SDCC 2018: Mothra, Rodan, and Ghidorah Awaken in Godzilla: King of the Monsters Trailer

The first Godzilla: King of the Monsters trailer is surprisingly soothing. Giant creatures with the potential for humanity ending destruction are more awe-inspiring than fearful. For now. As Dr. Emma Russell (Vera Farmiga) rallies support for unleashing the ancient beasts, the end of the world grows near.

Even without the monsters, the predicament is unsettling. There are catastrophic weather events happening far beyond the control of mankind. It’s enough to make me run and hide under the covers, but Madison (Millie Bobby Brown) is up on the roof with her binoculars. She doesn’t need those for long when the storm comes to her. Madison is Dr. Russell’s daughter and appears to have shadowed her mother’s research. I suspect she’ll play a key role in the monster showdown.

Eventually, Godzilla is fated to test his strength against Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah. At this point, Dr. Russell refers to them as the solution, rather than the problem. The titans, as she has named them, are ancient beings who protect the Earth. Russell believes that waking each of them is the only way to save humanity, although not everyone agrees with her. It seems like a good idea at first. Rodan and Mothra are majestic when they first awake, and even Ghidorah seems impressive. Time will tell if the scientists have merely unleashed something even worse.

Godzilla was, of course, originally a cathartic story in Japanese culture about the dangers of technology during the height of atomic bomb scares. Godzilla was the giant beast capable of crushing entire cities. The reimagining, however, has recast him as a savior. For what can destroy can also protect. It’s an interesting time for the revised perspective and will surely resonate as a result.

The first installment in 2014 was intelligent and emotional and I preached that it was deserving of an Oscar. The VFX are outstanding and the story was well told. Gareth Edwards (Rogue One) did a spectacular job, but I am beside myself for King of the Monsters. I cannot speak highly enough of Michael Dougherty’s work, who took over for the sequel. Trick ‘r Treat and Krampus so skillfully connect heart, humor, and horror. I am so pumped to see Dougherty sprinkle his magic on Godzilla.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters reigns next May.