Godzilla (TriStar)

File:Kurt Carley Godzilla Suit.jpg

During the production of the 1998 film, special effects artist Patrick Tatopoulos was contacted by director Roland Emmerich and asked to create a new design for the Godzilla character. According to Tatopoulos, the only specific instructions Emmerich gave him was that it should be able to run incredibly fast.{{sfn|Rickitt|2006|p=74-76}} Emmerich intended to depict the character as an animal rather than a monster.{{sfn|Ryfle|1998|p=334}} Godzilla was originally conceived by special effects director Eiji Tsubaraya, special effects designers Akira Wantanabe and Teizo Toshimitsu and producer Tomoyuki Tanaka as a robust, erect-standing, plantigrade reptilian sea monster, played by an actor in a rubber-latex full-body suit. Based on the instructions Emmerich gave him, Tatopoulos reimagined it as a lean, digitigrade bipedal iguana that stood with its back and tail parallel to the ground, rendered via computer animation.{{cite web|url=http://www.theasc.com/magazine/jun98/godzilla/art1/pg1.htm |title=Godzilla Lives! - page 1 |publisher=Theasc.com |access-date=January 22, 2014}} The monster's distinctive facial features include a prominent lantern jaw, inspired by the fictional tiger Shere Khan from Disney's animated adaptation of The Jungle Book.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2013/04/story-notes-trivia-godzilla.php |title=Story Notes for Godzilla |publisher=Blogs.amctv.com |date=April 30, 2013 |access-date=January 22, 2014}}

TriStar's Godzilla color scheme was designed to reflect and blend in with the urban environment.{{sfn|Rickitt|2006|p=74-76}} At one point, it was planned to use motion capture to create the movements of the computer-generated monster, but it ended up looking too much like a man in a suit.{{sfn|Rickitt|2000|p=174}} The Baby Godzilla scenes utilized a combination of CGI and purpose built costumes donned by actors.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it2oxGrYa98 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/it2oxGrYa98| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Godzilla - Behind the Scenes - FX & Baby Godzilla Costumes etc.|work=YouTube|date=March 10, 2011 |access-date=October 5, 2014}}{{cbignore}} Kurt Carley portrayed the suitmation sequences for the adult Godzilla in the 1998 film while voice actor Frank Welker, foley artist Gary A. Hecker, and the film's sound designer Scott Martin Gershin provided additional vocals for both Godzilla and its offspring.{{Cite web |title=Scott Martin Gershin on Sound Design and Movies - Waves Audio |url=https://www.waves.com/scott-martin-gershin-on-sound-design-for-movies |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=waves.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Behind the Voice Actors - Godzilla |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Godzilla/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}} Upon pending approval for the design, at the time, Shōgo Tomiyama commented on the new look, saying "It was so different we realized we couldn't make small adjustments. That left the major question of whether to approve it or not."{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jul-13-ca-3197-story.html |title='Godzilla' Returns Home Something of a Stranger - Los Angeles Times |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=July 13, 1998 |access-date=January 22, 2014}} Though TriStar's Godzilla was referred to by the film's characters as a "he", Patrick Tatopoulos stated on a DVD audio commentary that the effects crew sculpted female genitalia into the CG model of the creature.Patrick Tatopoulos; Godzilla 1998 Region 1 DVD special features, "Special FX Supervisor Commentary" (Scene 14: "He's pregnant.")

