Godzilla: Nature's Protector is a 2022 epic monster action film directed by Tommy Wirkola. The screenplay was written by Simon Barrett and David Callaham
from a story by Callaham. The film was produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros Pictures, it is an immediate follow-up and sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and the fifth film in the MonsterVerse franchise, also serving as the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise overall and the fifth Godzilla film to be completely produced by an American film studio. The film's main cast consists of David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Julian Dennison, Brian Tyree Henry, Willem Dafoe, Famke Janssen, Kyle Chandler, Djimon Hounsou, Jessica Henwick, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Lance Riddick, Lupita Nyong'o, Charles Dance and Alex Ferns. Set six months after the events of Hong Kong, the plot follows Godzilla as he tries to restore nature's balance and a team of Monarch soldiers as they try to stop Apex Cybernetics and many governments from taking over the Hollow Earth and the newly found Monster Island and cause the extinction of other giant monsters called titans as a potential man-made threat emerges.
In 2019, Legendary approached Norwegian film director Tommy Wirkola to direct a MonsterVerse film in secret. Wirkola signed on later that year and the film was announced as a "kaiju epic," with "conservation themes." Wirkola wanted to create a more action-focused, Avatar (2009) and Rouge One (2016) inspired Godzilla film while he also wanted to focus less on the human characters and wanted to develop Godzilla and the titans. Simon Barrett and David Callaham's script was approved and filming began in July 2019 in Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Filming was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but thankfully Legendary had not ordered a release date as of yet at the time. Filming concluded in early February 2021 in Norway. Following the box office and streaming success of Godzilla vs. Kong, the film was given it's release date and was revealed to be a MonsterVerse Godzilla film.
Godzilla: Nature's Protector premiered at Garuman's Chinese Theatre on May 6, 2022, and was theatrically released in the United States on May 10. The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise for it's focus on Godzilla, visual effects, acting, story, action sequences, musical score and cinematography, but criticism for it's runtime and some of it's pacing. It was a box office success, grossing over $1.015 billion, becoming the third highest-grossing film of 2022 and becoming the first Godzilla film to reach a $1 billion worldwide, becoming the highest grossing film in the Godzilla franchise. It is considered to be one of the greatest films in the franchise since the original 1954 film. Among it's accolades, it was nominated for five awards at the 95 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Visual Effects, becoming the first Godzilla film to be nominated and/or win at the Academy Awards.
A sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, released on March 29, 2024.
Six months after his battle with Kong and Apex Cybernetics' Mechagodzilla in Hong Kong, Godzilla attacks an Apex base in Norway, and Dr. Mark Russell and Monarch are alerted. Monarch believes that Apex had made more Mechas in place of Mechagodzilla and investigate after Godzilla leaves the base in ruin. They only find out that Apex is planning something. Madison, mark's daughter, decides to investigate again, and reunites with Bernie Hayes and Josh Valentine.
The United Nations is uneasy about Godzilla and the titans roaming the surface. Godzilla's battles have wiped out San Francisco, Boston and Hong Kong, leaving many citizens to protest for governments to wipe out the titans, including Godzilla, once and for all. During a conference at Washington D.C., tensions between Monarch and the government begin. Without Godzilla to protect the Earth, it will fall, but the government has had it with the titans. Apex and the United Nations order an attack on the Hollow Earth, home of the titans. Meanwhile, Godzilla is busy protecting the Hollow Earth from rouge MUTOs with the help of a legendary bird-like titan called Fosphera, who is said to have ties with Mothra.
Later that night, Godzilla takes a rest. He has a nightmare, witnessing the death of his parents at the hands of the MUTOs millions of years before, but then a giant plant-like monster attempts to devour him. Godzilla wakes up to find the Hollow Earth being under attack. Enraged, Godzilla attacks Apex's newly upgraded HEAVs. Godzilla and thousands of Super-Species escape from Apex and head for the surface. Meanwhile, Soldiers who serve in Monarch's G-Team division, have discovered an island said to be inhabited by titans, off the coast of New Zealand. Monarch scientist (TBA) names it "Monster Island." Monarch and the G-Team begin an expedition to Monster Island. On the island, they find the titans Behemoth, Amhuluk and an old ally of Godzilla named Anguirus. Like with Skull Island, Monster Island is discovered to have few openings, called Vile Vortices, where titans and super-species can emerge from the Hollow Earth. While exploring the island, the G-Team are attacked by the hostile wildlife of the island and a fight between Behemoth and Amhuluk, but are saved by Anguirus. Monarch is then alerted that Apex and the government are both attacking the Hollow Earth, killing anything in sight, and that Godzilla is in the surface, heading for Sydney, Australia. Anguirus uses one of the openings to head for the Hollow Earth, looking for Godzilla.
