However, politicians don’t fare well in this film.

Non-Stop to Danger: The High-Stakes Plot

Tension ignites with a chilling phone call to the Shinkansen General Operation Control Center. An anonymous caller, their voice masked by a modulator, reveals a deadly secret: a bomb has been planted aboard the Hayabusa No.

Netflix Japan will release Bullet Train Explosion on April 23, a modern retelling of the 1975 film The Bullet Train. Directed by Shinji Higuchi and starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, the film updates the original’s premise with a present-day setting, new characters, and large-scale practical effects. The timing coincides with Netflix’s tenth year of operations in Japan and reflects its efforts to back high-budget Japanese projects outside the anime space.

The film centers on a Tokyo-bound bullet train carrying passengers unaware of a planted explosive system. If the train’s speed drops below 100 kilometers per hour, the device will detonate. The bombers demand a ¥100 billion ransom while authorities and passengers alike scramble to respond. While the storyline draws direct influence from Junya Satō’s 1975 original, Bullet Train Explosion places stronger attention on those inside the train, pushing character decisions to the forefront.

Kusanagi plays one of several passengers facing immediate consequences as the situation unfolds.

Netflix is releasing Bullet Train Explosion on April 23, a new film by director Shinji Higuchi that updates the premise of the 1975 Japanese thriller The Bullet Train. The film centers on a Tokyo-bound bullet train rigged with a bomb set to detonate if the train drops below 100 kilometers per hour. As the vehicle speeds toward its destination, railway personnel, government officials, and a diverse set of passengers work to prevent catastrophe.

The film’s antagonist, whose identity remains concealed behind a voice modulator, demands ¥100 billion to disarm the device. Higuchi, known for his earlier work on Shin Godzilla and Doomsday: The Sinking of Japan, has a long history of incorporating public infrastructure into cinematic large-scale destruction. Trains have featured prominently in several of his past projects, including Shin Godzilla, where a Keikyu line train is destroyed, and Gamera: Guardian of the Universe, which marked his breakout in the world of tokusatsu special effects.

Japanese filmmaker Shinji Higuchi finds beauty in bullet trains specifically so he can destroy them on screen, a creative paradox that defines his latest film, Netflix’s “Bullet Train Explosion,” and much of his celebrated career.

“The order, the precision that it symbolizes and something that’s stable… That’s something that I’m drawn to, and because I love it so much, I want to destroy it,” Higuchi tells Variety about the Japan-set film at Netflix’s Apac showcase in Tokyo.

The film’s central premise is that bombs are rigged to detonate instantly if the titular train’s speed drops below 100 km/h. The bomber demands JPY100 billion ($660 million) as ransom to disarm the explosive device, triggering a desperate race against time for crew, passengers and railway personnel.

Prior to “Bullet Train Explosion,” Higuchi established himself as a master of tokusatsu filmmaking, with trains frequently appearing in his destructive setpieces.

Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.

Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!

Gremlins 2 Toys from Super7

Battle-ready Gizmo (with bow and arrow) and Mohawk from Gremlins 2 are joining Super7’s ReAction Figures line.

Priced at $22, the 3.75″ scale retro-style toys are expected to arrive next month.

Freddy’s Dead Shirt from Gutter Garbs

Gutter Garbs saved the best for last with a Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare design by Sam Coyne.

T-shirts ($32), long sleeves ($40), hoodies ($55), and 12×18 posters ($30) are available through Sunday, April 20, and will ship the week of May 18.

Shin Godzilla Figure from Nonoblock

Nanoblock is releasing a Godzilla constructible figure based on the King of the Monsters’ appearance in Shin Godzilla.

The 300-piece Lego-style toy stands 3.75” tall. Due out in May, it costs $17.99.

Psycho Shirt from...

With a purposeful grimace and a terrible sound, Godzilla will be stomping back into theaters sooner than later. Following a report from Bloomberg Japan (originally posted in Japanese), as part of a $800 million-dollar plan to promote and increase its international reach, Toho has announced that a direct sequel to 2023's Godzilla Minus One is in the works. It was previously reported in November 2024 that Toho had greenlit a new Godzilla movie to follow up on Minus One, but not that would be a direct sequel.

