Takashi Yamazaki is set to helm a new sci‑fi film.
Yamazaki teams up with Hollywood heavyweights
After the surprise success of his 2023 feature Godzilla Minus One, Yamazaki earned an Oscar for visual effects and proved his ability to blend spectacle with emotional storytelling. The film was produced on a modest $10 million budget but pulled in $116 million worldwide, a performance that caught the eye of Hollywood studios.
Now the Japanese auteur is moving westward to direct Nue, an original science‑fiction project for 20th Century Studios. The movie will be developed under the Scott Free banner, the production company founded by legendary director Ridley Scott. Both Yamazaki and Scott Free will share creative duties, with Scott himself slated to produce alongside Michael Pruss.
Nue has been a lifelong dream of mine. I am honored to have the opportunity to make it happen with the creative brilliance of Ridley Scott and Scott Free.
— Takashi Yamazaki, Director
Ridley Scott added his own enthusiasm, saying, “We’re delighted to be working with Takashi Yamazaki and his team on this magnificent original sci‑fi film for our partners at 20th Century Studios.” The partnership brings together a long‑standing relationship between Scott Free and 20th Century, which dates back to the 1979 classic Alien. Production support will also come from Robot Communications’ Keiichiro Moriya and Go Abe, Toho‑Tombo’s Georgina Pope, and Amie Horiuchi, while Scott Aversano will oversee the project for the studio.
We’ve long admired Takashi’s visionary and skillful story‑telling, exemplified by his superb production of Godzilla Minus One. We’re looking forward to helping him bring this major project to life to audiences around the world.
— Ridley Scott, Producer
What to expect from the original sci‑fi epic
"Nue" continues Yamazaki’s streak of ambitious projects. He has already completed shooting the sequel Godzilla Minus Zero, in which the monster heads to New York, and that follow‑up is slated for a theatrical release on Nov. 6. In addition, Yamazaki is attached to Sony’s Bad Robot feature Grandgear, scheduled for 2028. These parallel ventures underline his growing footprint in global cinema.
David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, praised Yamazaki’s cross‑cultural appeal, noting that his work on "Godzilla Minus One" combined spectacle with deep emotional resonance. Greenbaum said the studio is thrilled to partner with Yamazaki and to reunite with longtime collaborators at Scott Free as they bring an entirely original epic to life.
Represented by CAA and Greenberg Traurig, Yamazaki’s move to Hollywood signals a new chapter for fans eager to see his distinctive visual style on a broader canvas. As the production gears up, movie‑goers can look forward to a fresh, original story that promises both thrilling set pieces and the heartfelt storytelling that earned him worldwide acclaim.
Frequently asked questions
Who will direct the sci-fi film Nue?
Takashi Yamazaki will helm the original sci-fi movie 'Nue' for 20th Century Studios, collaborating with Ridley Scott’s Scott Free banner.
What is Takashi Yamazaki's recent success?
Takashi Yamazaki’s recent success includes the 2023 feature 'Godzilla Minus One,' which earned an Oscar for visual effects and grossed $116 million worldwide on a $10 million budget.
Who is producing the sci-fi film Nue?
Ridley Scott will produce 'Nue' alongside Michael Pruss under the Scott Free banner, with support from 20th Century Studios.
What other projects is Takashi Yamazaki working on?
Yamazaki is also directing the sequel 'Godzilla Minus Zero' (releasing Nov. 6) and is attached to Sony’s 'Grandgear' (2028).