Apex finds out about Monster Island, and plan to attack there as well. In an Apex base near Dubai, another G-Team squad led by Jackson Barnes save a captured Rodan, and the flying titan attacks and then escapes from the base as Monarch attempts to evacuate the city. Meanwhile, Madison and her friends have sneaked into an Apex Battleship, one of many in a fleet heading for Godzilla's location in the South Pacific Ocean. Suddenly, Godzilla attacks the fleet, and Madison finds another signal in Africa that Rodan is heading for. In the African Serengeti, Rodan battles a gigantic plant-like titan, in which Monarch names "Biollante," the same creature from Godzilla's nightmare. Bernie discovers that Biollante may have been around since Godzilla's battle with King Ghidorah in 2019. Bernie reveals that the monster was created by a grief-stricken Apex scientist who was trying to resurrect his daughter, and may have had a cult that worshiped the mutant as a god. Biollante is a potential threat to the planet, possibly overgrowing across the entire planet, including the Hollow Earth. Godzilla arrives in Sydney and utters an alpha roar. Anguirus, Fosphera, Rodan, Behemoth and Amhuluk follow Godzilla's signals as he heads for Monster Island upon hearing signals similar to his. Anguirus and Fosphera journey across the Hollow Earth, while the others guard Monster Island.
Madison's team, Mark and the two G-Team squads head for Monster Island to save both it and the Hollow Earth from Apex. Along the way, the squads meet Alan Jonah, who is the new CEO of Apex. He explains that Biollante is heading for Monster Island as well, burrowing across the Hollow Earth. He also explains that humans may colonize the island and the Hollow Earth should the attacks be a success. Godzilla defends himself from a fleet of Apex aerial weapons coming ashore in Auckland, New Zealand. Godzilla senses the other titans and heads for Monster Island, being pursued by Apex. Monster Island is under attack by an army of Mechs made by Apex, many of them are Mechagodzillas. The other titans struggle in the chaos as Monarch devises a plan to stop Apex and convince the United Nations to not kill the titans. Godzilla, who now has a crimson red "spiral" heat ray, finally arrives on Monster Island as a storm begins and the final battle begins.
Monarch and the G-Team begin their planned mission to stop Apex as Godzilla and the Titans battle the Mechs, eventually being joined by the island's wildlife. When the battle and mission both prove to be a struggle, Biollante arrives on the Island, causing much more chaos. Godzilla battles it as it destroys all of Apex's weapons. Apex retreats and Godzilla and the titans now battle Biollante. The voice of Biollante begs Godzilla to end it's suffering. Using his red spiral heat ray, Godzilla kills Biollante, saving it's soul. The creature transforms into millions of golden spores and heads into the cosmos. Madison thinks that Biollante be reincarnated one day. The United Nations reluctantly agree to stop the attacks, and the titans stay on Monster Island, but Godzilla heads back into the ocean.
In an end credits montage, Godzilla heads for Rome, where he may rest for some time, while Anguirus heads to the Hollow Earth and Rodan heads back to Fiji to rest. In a post-credits scene set in 2025, Monarch finds a freshly printed, seemingly bloody hand print similar to the one on Skull Island, but Monarch director Hampton theorizes that it does not belong to Kong, but something more sinister.
Cast[]
David Harbour was the first to be cast, being the lead human role.
David Harbour as (TBA), a Monarch soldier as part of Monarch's G-Team division who investigates Apex and subsequently aids Godzilla and the titans against them.
Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell, daughter of Mark Russell, who joins Josh and Bernie once more to further investigate Godzilla's attacks on Apex.
Julian Dennison as Josh Valentine, friend of Madison, who joins both her and Bernie.
Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes, a conspiracy theorist who once again aids Madison and Josh.
Willem Dafoe as (TBA), a Monarch scientist who aids G-Team.
Famke Janssen as (TBA), a G-Team soldier who discovers Monster Island.
Kyle Chandler as Dr. Mark Russell, Madison's widowed father, Monarch's deputy director of special projects and an animal behavior and communication specialist who by the end of the film comes to terms with Madison and the titans.
Djimon Hounsou as (TBA), a G-Team general who vows to expose Apex and the United Nations as they try to wipe out the titans.
Jessica Henwick as (TBA), a G-Team agent who investigates Apex along with Mark.
O'Shea Jackson Jr. as Jackson Barnes, a member of G-Team.
Lance Reddick as Guillerman, the Director of Monarch, he has a larger role in this film than his role in Godzilla vs. Kong.
Lupita Nyong'o as (TBA), a young G-Team soldier who eventually aids Madison, Josh and Bernie.
Charles Dance as Alan Jonah, an eco-terrorist and the new CEO of Apex, and the main human antagonist.
Alex Ferns as Mikael, a Monarch soldier.
T.J. Storm as Godzilla, reprising his role as him through performance capture after Godzilla (2014) and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).
Additionally, Rachel House portrays Monarch director Hampton, Joe Tippett portrays Apex operative Tim, Hakeem Kae-Kazim portrays Admiral Wilcox, reprising the role after Godzilla vs. Kong. CCH Pounder portrays Senator Williams, also returning after Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Jason Liles, through performance capture, portrays Rodan, after doing so for Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) star Don Frye makes a cameo appearance as one of the senators during the conference with Monarch and the United Nations.
