Godzilla vs. Megalon
A 1973 kaiju film featuring Godzilla, Megalon, Gigan, and Jet Jaguar.
Godzilla vs. Megalon (ゴジラ対メガロ, Gojira tai Megaro) is a 1973 Japanese kaiju film directed by Jun Fukuda, who co-wrote it with Shinichi Sekizawa. Tomoyuki Tanaka produced it, and Teruyoshi Nakano handled the special effects. Toho distributed the film, which was made by their effects division Toho–Eizo. It is the thirteenth Godzilla movie. The cast includes Katsuhiko Sasaki, Hiroyuki Kawase, Yutaka Hayashi, and Robert Dunham, with Shinji Takagi as Godzilla, Hideto Date as Megalon, Kenpachiro Satsuma as Gigan, and Tsugutoshi Komada as Jet Jaguar. The film came out in Japan on March 17, 1973, and in the United States in summer 1976 through Cinema Shares. Critics and audiences gave it mixed reviews, often criticizing the special effects and the reuse of footage from earlier Godzilla movies. Despite this, its U.S. release and later home media made it one of the most recognized kaiju films in America, and it likely shaped Western views of the genre as comedic or campy. The film gained renewed attention after appearing on *Mystery Science Theater 3000* in 1991. It was followed by *Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla*, released on March 21, 1974.
- Release date (Japan)
- March 17, 1973
- Director
- Jun Fukuda
- Writers
- Jun Fukuda, Shinichi Sekizawa
- Producer
- Tomoyuki Tanaka
- Special effects director
- Teruyoshi Nakano
- Distributor
- Toho
- Film series position
- 13th in the Godzilla franchise
Lore & Background
The film's plot begins in 1973 with underground nuclear tests near the Aleutians that send shockwaves to Monster Island, causing Anguirus to fall into a fissure and Godzilla to narrowly escape. The tests also damage Seatopia, an undersea civilization ruled by an emperor referred to only as the Emperor of Seatopia, which unleashes the beetle-styled titan Megalon to destroy the surface world. On the surface, inventor Goro Ibuki, his brother Rokuro, and friend Hiroshi Jinkawa build a humanoid robot named Jet Jaguar. Seatopian agents steal Jet Jaguar to guide Megalon in attacking Tokyo, but the trio escapes and regains control of Jet Jaguar, sending it to summon Godzilla. The Seatopians call for aid from the Nebulans, who send Gigan. After a battle, Gigan and Megalon retreat, and Godzilla and Jet Jaguar shake hands.
Reader's Guide
Godzilla vs. Megalon received generally mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with criticism of its special effects and use of stock footage from previous Godzilla films. Despite this, its 1976 U.S. theatrical release by Cinema Shares grossed $5 million, and subsequent home media made it one of the most well-known kaiju films in the United States. The film's popularity may be a major contributor to Western perceptions of kaiju films as comedic or campy. It gained revived recognition after an appearance on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1991. The film was followed by Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, released on March 21, 1974. The production was rushed, with the Godzilla suit made in a week and filming taking three weeks. The film's origins include a children's contest that led to the creation of Jet Jaguar, and early treatments titled Godzilla vs. The Megalon Brothers and Insect Monster Megalon vs. Godzilla.
Did You Know?
- The Godzilla suit used in this film, nicknamed 'MegaroGoji', is rumored to have been made in a week, but this claim is not universally confirmed and may be an exaggeration.
- The Megalon suit was one of the heaviest suits produced since the 1954 Godzilla suit, making wire-raising scenes difficult.
- Jet Jaguar originated from a Toho contest for children; the winner submitted a drawing of a robot called Red Arone.
- The film heavily employs stock footage from earlier films including Mothra vs. Godzilla and Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Godzilla vs. Megalon?
It is the thirteenth Godzilla film, a 1973 Japanese kaiju production directed by Jun Fukuda and released by Toho. The story centers on Godzilla battling the alien war machine Megalon, with the space pirate Gigan also joining the fight.
What monsters appear in Godzilla vs. Megalon?
Godzilla serves as the hero, while Megalon is the main antagonist and Gigan acts as a supporting villain. Jet Jaguar, a robot built by Dr. Oki, also fights alongside Godzilla against the invaders.
Who directed and produced Godzilla vs. Megalon?
Jun Fukuda helmed the project and shared screenwriting credit with Shinichi Sekizawa. Tomoyuki Tanaka handled production, and Teruyoshi Nakano directed the special effects sequences.
How does Godzilla vs. Megalon's story end?
Godzilla destroys Megalon in the climactic battle, eliminating the primary threat to humanity. The heroes then part ways, and Godzilla departs back into the sea.
Why is Godzilla vs. Megalon significant in the franchise?
It introduces Jet Jaguar, one of the few human-made heroes to fight alongside Godzilla in the series. The film also brings back Gigan after his appearance in the 1971 entry, making it a key crossover point for that character.
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