In the 1998 film and animated series, TriStar's Godzilla is portrayed as a territorial, piscivorous, {{convert|180|ft|m|2}} tall{{sfn|Molstad|1998|p=130}}{{cite web |url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2006/03/28/godzilla-the-series/ |title=The Ultimate Guide to GODZILLA: THE SERIES |work=SciFi Japan |access-date=October 5, 2014}} mutated lizard. Atypical of Toho's giant monster characters, TriStar's Godzilla is not immune to conventional weaponry, and instead relies on its cunning and athleticism to outflank its enemies. It can travel long distances over land and sea, burrow underground and reproduce via parthenogenesis, and is able to lay over 200 eggs,{{cite web |url=http://www.thewrap.com/godzilla-5-things-roland-emmerichs-1998-version-did-better/ |title='Godzilla': 5 Things Roland Emmerich's 1998 Version Did Better - TheWrap |work=TheWrap |date=May 21, 2014 |access-date=October 5, 2014}} unlike its offspring in the animated series which was unable to reproduce. It possesses an ignitable radioactive breath weapon called "Power Breath", although its offspring could breathe a green atomic Power Breath in the animated series (where also the parent, resurrected as a cyborg called Cyber-Godzilla, possessed a blue version), in which it was pitted against a rogues gallery of original monsters, after the producers were unable to secure the rights to adapt Toho's classic monsters.{{cite web|url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2006/03/28/godzilla-the-series/ |title=The Ultimate Guide to Godzilla: The Series|publisher=SciFi Japan |access-date=January 22, 2014}} It was also featured in advertisements alongside the Taco Bell chihuahua.{{cite web |url=http://www.tvacres.com/adanimals_tacobell.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205075423/http://www.tvacres.com/adanimals_tacobell.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=Advertising > Animal Mascots > Gidget the Dog (Taco Bell) |publisher=Tv Acres |date=July 21, 2009 |access-date=January 22, 2014 }}

File:Godzilla vs. Zilla concept art.png

During production of Godzilla: Final Wars, director Ryuhei Kitamura asked producer Shōgo Tomiyama whether or not they were allowed to include TriStar's Godzilla in the film. Tomiyama checked Toho's contract with Sony and saw they were allowed to use it, stating, "since this was the 50th anniversary film, I thought ‘Why not include the American Godzilla?'" This incarnation of TriStar's Godzilla was named "Zilla".{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/godzilla-toho/godzilla-unmade-the-history-of-jan-de-bonts-unproduced-tristar-film-part-4-of-4|title=Godzilla Unmade: The History of Jan De Bont's Unproduced TriStar Film – Part 4 of 4|last=Aiken|first=Keith|work=SciFi Japan|date=May 31, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140106/http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2015/05/31/godzilla-unmade-the-history-of-jan-de-bonts-unproduced-tristar-film-part-4-of-4/}} This decision was made because they also felt that Emmerich's film had taken the "God" out of "Godzilla" by portraying the character as a mere animal, however, Kitamura admitted to "liking" the 1998 film and Emmerich's works.{{cite web|url=http://www.pennyblood.com/godzilla2.html |title=Godzilla Stomps into Los Angeles |last=Schaefer |first=Mark |work=Penny Blood |date=November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050203181104/http://www.pennyblood.com/godzilla2.html |archive-date=February 3, 2005}} The name "Zilla" was chosen for the character by Tomiyama as a satirical take on counterfeit Godzilla products that use "Zilla" as a suffix.{{cite web|url=http://www.monsterzero.us/editorials/editorials.php?catID=Nws&subCatID=15&contentID=524 |title=Godzilla vs Zilla |last1=Figurski|first1=Jim|last2=Matsuda|first2=Takashi|publisher=Monster Zero News |date=August 27, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024093918/http://www.monsterzero.us/editorials/editorials.php?catID=Nws&subCatID=15&contentID=524 |archive-date=October 24, 2005 }}

A 3D scan of the Trendmasters "Ultimate Godzilla" toy was used as reference for Zilla.{{cite web |url=https://www.scifijapan.com/merchandise/godzilla-the-series-the-lost-trendmasters-toy-line|title=Godzilla: The Series - The Lost Trendmasters Toy Line|first1=Jonathan|last1=Shyman|first2=Keith|last2=Aiken|work=SciFi Japan |access-date=October 5, 2014}} In the film, Zilla engages Toho's Godzilla in a battle intended "to show which Godzilla is stronger". Zilla would fight Godzilla again in a slightly longer battle, and even team up with Godzilla to fight other monsters, in the comic series by IDW Publishing titled Godzilla: Rulers of Earth running between 2013 and 2015.{{cite web|url=https://comicbookmovie.com/comics/comics-writer-chris-mowry-gives-insight-on-idws-godzilla-rulers-of-earth-a80739|title=Comics: Writer Chris Mowry Gives Insight On IDW's Godzilla: Rulers of Earth|author=OniGoji|work=Comic Book Movie|date=June 2, 2013|access-date=January 2, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102194923/https://www.comicbookmovie.com/amp/comics/comics-writer-chris-mowry-gives-insight-on-idws-godzilla-rulers-of-earth-a80739}}

