After the success of the "Godzilla" 2014 reboot, a sequel, "Godzilla 2," is announced as early as May of this year, but director Gareth Edwards decided to step down as a director — citing that he prefers to focus on lesser projects for now.
Without a director, production for "Godzilla 2" was seemingly halted. However,
reports now claim that Legendary is currently negotiating with
Michael Dougherty to put him in the director's seat. Dougherty was also previously announced as co-writer to
Zach Shields for the sequel — and it seems like he will now take the directing role too.
Shield and Dougherty's screenplay is still awaiting approval from Legendary, and the presumptive director's role might also depend on the feedback.
Among Dougherty's directing work includes horror movies such as "Krampus," which he also co-wrote with Shield, and "Trick R' Treat." He also previously worked on "X-Men 2" and "Superman Returns" as a writer.
"Godzilla 2" is slated for release on March 22, 2019 and is part of Legendary's big monster universe (also known as
kaiju cinematic universe) that includes "Kong: Skull Island," which stars
Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Samuel Jackson among others, and is slated for a Mar. 17, 2017 release.
A third installment is also expected after "Godzilla 2," which is initially set for a 2020 release, and it is titled "Godzilla vs. Kong."
Director Edwards meanwhile worked on the "Star Wars" spin-off, "Rogue One," which hits theaters this December.
The first "Godzilla" movie reboot was a
commercial success, raking in over $200 million in U.S. box offices, and a total of $529.1 million worldwide.
The film was also critically acclaimed, with a 74% rating from
Rotten Tomatoes, saying that "With just enough human drama to anchor the sweeping spectacle of giant monsters smashing everything in sight,
Gareth Edwards'
Godzilla satisfyingly restores the franchise's fire-breathing glory."
Currently there are talks with
Zac Efron in a leading role and negotiations have been in the works for possibly
Jaden Smith to be involved in some way