Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film is the sequel to the Oscar-winning 2023 blockbuster Godzilla Minus One. Its impressive preview performance has raised expectations for a potentially huge opening weekend, with early industry projections suggesting domestic earnings could exceed $30 million.
More than $4 million of the reported preview total came from the latest round of screenings ahead of the film’s wide release.
GKIDS Sets New Preview Record
The $6 million preview collection marks the highest opening preview performance in the history of distributor GKIDS.
It comfortably surpasses the previous record held by Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film The Boy and the Heron, which earned $2.39 million through Thursday and early-access screenings in 2023.
The original Godzilla Minus One collected approximately $2.1 million from its Wednesday and Thursday previews before opening with $11.4 million in North America.
The sequel’s stronger early performance has generated expectations that it could significantly outperform its predecessor during its opening weekend.
Opening Weekend Could Exceed $30 Million
Industry projections suggest Godzilla Minus Zero could earn more than $30 million domestically during its opening weekend if its current momentum continues.
Its preview earnings have also attracted comparisons with other major monster and action releases.
The film has already surpassed the $4.8 million collected by Predator: Badlands during its Wednesday and Thursday previews before that movie opened with $40 million last year.
Its preview total is also approaching the $6.3 million earned by Legendary’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters through Thursday screenings in 2019.
Strong Demand for Premium Screenings
The film’s early box office performance is particularly notable because it carries an R rating, an unusual classification for a modern Godzilla release.
Despite the age restriction, strong audience interest in premium large-format screenings and IMAX presentations appears to be contributing to ticket sales.
Special fan screenings organised around Godzilla Day, alongside additional preview showings ahead of Friday’s theatrical release, helped generate the film’s impressive opening figures.
Godzilla Minus Zero Stars Recall Hollywood Ovation at Tokyo Film Festival
Record-Breaking Start in Japan
Godzilla Minus Zero has also delivered a strong performance in its home market.
The film earned approximately 1.38 billion yen, or $8.7 million, during its first three days in Japan.
Its opening day on Godzilla Day alone generated around 910 million yen, equivalent to $5.7 million.
That performance established a record for the biggest opening day by a live-action film in Japan, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Following an Oscar-Winning Success
The sequel arrives three years after Godzilla Minus One, which became an unexpected international box office success.
The 2023 film earned approximately $113 million worldwide despite having a relatively modest production budget.
It also won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, becoming the first film in the Godzilla franchise to receive an Oscar.
The success of its predecessor helped build international interest in the new instalment, giving Godzilla Minus Zero a strong foundation ahead of its theatrical release.
With record-breaking previews in North America and an impressive opening in Japan, the sequel is emerging as one of the major box office stories of the weekend.
