(SeaPRwire) – Following the global success of Godzilla: Minus One in 2023, many have wondered what director Takashi Yamazaki would tackle next. The filmmaker, who transitioned from visual effects to directing, demonstrated his ability to create a massive impact with a modest budget of roughly $10 to $15 million. The prospect of what he could achieve with a major Hollywood budget is highly anticipated, and fans won’t have to wait long. In addition to a Minus One sequel scheduled for 2026, Yamazaki is currently developing his first English-language project, Grandgear.
Development on Grandgear has been underway since 2024. Sony Pictures secured the distribution rights following a competitive bidding process, with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot joining as a producer shortly thereafter. While the plot was initially kept secret, Sony finally shared details at this year’s CinemaCon, revealing a story that draws comparisons to Neon Genesis Evangelion or Pacific Rim.
At the convention in Las Vegas, Sony announced that Grandgear is slated for release in February 2028, with Yamazaki serving as both writer and director. This project follows his work on Godzilla Minus Zero and will focus on giant mechs. A brief preview shown at CinemaCon featured a battle between two mechs that, according to The Playlist, appeared even more “slick” than the visuals in the Pacific Rim franchise.
It remains unclear if these mechs will fight one another or team up against giant monsters, though some CinemaCon reports indicate they will be battling kaiju. Given Yamazaki’s track record, a narrative twist is expected. Regardless, it will be exciting to see the mecha genre receive a high-quality live-action treatment after interest in giant robots began to fade following the Pacific Rim sequels.
It will be interesting to see how the director interprets this staple of Japanese culture, especially with other mecha films in production. Netflix and Legendary are currently working on a live-action Gundam film starring Sydney Sweeney. There is plenty of room for multiple giant robot stories, particularly when one is coming from the director of the decade’s most acclaimed Godzilla movie. While Grandgear is still in the early stages, its announcement is a significant cause for excitement.
Grandgear is scheduled to hit theaters on February 18, 2028.
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