The "Zilla" trademark has led to confusion from fans over Toho's treatment of TriStar's Godzilla and the possibilities of rebranding. Matt Frank (co-writer and illustrator of IDW Comics' Godzilla: Rulers of Earth) clarified, "Toho makes zero distinction between 'Zilla' and 'Godzilla 1998' with the exception of title alone. Ever since 2004, Toho's official stance has been that any future incarnations of the character be referred to hereafter as 'Zilla'."{{cite web|url=http://comments.deviantart.com/1/365062300/3045263732|title=Matt Frank on Zilla|last=Frank|first=Matt|work=Deviant Art|date=May 9, 2013|access-date=September 3, 2015}} Keith Aiken (co-editor of SciFi Japan) also clarified that "'Zilla' is a variation of the '1998 Godzilla' but stressed that only the incarnations from the 1998 film and the animated series retain the Godzilla copyright and trademark.{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/rw74Yk0.jpg|title=Keith Aiken Facebook|last=Aiken|first=Keith|work=Facebook|date=August 17, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2016}}

The design and characterization of TriStar's Godzilla was negatively received.{{cite web|url=http://www.nuketown.com/movies/reviews/cloverfield |title=Cloverfield: The monster movie Godzilla should have been |date=July 31, 2010 |publisher=Nuketown |access-date=January 22, 2014}} Film critic Richard Pusateri of G-Fan Magazine coined the acronym GINO ("Godzilla In Name Only") to distinguish it from Toho's Godzilla.{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/content/staff-contributors#RichardPusateri|title=Staff & Contributors SciFi Japan |publisher=SciFi Japan|date= |access-date=August 27, 2021}} while other publications referred to it as the "American Godzilla".{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/dvd-blu-ray-digital/dvd-reviews-godzilla-monster-edition-and-godzilla-the-series|title=DVD Reviews: Godzilla: Monster Edition and Godzilla: The Series|last=Aiken|first=Keith|work=SciFi Japan|date=March 24, 2006|access-date=August 27, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827181915/https://www.scifijapan.com/dvd-blu-ray-digital/dvd-reviews-godzilla-monster-edition-and-godzilla-the-series}}

Tom Breihan from Deadspin stated that TriStar's Godzilla "wasn't motherfucking Godzilla at all," elaborating that the character was treated like a "tapped animal", lacked Godzilla's signature blue atomic breath, ran and hid, caused less damage, and that Emmerich and Devlin had "completely missed the entire point" of Godzilla.{{cite web|url=http://theconcourse.deadspin.com/worst-godzilla-ever-why-japan-hated-and-murked-the-1-1573686109|title=Worst Godzilla Ever: Why Japan Hated (And Murked) The '98 U.S. Remake|last=Breihan|first=Tom|work=The Concourse|publisher=Deadspin|access-date=April 11, 2018|date=May 12, 2014|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619165255/https://theconcourse.deadspin.com/worst-godzilla-ever-why-japan-hated-and-murked-the-1-1573686109|url-status=live}}

These sentiments were echoed by veteran Godzilla suit actors Haruo Nakajima and Kenpachiro Satsuma, and by Shusuke Kaneko, director of the '90s Gamera films. Nakajima ridiculed the character design, stating: "Its face looks like an iguana and its body and limbs look like a frog".{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2014/05/10/godzilla-is-back-and-bigger-then-ever/|title=Godzilla is back and bigger than ever|last=Getlen|first=Larry|work=New York Post|date=May 10, 2014|access-date=April 12, 2018}} Satsuma walked out of the film, saying "it's not Godzilla, it doesn't have his spirit".{{sfn|Ryfle|1998|p=344}} Kaneko opined "[Americans] seem unable to accept a creature that cannot be put down by their arms",{{cite web |url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/ie/daily/19980711/19250874.html |title=The US version |publisher=Expressindia.indianexpress.com |date=July 11, 1998 |access-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015195729/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/ie/daily/19980711/19250874.html |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} and later alluded to the character in his film Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack as a monster that Americans mistook for Godzilla.{{cite web|url=http://www.godzillatemple.com/movie25.htm |title=Barry's Temple of Godzilla - Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: All Monsters Attack |publisher=Godzillatemple.com |access-date=January 22, 2014}} Thomas Tull (producer of Legendary's Godzilla series) criticized the design of TriStar's Godzilla, stating, "I’m always puzzled as a fan when you take things so far it’s unrecognizable."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/features/thomas-tull-gareth-edwards-godzilla-1201172297/|title=How 'Godzilla' Roared Again with Director Gareth Edwards, Legendary's Thomas Tull|last=Graser|first=Marc|work=Variety|date=May 6, 2014|access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228165945/https://variety.com/2014/film/features/thomas-tull-gareth-edwards-godzilla-1201172297/}} Toho publicist Yosuke Ogura later called TriStar's design a "disaster."{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/godzilla-1998-movie-toho-hated-reason-millennium-series/|title=Why Toho Hated The 1998 Godzilla Movie (& What Happened After)|author=Nicholas Raymond|work=Screen Rant|date=March 5, 2020|access-date=March 7, 2020|url-status=live|archive-date=March 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307081727/https://screenrant.com/godzilla-1998-movie-toho-hated-reason-millennium-series/}}