That initial announcement of a Minus One follow-up also included the information that director Takashi Yamazaki would be returning. Although we now know that Yamazaki's new movie will be a direct sequel, no further plot details or an expected release date have been announced. However, it's possible to make an educated guess about the date. We know that the deal in place between Toho...

Pop quiz, hot shot: There’s a bomb on a bullet train. If the Shinkansen drops below 100 kilometers per hour, it blows up. What do you do? What do you do!?

Well, one thing you don’t do is confuse “The Bullet Train Explosion” for a “Speed” remake set in a country with a functional public transportation system. For one thing, this sleek Netflix spectacle is actually a remake of the 1975 Ken Takakura/Sonny Chiba vehicle that inspired “Speed,” even though “The Bullet Train” was itself a response to American disaster films like “Earthquake” and “The Towering Inferno” (pour one out for free trade).

For another thing, Shinji Higuchi’s glossy new version — as fawning toward the East Japan Railway Company as the “Shin Godzilla” director’s kaiju movies have been skeptical of the Japanese government — isn’t fueled by unleaded suspense so much as it is by the sheer...

Another week has come and gone, so that means it's time once again for Bam Smack Pow team to bring you the most important anime news of the week that was. This past week featured several major anime debuts and returns. Keep reading below for the all details and the places to watch these debuting and returning anime series.

Before we get into the rest of the week's major anime news stories, a quick reminder that we previously reported that One Piece has returned for its lengthy production hiatus. The One Piece anime had been on hiatus since the fall with the conclusion of part one of the Egghead Island arc. As of Saturday, April 6 with the streaming debut of episodes 1123 and 1124, One Piece is back, bringing fans around the world the second half of the Egghead Island arc. New episodes go live on Saturdays and stream first for international audiences on Crunchyroll.

Netflix has released their full lineup of new arrivals for April 2025 this morning, and we’re here to shine the spotlight on the horror highlights of next month’s wave of fresh content.

First up and most notably, Charlie Brooker’s “Black Mirror” Season 7 debuts on Netflix on April 10, with six brand new episodes including a sequel to “USS Callister.”

“Black Mirror” Season 7 features Awkwafina, Will Poulter, Milanka Brooks, Peter Capaldi, Emma Corrin, Patsy Ferran, Paul Giamatti, Lewis Gribben, Osy Ikhile, Rashida Jones, Siena Kelly, Billy Magnussen, Rosy McEwen, Cristin Milioti, Chris O’Dowd, Issa Rae, Paul G. Raymond, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jimmi Simpson, and Harriet Walter.

Lose your mind. Lose your reality. This season, nothing is as it seems…

April 3 marks the premiere of brand new Netflix anime series “Devil May Cry,” of course based on the Capcom video game franchise. The series was created by Adi Shankar.

You can...

When you hear the name Studio Ghibli, you can’t help but envision those gorgeous hand-drawn animations, fantastical worlds, and tales that truly pull at your heartstrings. Founded by the incredible Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has been a staple of animated films for decades, providing us with such classics as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro.

Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo is the only Ghibli short live-action film. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, what many fans don’t realize is that Studio Ghibli has already dipped its toes into live-action filmmaking. Unlike the grand two-hour animated epics for which the studio is known, this venture into live-action is a mere nine minutes long. It’s called Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo, and it’s a completely different setting than one would associate with Ghibli, offering a terrifying vision of destruction that feels more...

Shonen manga tend to be some of the most mainstream and popular in the industry, and this is extended to their anime adaptations. On the other hand, seinen manga don't quite have the same appeal, namely due to them being intended for older audiences. However, there's currently one manga for this demographic that could find more mainstream success, especially if it's adapted.

Science fiction manga Snowball Earth has been running for four years, and in that time, it's begun to attract some major attention. The story combines elements from several popular genres of anime and manga, namely some big hits from the past few years. While an anime adaptation hasn't even been so much as hinted at yet, it's only a matter of time before it's produced to build upon the success of the manga.

Snowball Earth Remixes Shonen Elements The Underrated Sci-Fi Manga Is Seinen by Way of Shonen...