Originally envisioned as a TV series, this concept was created by Jin Hitoshi from Toho's TV department and Studio Zero, which was founded in 1963. The original story, which incorporated special effects footage from eight Toho monster films, was developed into a 13-episode season synopsis by the renowned duo "Fujiko Fujio," consisting of Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko.
The series was pitched as an "all-star program" featuring some of Toho's most iconic monsters in a TV format, though all the monster footage would be repurposed from existing films.
However, the project was ultimately canceled due to licensing complications related to the reuse of film footage. The issue particularly involved Rodan (1956) and the Godzilla series, as it was discovered late in the planning that Toho had sold the television rights to these films when they sold the overseas distribution rights. As a result, Toho was unable to use the footage freely.
It remains unclear why the program was canceled instead of being reworked to include footage from other available monster films. It’s possible, though, the series was deemed no longer financially viable if it didn't feature Godzilla and Rodan. |