The animated version of the character was more positively received than its live-action predecessor, due to being closer in line with the spirit of Toho's Godzilla, possessing the ability to breathe atomic fire, battle monsters, and withstand attacks.{{cite web|last=Cullum |first=Brett |url=http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/godzillaanimated.php|title=DVD Verdict - Godzilla: The Series |publisher=DVD Verdict |date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=March 1, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://japancinema.net/2013/06/05/godzilla-the-series-review-2/ |title=Godzilla: The Series – Review |publisher=Japan Cinema |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=January 22, 2014}} However, the negative response to both Emmerich's Godzilla as well as the Disney remake of Mighty Joe Young released that same year, had caused giant monster movies to fall out of vogue for several years after, with films such as Peter Jackson's King Kong remake being postponed until 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.sonic-cinema.com/film_reviews_individual/133/king-kong |title=King Kong::film review |publisher=sonic-cinema.com |access-date=January 22, 2014}} Poor merchandise sales for the film led to a cancellation of a toy line based on Godzilla: The Series, and resulted in significant financial losses for toy manufacturer Trendmasters.{{cite web|url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2011/01/07/godzilla-the-series-the-lost-trendmasters-toy-line/|title=Godzilla: The Series - The Lost Trendmasters Toy Line|last1=Shyman|first1=Jonathan|last2=Aiken|first2=Keith|work=SciFi Japan|date=May 2012|access-date=April 12, 2018}} Nicholas Raymond from Screen Rant described Toho's subsequent treatment of TriStar's Godzilla as "a clear sign that Toho doesn't regard the 1998 Godzilla as the King of the Monsters. It would appear that to them, he's just a giant lizard."

In later years, the 1998 film and its version of Godzilla would receive reappraise from journalist and fans that grew up with the film.{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/05/1998-godzilla-defense|title=In Defense of the 1998 Godzilla|first=John|last=Devore|work=Vanity Fair|date=May 15, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2025|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/feb/01/godzilla-1998-roland-emmerich-monster-movie|title=Hear me out: why 1998's Godzilla isn't a bad movie|first=Edward|last=Tew|work=The Guardian|date=February 1, 2021|access-date=June 21, 2025|url-status=live|archive-date=June 21, 2025|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/OKrCm}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/godzilla-1998-movie/|title=Why the Worst ‘Godzilla’ Movie Isn’t as Bad as Its Reputation|first=Emmanuel|last=Ronquillo|work=Collider|date=March 10, 2024|access-date=June 21, 2025|url-status=live|archive-date=June 21, 2025|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/BmbHO}} Ten years after the film's release, director and co-writer Roland Emmerich felt the film was better than what critics said it was and said that the film is a favorite amongst his friends' kids.{{cite web|last=Gilchrist|first=Todd|url=http://www.blackfilm.com/20040528/features/rolandemmerich.shtml|title=The Day After Tomorrow: An Interview with Roland Emmerich|work=BlackFilm.com|access-date=November 6, 2011|date=May 2008|archive-date=March 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306110853/http://www.blackfilm.com/20040528/features/rolandemmerich.shtml|url-status=live}} While promoting Godzilla: Final Wars, director Ryuhei Kitamura admitted that he "liked" both the 1998 film and Emmerich's films. In 2024, filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, director and writer of Toho's 2023 film Godzilla Minus One, spoke favorably of the 1998 film. He felt that on its own merits, the 1998 film is "fun" and "quite well executed" and was technologically a huge achievement but understood why some are hesitant to consider it part of the franchise.{{cite web|url=https://www.moviemaker.com/godzilla-minus-one-takashi-yamazaki-oppenheimer/|title=Takashi Yamazaki on the'Striking' Connection Between Godzilla Minus One and Oppenheimer |first=Joshua |last=Encinias |work=MovieMaker |date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228201509/https://www.moviemaker.com/godzilla-minus-one-takashi-yamazaki-oppenheimer/}}

