How old is Godzilla? It’s a question that has intrigued moviegoers and fans for decades. This iconic giant lizard has been stomping through cities and battling other monsters on the silver screen since 1954, but does that mean the monster is nearly 70 years old?
Here’s the twist: Godzilla isn’t just a senior citizen in monster years; it’s an enduring symbol of resilience, evolving with each era’s challenges. So, strap in for a revealing exploration as we delve into the curious, ever-evolving age of the monster.
Table of contents
How old is Godzilla?
Godzilla, the iconic giant monster, has an astonishingly ancient origin. It dates back over 252 million years to the Permian era, a time when Earth’s surface radiation levels were significantly higher. As radiation diminished, the monster adapted, retreating deep underground to sustain itself on the planet’s natural geothermal radiation.
This age places the monster in an era just before the Permian-Triassic period, a time marked by a catastrophic extinction event that wiped out many of Earth’s species.
According to legend, Godzilla’s enduring existence allowed it to potentially prevent this extinction event by hibernating and periodically emerging from the depths of vast bodies of water. The monster’s age is a testament to its status as a timeless and legendary creature in the world of cinema.
Read: Is Godzilla Real? (all you need to know on the Film Beast)
Early life
Believe it or not, Godzilla’s origin story is a bit peculiar. It didn’t start as the fearsome creature we know today. Instead, it began as an ancient marine mammal that encountered radioactive waste in the water. This chance encounter led to bizarre mutations, gradually transforming it into the formidable monster we recognize by its appearance.
Why is Godzilla So Powerful?
Godzilla’s power is legendary, and one of its most iconic abilities is its atomic breath. This devastating energy beam is akin to the superpowered lasers used by Superman and Supergirl. What sets Godzilla apart is its unique breath that can overwhelm foes even when it’s weakened. When facing off against the MUTOS, the monster demonstrates this incredible power.
Godzilla (1954)
The original 1954 film portrayed Godzilla as a straightforward lizard living near the water. Radiation from atomic bomb tests made its way into the water, leading to Godzilla’s massive mutation. This film served as both a horror movie and a means for Japanese audiences to cope with the trauma of Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s atomic bombings.
Also, read: Is King Kong Real? Explained
Godzilla Vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
In this movie, Godzilla’s backstory received some noble enhancements. It delved into World War II, where a dinosaur, later named Godzillasaurus, saved Japanese soldiers during a battle between Japanese and American forces. According to the film, this dinosaur ultimately transformed into the 1954 Godzilla. But aliens with their own agendas come into play, adding an intriguing twist.
Godzilla (1998)
Sony’s attempt to bring the monster to American audiences in 1998 wasn’t well-received by fans of the classic films, including Toho Co. Ltd., the original creators. They responded with “Godzilla: Final Wars,” featuring both versions of the monster.
Godzilla, Mothra, And King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
This film took Godzilla into the new millennium with a different perspective, deviating from the established canon. It started with a scene borrowed from the 1954 film but revealed that this monster was the original creature destroyed in 1945 by the oxygen destroyer. Yet, in this iteration, the oxygen destroyer didn’t obliterate the body, leading to unique consequences.
Godzilla (2014)
The 2014 movie marked the beginning of the MonsterVerse, altering key elements of Godzilla’s story. It revealed that the U.S. wasn’t conducting nuclear tests in the Pacific but rather trying to eliminate an existing Godzilla. This monster had survived the nuclear explosions of the 1950s, leading to the establishment of a new cinematic universe.
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Shin Godzilla (2016)
“Shin Godzilla” added a fresh twist to Godzilla’s history. This Toho-produced film depicted the monster as an ancient marine creature that encountered nuclear waste in the sea, leading to a series of transformations. The monster started resembling its iconic form over time.
FAQs
The main Godzilla in the Monsterverse is likely over 250 million years old, a testament to its ancient and enduring presence in the franchise.
Godzilla’s birth stems from nuclear test waste, rising from the sea to menace Japan. The sole solution: the morally troubling oxygen destroyer, akin to the atomic bombs that birthed Godzilla.
Godzilla’s exceptional age of over 250 million years results from its prehistoric origins and the influence of radiation, which granted unique powers and slowed its aging compared to other kaiju.
Conclusion
Godzilla is over 200 million years old, a product of the primordial era. It has been gracing the silver screen for more than six decades, captivating audiences with its enduring power and timeless appeal. The monster’s age is a testament to its status as an iconic pop culture figure, and it continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
References
- quora.com – How can G-o-d-zilla survive for all the years and not age?
- thecoldwire.com – How Old Is G-o-d-zilla?
- reddit.com – How old do y’all think G-o-d-zilla is?
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