Unmade 1955 Godzilla Movie Almost Explored Hollow Earth & Godzilla’s Origin Story 64 Years Before Monsterverse

The Monsterverse uniquely incorporates the intriguing concepts of the Hollow Earth and the ancient history of the Titans, setting it apart from previous interpretations of Godzilla’s narrative. While numerous timelines exist within the Godzilla franchise, only in the Monsterverse is Godzilla illustrated as an ancient entity connected to an underground realm. Interestingly, had a specific project initiated in 1955 come to fruition, these elements might not have been exclusive to the Monsterverse.

Toho’s history is rich with ambitious plans for Godzilla films that ultimately never materialized. Notable among these abandoned projects are titles like Godzilla vs. Bagan, a potential crossover with King Kong in the 1990s, and The Return of King Ghidorah!. Another intriguing concept was Bride of Godzilla?. Despite its whimsical title suggesting absurd additions to Godzilla’s universe, it actually aimed to introduce innovative ideas that would later prove pivotal to the creation of Legendary’s billion-dollar monster movie franchise.

How Bride of Godzilla? Could Have Redefined Kaiju Lore

The Integral Element of the Monsterverse Nearly Made Its Debut in the 1950s

Godzilla, 1954 - Godzilla is eating a piece of a vehicle in its mouth

Following the release of Godzilla Raids Again in 1955, which marked the franchise’s first monster battle, Toho began developing a sequel titled Bride of Godzilla?. As detailed in The Big Book of Giant Japanese Monsters: The Lost Films by John LeMay, this film would have explored the origins of both Godzilla and Anguirus, utilizing the real-world Hollow Earth theory as a central narrative thread.

The character of Dr. Zenji Shida was envisioned to explain that Godzilla and Anguirus hailed from a “hollow earth”cavern located deep beneath the surface, populated with prehistoric creatures long believed extinct. The plotline would weave together Godzilla’s conflict with a mechanized opponent, the Bride of Godzilla, further enhancing its mythos.

The Reason Bride of Godzilla? Remained Unproduced

Complexity and Cost: The Downfall of Bride of Godzilla?

The popularity of the Monsterverse underscores the vast storytelling possibilities related to the concept of Hollow Earth as a fundamental aspect of Godzilla’s narrative. However, Toho’s hesitance to embrace this idea can be traced back to practical challenges. LeMay argues that Bride of Godzilla? was likely too ambitious for Toho’s allocated budget in 1955.

The considerable expenses associated with creating the Hollow Earth settings, the special effects required for the Bride of Godzilla, and the return of Anguirus, made the project financially daunting. Reports suggest that Toho may not have been ready to invest in another Godzilla project immediately after Godzilla Raids Again, opting instead to shift focus to other films like Rodan until King Kong vs. Godzilla in 1962, which did not incorporate the concepts from the envisioned Bride of Godzilla?.

Contrasting Origins: Bride of Godzilla? vs. the Monsterverse

Godzilla vs Kong Crab Monster Hollow Earth

While the lore introduced by Bride of Godzilla? aligns with the Monsterverse, several critical differences remain. Given its connection to the earlier films, Bride of Godzilla? would not have retconned Godzilla’s association with nuclear tests. In contrast, the Monsterverse portrays Godzilla as being awakened by contemporary nuclear experiments, diverging from Toho’s original atomic origins.

The Potential Impact of Bride of Godzilla? on the Franchise

If the film had come to fruition, it would likely have been more than just a standalone installment; Bride of Godzilla? could have laid a foundation for future films to explore the intricate world of Godzilla. Much like the Monsterverse’s implementation of the Hollow Earth, Toho could have used this framework to explain the origins of various monsters across its universe. This addition would have provided a unified narrative thread and enhanced continuity within the franchise.

Moreover, Bride of Godzilla? could have facilitated the integration of other elements of the Godzilla universe, such as Seatopia, a subterranean city introduced in Godzilla vs. Megalon. By connecting these vibrant narratives, Toho could have crafted a more cohesive mythology that aligned with the modern interpretations seen in the Monsterverse.

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