Despite the 1998 film's initial negative reception, its animated sequel Godzilla: The Series earned successful ratings and was more popular with fans of Toho's Godzilla.{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/reviews/dvd-reviews-godzilla-monster-edition-and-godzilla-the-series |title=DVD Reviews: Godzilla: Monster Edition and Godzilla: The Series|first=Keith|last=Aiken|work=SciFi Japan|date=March 24, 2006|access-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023060804/https://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2006/03/24/dvd-reviews-godzilla-monster-edition-and-godzilla-the-series/ |archive-date=October 23, 2007}}

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TriStar's Godzilla has only made two film appearances in Godzilla (1998) and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) and was vaguely referenced in Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001). TriStar originally planned to produce a trilogy,{{cite news|title=TriStar lands monster of deal with 'Godzilla'|url=https://variety.com/1992/film/news/tristar-lands-monster-of-deal-with-godzilla-100893/|first=John|last=Evan Frook|work=Variety|date=October 29, 1992|access-date=May 10, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510202320/https://variety.com/1992/film/news/tristar-lands-monster-of-deal-with-godzilla-100893/}} and Tab Murphy was commissioned by Emmerich and Devlin to write a story treatment for Godzilla 2. However, the sequels were cancelled due to the 1998 film's poor reception and TriStar let their remake/sequel rights expire on May 20, 2003. An animated television series, Godzilla: The Series, was produced instead and served as a sequel to the 1998 film.{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/anime-animation/godzilla-the-series|title=The Ultimate Guide to Godzilla: The Series|last1=Johnson|first1=Bob|last2=Aiken|first2=Keith|work=SciFi Japan|date=March 28, 2006|access-date=April 15, 2018|url-status=live|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615194946/https://www.scifijapan.com/anime-animation/godzilla-the-series}} It featured the surviving offspring from the 1998 film as the new Godzilla, as well as a reanimated cyborg version of its parent, named "Cyber-Godzilla".

For the video games Godzilla: Save the Earth and Godzilla: Unleashed, developer Simon Strange decided not to include Zilla due to the character's unpopularity among fans. Strange received criticism from fans for not including Zilla in Godzilla: Unleashed.{{cite web|url=http://www.tohokingdom.com/images/vg/project-g/simon-podcast_2.4.mp3|title=Podcast 2.4|format=MP3|publisher=Tohokingdom.com|access-date=5 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tohokingdom.com/images/vg/project-g/simon-podcast_2.3.mp3|title=Podcast 2.3|format=MP3|publisher=Tohokingdom.com|access-date=5 October 2014}} In 2024, the children's web series Godziban introduced a bright pink female Zilla character named "Zillala" as a co-host for its Go! Godzi Godzi BANBAN segment.

• Godzilla (1998)
• Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) – as Zilla

• Godzilla: The Series (1998–2000) - with Cyber-Godzilla
• Godziban (2019-present) - as Zillala

• Godzilla Online (CD-ROM – 1998)
• Godzilla – The Aftermath (Online – 1998)
• G-Patrol VR Combat Simulator (Online – 1998)
• Godzilla (LCD – 1998)
• Godzilla: Virtual Shakin' (LCD – 1998)
• Godzilla (Pinball – 1998)
• Godzilla Trading Battle (PlayStation – 1998)
• Godzilla Generations (Dreamcast – 1998) – as Godzilla-USA
• Godzilla: The Series (Game Boy Color – 1999)
• Godzilla: The Series – Monster Wars (Game Boy Color – 2000)
• Godzilla: Kaiju Collection (Android, iOS – 2015) – as Zilla

