Japan
‘Godzilla Minus One’ Director Takashi Yamazaki to Make English-Language Debut With ‘Grandgear’: Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, the Oscar-winning director behind Godzilla Minus One, is set to make his English-language directorial debut with Grandgear, a new project from Sony Pictures being produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot.
Yamazaki, celebrated for his groundbreaking visual effects and cinematic storytelling, is taking a major step into Hollywood with the upcoming film. While details about the plot remain under wraps, the project brings together an emerging cast and an established production company known for high-profile film and television projects.
Actors Sam Nivola and Nico Parker have joined the production, while Paul Giamatti is reportedly in talks to appear in the film. Yamazaki has written the original screenplay, although Sony Pictures has yet to reveal further details about the story, additional cast members or the production schedule.
Nivola has attracted attention for his performance in the acclaimed television series The White Lotus. His credits also include White Noise and Maestro. Parker, meanwhile, has built a growing profile through projects including Suncoast, HBO’s The Last of Us and the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. She received a special jury award for breakthrough performance at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival for Suncoast and earned a BAFTA supporting actress nomination for The Last of Us.
Giamatti, known for his work across independent films and major studio productions, is reportedly being considered for a role. His involvement has not been confirmed.
Yamazaki achieved international recognition with Godzilla Minus One, which won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2024. The achievement marked a historic milestone, making Yamazaki the first director since Stanley Kubrick to win an Oscar in the category. The film also delivered a strong global box-office performance, earning approximately $113 million worldwide.
The filmmaker is also preparing for the next chapter in the franchise with Godzilla Minus Zero, scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on November 6, 2026, through GKIDS.
With Grandgear, Yamazaki will bring his filmmaking approach to an English-language production backed by Sony Pictures and Bad Robot. The collaboration represents another connection between Japanese filmmaking talent and Hollywood’s international studio system.
Although the film’s premise remains undisclosed, Yamazaki’s transition into English-language filmmaking is likely to attract attention from audiences following his success with Godzilla Minus One. Further announcements are expected to clarify the project’s storyline, cast and release plans.
