Even though the upcoming reboot of Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla is going through some legal disputes, that hasn’t stopped Legendary Pictures from eyeing their potential leading man. With the recent news of Joseph Gordon-Levitt turning down the role it’s no surprise that we now have a new name in the mix. That name belongs to Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass, Nowhere Boy, Savages) and I couldn’t be happier with the choice. Johnson is a fantastic young actor and it’s nice seeing him getting a nod for the leading role in such a high profile film. Right now, he is currently at the top of the short list for potential actors for the role which consists of Henry Cavill, Scoot McNairy, and Caleb Landry Jones.
After bringing Frank Darabont onto the project so late in the game, and the potential casting of Johnson, this film has taken on a whole new life. I have all the faith in the world that Darabont will re-write a fantastic script as he is known for staying very faithful to the source material as well as putting his own spin on it.
All we know right now regarding the story is that Edwards is going for a more realistic approach to the classic monster tale.
Godzilla is currently set to hit theaters on May 16, 2014.
themissingreel.com 
He’s kind of a bad actor. That being said, the Godzilla franchise was never hard up on great acting (Can I point you to the Matthew Broderick latest) so it might fit right in there as a great B film.
Oh man, you HAD to mention the Broderick version!? I get what you’re saying though, it’s a Godzilla film, the main character first and foremost is the monster, everyone else comes second.
I’m a big fan of this guy. An even bigger fan of “Monsters”, so was wondering why there had been such a dearth of info on this. Can’t wait to see what Edwards does with it.
What are the legal issues you mentioned?
Legendary Pictures fired the two producers and brought Frank Darabont onto the project to polish the script. They filed a suit against producers Dan Lin, Roy Lee and Doug Davison to have them completely removed from the sequel and to stop a potential restraining order by them against the film’s production. Not that there will be a sequel but I guess if there is ever one, they don’t want them working on it I suppose. I think there were some MAJOR creative differences with the film. Thanks for asking, I didn’t think anyone would be too interested in that part of it so I left it out!
Yeah I’m definitely interested. That’s a pretty crazy story. Creative differences are one thing. But then to sue people, after you have already fired them is pretty full on. Well hopefully Edwards, Darabont and friends can craft something really cool with what is left over. I’m psyched to see this film. Shame it has tied Edwards up for so long. I want to see him make more films!
I loved Kick-Ass, so I’m really happy for him! I’m not really digging the idea of another Godzilla, though. Hopefully Darabont will Nolan-ify the franchise.
It’ll be interesting to see what a “realistic” approach to Godzilla will be like. I have all the faith in the world for Darabont though, so I’m pretty pumped about this one.