With its Godzilla adaptation, Legendary’s Monstroverse made some significant changes to the concept, allowing the kaiju and its world to be unique from the previous films. The root of all these differences is the existence of the Titans, the name the Monsterverse gave to its kaiju, who were reimagined as ancient monsters. But while this separates the Monsterverse from most iterations of Godzilla, it’s important to note that the idea isn’t entirely original. In fact, his ideas have a lot in common with Godzilla vs. Mothraa film that Toho released 32 years ago.
30 years after pitting Godzilla against Mothra in the 1961 Showa-era film Mothra x GodzillaToho organized a rematch. The fight took place in 1992 Godzilla vs. Mothrawhich once again saw Godzilla take on the role of villain. But instead of Godzilla taking on Mothra in another one-on-one confrontation, Toho decided to throw a third party into the equation. To this end, Godzilla vs. Mothra introduced a rival to Mothra, a vile creature known as Battra. Through the creation of Battra, the studio quietly laid the foundation for a fundamental element of the Monsterverse.
Godzilla vs. Mothra Topped the Monsterverse with One of Its Most Important Ideas
Battra and Mothra are former enemies in Godzilla vs.
In Godzilla vs. Mothrait was revealed that Mothra and Battra are ancient rivals involved in a conflict that dates back thousands of years.. According to the film, Battra and Mothra had a disagreement over the fate of humanity in Earth’s ancient past, resulting in an intense battle. Mothra won the fight, but Battra survived, albeit on ice. Upon awakening in the current era, he was given the opportunity to continue his fight with Mothra. This served as the basis for the story, making it comparable to films set in the Monsterverse. They also focus on rivalries between ancient monsters.
Ancient creatures sharing long stories with each other that go beyond what is shown on screen is a recurring theme in the Monsterverse. The MUTOs, King Ghidorah, and Skar King were all portrayed as Godzilla’s old adversaries, whom he defeated long ago. However, it’s not an idea found in the vast majority of Godzilla films. Occasionally features ancient monsters, such as King Caesar and Mothra, but Godzilla vs. Mothra it was the first film to have two of them facing off. It was unique in that regard until the rise of the Monsterverse.
Why It Took So Long for the Godzilla Movies to Feature Rivalries With Ancient Monsters
Godzilla vs. Mothra was an exception for years
Godzilla vs. Mothra Being so atypical and the only Godzilla film to share this trait with the Monsterverse can largely be attributed to the way Godzilla has been defined over the years. Traditionally, Godzilla is considered a product of the hydrogen bomb, thus severely limiting the length of his story to a few decades. To go this route, Toho had to shift the focus to two different monsters. This is in direct opposition to Monstroversewhich made most of Godzilla’s enemies someone he has a rich history with.