• Godzilla by Stephen Molstad (novel – 1998)
• Godzilla by H. B. Gilmour (novel – 1998)
• Godzilla: A Junior Novelization by H. B. Gilmour (novel – 1998)
• Godzilla by Kimberly Weinberger (book – 1998)
• Godzilla: Attack of the Baby Godzillas by Gina Shaw (book – 1998)
• Fox Kids Magazine – Godzilla: The Series (comic – 1998)
• Godzilla: Rulers of Earth (comic – 2013–2015) – as Zilla
• Godzilla: Oblivion (comic – 2016) – as Zilla
• Godzilla: Monster Apocalypse (novel – 2017) – as Zilla or French Godzilla{{sfn|Oki|2017|p=205}}

Tracks from the 1998 film's soundtrack Godzilla: The Album make references to TriStar's Godzilla and even feature the character in a few music videos.{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2014/05/things-learned-about-1998-from-godzilla-soundtrack.html|title=6 Things We Learned About 1998 From the Godzilla Soundtrack|last1=Weber|first1=Lindsey|last2=Fox|first2=Jesse David|work=Vulture|date=May 20, 2014|access-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=live|archive-date=April 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430194607/https://www.vulture.com/2014/05/things-learned-about-1998-from-godzilla-soundtrack.html}}

• Cross-promotional tie-ins for the 1998 movie included commercials and advertisements for Taco Bell (where Godzilla crossed paths with the Taco Bell chihuahua), Dreyer's,{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/monster-premiere-godzilla-invades-new-york-opening-summer-film-season-article-1.796955|title=A Monster of a Premiere Godzilla Invades New York, Opening Summer Film Season|last=Givens|first=Ron|work=NT Daily News|date=May 17, 1998|access-date=March 25, 2018}} Sprint Corporation,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/10/business/media-business-advertising-marketers-sweat-bit-godzilla-disappoints-box-office.html|title=Marketers sweat a bit as 'Godzilla' disappoints at the box office. Will product tie-ins follow suit?|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|work=The New York Times|date=June 10, 1998|access-date=March 25, 2018}} and KFC.
• Competing 1998 film Armageddon took a jab at Godzilla with a scene in New York where a small dog attacks Godzilla toys.{{cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/6/23/16036814/best-good-bad-movies-armageddon-xanadu-pootie-tang-d1a737d0d8b8|title=Actually, the Best Good Bad Movie Is...|work=The Ringer|date=June 23, 2017|access-date=March 25, 2018|url-status=live|archive-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708152837/https://www.theringer.com/2017/6/23/16036814/best-good-bad-movies-armageddon-xanadu-pootie-tang-d1a737d0d8b8}}
• In 1998, a parody of the cab chase sequence from the 1998 film was shown on MTV and featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Christopher Lloyd.{{cite web|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/MTV-Presents-Self-Satisfied-Anti-Oscars-3004102.php|title=MTV Presents Self-Satisfied Anti-Oscars|last=LaSalle|first=Mick|work=SFGate|date=June 4, 1998|access-date=March 25, 2018|url-status=live|archive-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326142303/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/MTV-Presents-Self-Satisfied-Anti-Oscars-3004102.php}}
• In 1998, Discovery Zone featured an event called "Godzilla Laser Adventure" based upon Godzilla: The Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEUqiCzpGx0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/JEUqiCzpGx0| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Godzilla: The Series (1998-2000) DZ/Discovery Zone Commercial|work=YouTube|access-date=April 17, 2018}}{{cbignore}}
• In the 2005 Robot Chicken episode "That Hurts Me", TriStar's Godzilla was featured in the segment Godzilla Returns.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba0chf_WCfU| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212183716/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba0chf_WCfU&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2013-12-12 | url-status=dead|title=Godzilla Returns|work=Adult Swim|access-date=April 17, 2018}}
• In the 2005 Camp Lazlo episode "Snake Eyes", the TriStar Godzilla's roar is uttered by a snake at the beginning of the episode.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USm1CMjth_M| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202020324/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USm1CMjth_M&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2020-12-02 | url-status=dead|title=Camp Lazlo - Season 1, Episode 2 "Snake Eyes"|work=YouTube|access-date=April 17, 2018}}
• In a 2007 trailer for Spider-Man 3, the TriStar Godzilla's roar is also audibly heard as Sandman dives down from the sand truck.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ6y0qDiwqU&t=1s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/EJ6y0qDiwqU| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=American Godzilla Roar In Spider-Man 3 Trailer|work=YouTube|access-date=April 17, 2018}}{{cbignore}}
• In the 2008 Phineas & Ferb episode "It's About Time", a 30 foot tall T-Rex is shown using the TriStar Godzilla's trademark roar.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3gi4x2|title=Phineas & Ferb Episode "It's About Time"|work=Dailymotion|access-date=April 17, 2018}}
• In the 2009 Iron Man: Armored Adventures episode "Tales of Suspense: Part 2", Fin Fang Foom features the TriStar Godzilla's distinctive roar during the fight with Tony Stark and Gene Khan.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zipd33X2PGo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/zipd33X2PGo| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Iron Man: Armored Adventures "Tales of Suspense: Part 2" Clip|work=YouTube|access-date=April 17, 2018}}{{cbignore}}
• In 2006, TriStar's Godzilla was featured in two Doritos commercials.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2014/05/16/godzilla-proves-even-giant-monsters/37340878007/|title=Godzilla proves even giant monsters need lawyers|last=McCartney|first=Anthony|work=Telegram & Gazette|date=May 15, 2014|access-date=July 8, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708152602/https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2014/05/16/godzilla-proves-even-giant-monsters/37340878007/}}{{Failed verification|date=August 2023|reason=Article only mentions Toho and a Godzilla that "debuted in Japan in 1954"}}

