Godzilla Minus One made its surprise debut on Netflix this weekend. If you finally watched the Oscar-winning film from home, you might have questions about Godzilla Minus One’s shocking ending, such as what happened to Noriko, whether Godzilla is truly dead, and the possibility of a sequel.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Godzilla Minus One.
Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus One debuted in theaters on December 1, 2023, and became the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film in the U.S. The blockbuster also won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was the first movie in Godzilla’s seven-decade history to be nominated for an Oscar.
The movie explores the catastrophic aftermath of World War II on Japan, which worsens when Godzilla emerges off the coast of Tokyo. Former kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), haunted by the guilt of failing his mission, starts a new life in Tokyo with Noriko (Minami Hamabe), a woman raising an orphan named Akiko (Sae Nagatani).
Forbes'Godzilla Minus One' Is Now Streaming-How To Watch The Epic Film At HomeBy Monica Mercuri
Godzilla attacks the vulnerable city as Tokyo begins to rebuild from the war’s devastation. Originating from Odo Island, the monster was exposed to the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests, causing him to grow significantly and gain the ability to unleash an atomic heat ray from his mouth, similar to an atomic blast. Before heading towards Japan, the beast had been sinking American vessels in the South Pacific.
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Godzilla Minus One Ending Explained
During Godzilla’s initial attack, Noriko is presumed dead, leaving Shikishima devastated. Grieving her loss, he becomes determined to devise and execute a citizen-driven plan to stop Godzilla once and for all. So, what happens at the end of Godzilla Minus One, and how does it set up an exciting sequel in the franchise?
How Does Godzilla Get Defeated In Godzilla Minus One?
At the end of Godzilla Minus One, a plan is set devised by former military naval scientist Kenji Noda. They lure the monster into the bay and surround Godzilla with a fleet of ships. Gas is then released from Freon tanks, rapidly decreasing the water density and causing the monster to sink 1500 meters below sea level. Pressurized balloons are also prepared in case Godzilla survives the descent, which would launch him to the surface at high speed, resulting in explosive decompression that would essentially tear the beast apart.
Although the plan nearly succeeds, Godzilla manages to break through the balloons meant to resurface him. Despite being injured — Godzilla is not dead — so Shikishima performs a sacrificial act by piloting his plane filled with explosives directly into Godzilla's mouth. This action overrides Godzilla's atomic breath, causing a massive explosion that annihilates the monster. Fortunately, Shikishima ejects from the plane before it collides with Godzilla.
What Happened To Noriko?
When Godzilla launched his first attack earlier in the film, it was assumed that Noriko was dead after the kaiju unleashed his deadly atomic breath that destroyed the city. However, the twist ending reveals that Noriko is, in fact, alive, and Shikishima is finally able to visit her following the mission’s success.
Despite surviving Godzilla’s devastating rampage, the joy of their reunion is overlooked by a mysterious black mark on Noriko’s neck. This detail was confirmed by director Takashi Yamazaki to be Godzilla cells or G-cells.
According to IGN
Is Godzilla Really Dead At The End Of Godzilla Minus One?
Although Shikishima seemed to successfully disintegrate Godzilla's body with his plane filled with explosives, the movie's final shot suggests that the creature's demise might not be final. Viewers see Godzilla's regenerating flesh sinking into the ocean and beginning to bubble. The last scene leaves room for the possibility of a new Godzilla emerging from the remnants of its flesh.
Will There Be A Godzilla Minus One Sequel?
A sequel to Godzilla Minus One seems likely given the film’s ambiguous ending and its massive success around the world. However, Yamazaki revealed in January that he was not in talks with Toho to create a sequel. Well, at least not yet.
“No, there is no such [movie in the works] at all,” he said in an interview with Japanese media site HJ Web, according to Dexerto. “But I might be a little sad if someone is chosen for the next movie. When someone says, ‘This is the person who will direct the next Godzilla,’ I think, ‘Ah!’ And when someone says, ‘Please do it,’ I think, ‘Ah!’ [laughs]”
The director added that he already has ideas for another Godzilla Minus One film if Toho gives him the green light. “If I were to direct the next Godzilla movie, I would like to do a sequel to this one,” Yamazaki explained. “There have been two standalone Godzilla films in a row now, so perhaps the next one will need to feature a villain monster.”
Stay tuned to learn more about Godzilla Minus One and its potential sequel in the Godzilla franchise.
Watch the official trailer for Godzilla Minus One below.
