‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Preps U.K.–Ireland Bow as Anime Limited Eyes Japanese Cinema Expansion

Fresh from its acquisition by Japanese entertainment giant Toho, Glasgow-based Anime Limited is positioning “Godzilla Minus Zero” as a defining theatrical release for Japanese cinema in the U.K. and Ireland, building on the record-breaking success of its predecessor.

The highly anticipated follow-up from director Yamazaki Takashi arrives in November with expectations that dwarf the modest projections that accompanied “Godzilla Minus One” in 2024. That film became the highest-grossing Japanese live-action release in U.K. history and won the Academy Award for visual effects.

“We’re starting from a completely different baseline now,” Kerry Kasim, general manager for the U.K. and Ireland at Anime Limited, tells Variety. “The previous film, when we initially started planning for it, it was difficult to compare what it would likely do. As the buildup grew, we were able to adjust our strategy. Now we understand exactly where we’re starting from, and we’re looking to go as wide, as early as possible.”