Grandgear: Paul Giamatti, Nico Parker, and Sam Nivola Join Godzilla Minus One Director’s New Film

Godzilla Minus One filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki is assembling the cast for Grandgear, his upcoming giant-mech science fiction film that will mark his English-language movie debut. Nico Parker (The Last of Us) and Sam Nivola (Eileen) have joined the project, while Paul Giamatti (30 Coins, Black Mirror) is reportedly in talks to take on a role.

According to Deadline, the film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 18, 2028. Yamazaki will direct from his own original screenplay, bringing his experience with large-scale visual effects to a new science fiction story.

What Is Grandgear About?

Plot details remain under wraps, but Grandgear is already offering a glimpse of the scale audiences can expect. A teaser presented at CinemaCon earlier this year reportedly featured two enormous mechs battling in a city, hinting at a film built around large-scale destruction and giant-machine action.

With Yamazaki directing, the project could give the filmmaker an opportunity to bring the visual spectacle that helped define Godzilla Minus One to an original English-language production. However, further story details and character information have yet to be revealed.

J.J. Abrams Produces Grandgear

Grandgear is being produced by J.J. Abrams through Bad Robot, alongside Glen Zipper. The film is expected to begin production in 2027, which should bring additional information about its story and cast as filming approaches.

Giamatti’s potential involvement remains subject to confirmation, while Parker and Nivola have officially boarded the project, according to the report.

Takashi Yamazaki Returns to the Godzilla Universe

Yamazaki gained international recognition with Godzilla Minus One, serving as its writer, director, and visual effects supervisor. The film earned the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, making Yamazaki part of the first team from a Japanese film to win in the category.

The filmmaker is also returning to the franchise with Godzilla Minus Zero, the follow-up to Godzilla Minus One. Meanwhile, Grandgear represents a new creative direction, pairing Yamazaki with an English-language cast for an original story centered on giant mechs.

With its February 2028 theatrical release date set, Grandgear is one to watch for fans of giant-monster movies, mecha science fiction, and large-scale cinematic action. More details are expected as production moves forward.