'Godzilla Minus Zero' opens in North America after record Japan debut

Godzilla is back. Takashi Yamazaki's 'Godzilla Minus Zero' opens wide in North American theatres today (November 6), following a record-breaking debut in Japan and strong reviews. The sequel to 'Godzilla Minus One' (2023) is projected to become distributor GKIDS' biggest opening ever.

Record opening day in Japan

The film opened in Japan on November 3, earning about ¥910 million (roughly $5.7 million) on its first day from more than 590,000 admissions — a record opening day for a live-action film in Japan, according to Toho. It played in 448 theatres, including 65 IMAX screens, and took about ¥1.38 billion (roughly $8.6 million) in its first three days.

November 3 was a deliberate choice: a national holiday in Japan and the anniversary of the original 1954 'Godzilla', celebrated as Godzilla Day.

A human story set in 1949

'Godzilla Minus Zero' is set in 1949, two years after the events of 'Godzilla Minus One', and continues the story of the Shikishima family. Yamazaki returns as director, screenwriter and visual effects lead, with Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe reprising their roles.

The film had its world premiere as the Spotlight Gala of the 64th New York Film Festival on September 26, earning a 93% to 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is the first Japanese production shot for IMAX.

Wide North American release, big expectations

GKIDS is opening the film in more than 3,200 North American theatres. Industry tracking projects a $25 million to $30 million opening weekend, which would be GKIDS' largest debut by a wide margin, with a worldwide opening projected at around $60 million.

In a coincidence, India's mythological epic 'Ramayana: Part 1' also opens worldwide on the same day, setting up a rare box-office showdown between two major Asian blockbusters.