In 2019, before the release of the latest MonsterVerse film at that time, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Legendary Pictures approached many directors, such as David Leitch, Destin Daniel Cretton, Andy Serkis and Jake Kasdan to secretly director and develop a third MonsterVerse Godzilla film, however, none of them had interest in the project or walked out due to creative differences. Eventually in mid 2019, Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola, known for his films Dead Snow (2009), Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) and What Happened to Monday (2017), signed on as director. The film was softly announced as a "kaiju epic" with environmental themes.
Writing and influences[]
(TBA)
Creature design[]
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Pre-production[]
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Filming[]
(TBA)
Post-production[]
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Music[]
In March 2022, it was reported that Dominic Lewis, who later worked with Wirkola for Violent Night later that year, had composed the score for Godzilla: Nature's Protector, and was confirmed by Lewis in an interview later that month. Lewis had only four weeks to record the soundtrack in late 2021, being hired almost immediately after scoring Matthew Vaughn's The King's Man (2021). In addition to composing original themes, Lewis incorporated some of Akira Ifukube and Michiru Oshima's themes from previous Godzilla films into the score. The film also contains "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears. the soundtrack was released by WaterTower Music on May 10, 2022.
Marketing[]
Promotion and merchandise[]
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Comics[]
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Video games[]
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Release[]
Theatrical[]
Godzilla: Nature's Protector premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatere on May 6, 2022. In certain territories, the film was released on May 9, while it was released in the United States on May 10. The film was released in Japan on May 30. Godzilla: Nature's Protector was released in 2D, 3D, RealD 3D, Dolby Cinema, IMAX 3D and 4DX. In the United States, the film was given a PG-13 rating by the MPAA for "Creature violence, intense scenes of destruction and mild language." As with Godzilla (2014), Legendary held screenings of Godzilla: Nature's Protector for the military.
Home media[]
Godzilla: Nature's Protector was released on the streaming service HBO Max and on Blu-ray Disc and DVD formats on September 10, 2022 in North America, and on digital platforms on September 12. Toho released the film on Blu-ray and DVD formats on November 3, to celebrate the franchise's 68th anniversary.
Reception[]
Box office[]
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Critical response[]
Godzilla: Nature's Protector received positive reviews from critics. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 86% of 460 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website's consesus reads: "With epic kaiju battles and enviromental themes, Godzilla: Nature's Protector puts a new spin on the franchise, and gives the king himself justice." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 88 out of 100, based on 95 critics, indicating "universal acclaim." Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A-" on an A+ to F scale. Audiences at PostTrak gave it an overall positive score of 89% and a 75% "definite recommend."
Accolades[]
Award
Category
Recipients
Result
95th Academy Awards
Best Picture
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Best Production Design
Jospeh A. Hodges
Nominated
Best Supporting Actor
Willem Dafoe
Nominated
Best Original Score
Dominic Lewis
Won
Best Visual Effects
John "DJ" DesJardin and Alessandro Ongaro
Nominated
Best Film Editing
David Brenner and Martin Stotlz
Won
51st Saturn Awards
Best Science Fiction Film
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Best Film Writing
Simon Barrett and David Callaham
Nominated
Visual Effects Society Awards
Best Animated Character in a Photoreal Feature
T.J. Storm (as Godzilla)
Won
2023 Kids' Choice Awards
Favorite Movie
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Favorite Movie Actor
T.J. Storm (as Godzilla)
Nominated
Favorite Movie Actress
Millie Bobby Brown (also nominated in the same category for Enola Holmes 2)
Nominated
Houston Film Critics Society Awards 2022
Best Visual Effects
John "DJ" DesJardin and Alessandro Ongaro
Nominated
Best Cinematography
Jose David Montero
Nominated
International Film Music Critics Association
Film Score of the Year
Godzilla: Nature's Protector (Dominic Lewis)
Nominated
Film Composer of the Year
Dominic Lewis
Nominated
Bram Stoker Award
Best Screenplay
Simon Barrett and David Callaham
Nominated
28th Critics' Choice Awards
Best Actor
David Harbour
Nominated
Best Score
Dominic Lewis
Nominated
Best Picture
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Best Editing
David Brenner and Martin Stoltz
Won
Georgia Film Critics Association
Best Picture
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Australian Effects and Animation Festival
Weta Digital for Feature Film - VFX
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Silver
MPC Film for Feature Film - Sequence
"Monster Island Final Battle" Sequence
Gold
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards
Best Horror/Sci-Fi Film
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Chinese American Film Festival
Most Popular US Film in China
Godzilla: Nature's Protector
Nominated
Sequel[]
Main article: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
In March 2022, it was announced that a sequel to both Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla: Nature's Protector was scheduled to begin production later that year in Gold Coast, Queensland and other locations in South East Queensland. In May 2022, it was announced that Godzilla vs. Kong director Adam Wingard would return as the director and Dan Stevens would play the lead role. Brian Tyree Henry, Alex Ferns and Rachel House would also return to reprise their roles. The film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, would be released in March 2024.
