New movie Godzilla Minus One returns the iconic kaiju to his roots, going back in time to tell a story about Godzilla wreaking havoc during, and then after, World War II. The film itself seems to grabble with the history of the war itself as its main theme, as well as how the war impacted our central cast of characters. This choice seems like a natural turn, for those who are familiar with Godzilla's history, but that didn't keep people from asking Godzilla Minus One's director Takashi Yamazaki (who also served as writer and VFX supervisor on the movie) why he would choose such a dour time period in which to set his Godzilla movie.

At the American Godzilla Minus One premiere, Yamazaki shared with the audience through an interpreter that he'd been questioned about that very decision. "I've been told by people, 'Why did you set it in such a diffcult time? It's awful!' But there is a reason for this," he explained, adding that it's because "I wanted to tell a story where all civilians get together and persevere through to defeat Godzilla, so I was hoping that you all can get some courage from the story."

Hopefully, audiences will.

Godzilla Minus One hits theaters November 29, 2023. Buy tickets on Fandango or Atom Tickets.

Whichever giant monster is your favorite, Popverse has you covered. We have a guide to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire's ending (and what it means for the broader MonsterVerse), as well as watch orders for both Legendary's MonsterVerse and Godzilla's overall movies, as well as why Godzilla Minus One left theaters early (and why New Empire could be to blame!), and if you're a Popverse premium member, a New York Comic Con-exclusive interview with the cast and crew of Legendary's kaiju-hunting drama Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.