Prior to release of the 1998 film, anticipation for the film was high and several companies licensed merchandise from both Sony and Toho, expecting the film to be the biggest hit of the year. While products sold well initially, they began to decline after the film's release; the decline in sales was attributed to the film's negative reception from critics, audiences, fans, and theater owners. As a result, several retailers were stuck with unsold merchandise, and a toy-line, based on the animated series, by Trendmasters was cancelled due to low advanced orders from retailers.

In 2023, Spiral Studios licensed the character from Toho as "Zilla" for a 124 cm statue.{{cite web|url=https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/233011|title=Godzilla (1998) The Legacy Series: Tanaka Kenichi Modeling Collection Zilla Limited Edition Statue|first=|last=|work=Big Bad Toy Store|date=|access-date=April 21, 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=April 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421235437/https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/233011}} In 2024, Bandai released two versions of the character for their Movie Monster Series line; one as Godzilla (1998) and the other as Zilla (2004).{{cite web|url=https://ginema-nuts.com/movie-monster-series-godzilla-1998-review|title=ムービーモンスターシリーズ　ゴジラ（1998/エメゴジ）　レビュー|first=|last=|work=Ginema Nuts|date=December 30, 2024|access-date=June 11, 2025|url-status=live|archive-date=June 12, 2025|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/RXMC6}}

• Godzilla (Monsterverse)
• Godzilla (1978 TV series)

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book|first=Rachel|last=Aberly|title=The Making of Godzilla|year=1998|publisher=HarperPrism|isbn=0061073172}}
• {{cite book|last=Kalat|first=David|year=2010|title=A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786447497|edition=Second}}
• {{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Molstad|year=1998|title=Godzilla: The Novelization|publisher=HarperPrism|isbn=0061059153}}
• {{cite book|first=Renji|last=Oki|year=2017|title=Godzilla: Monster Apocalypse|publisher=Kadokawa|isbn=9784041061817}}
• {{cite book|first=Richard|last=Rickitt|year=2000|title=Special Effects: The History and Technique|publisher=Focal Press|isbn=0823077330}}
• {{cite book|first=Richard|last=Rickitt|year=2006|title=Designing Movie Creatures and Characters: Behind the Scenes with the Movie Masters|publisher=Focal Press|isbn=0240808460}}
• {{cite book|last=Ryfle|first=Steve|year=1998|title=Japan's Favorite Mon-Star: The Unauthorized Biography of the Big G|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=1550223488|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/japansfavoritemo0000ryfl}}

{{Godzilla}}

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Category:Film characters introduced in 1998

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