Why Godzilla’s Dorsal Spines Look Different in 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters'

Understanding the Evolution of Godzilla’s Dorsal Spines

The evolution of Godzilla's dorsal spines in 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' (2019) is a perfect blend of both artistic choice and narrative reasoning. The filmmakers deliberately created a more aggressive and visually striking look for Godzilla, clearly distinguishing him from his previous depictions.

One of the most notable changes to Godzilla's dorsal spines is their size and appearance. The new design features larger, more pronounced spines that resemble jagged crystalline structures. This change admirably reinforces the elemental theme of the film, where Godzilla is portrayed as a force of nature and a protector of Earth against other titanic beings. The spines also glow when Godzilla charges up for his atomic breath, enhancing the visual impact on screen and making his abilities more impactful.

Artistic and Narrative Decisions

While there isn't a specific in-plot reason provided for the design change, it does align with the film's broader themes of evolution and the monstrous nature of Godzilla. This decision showcased him as a more formidable and awe-inspiring creature, reinforcing the director's vision and the creative team's intent. The change in design was made to serve the overall aesthetic and storytelling of the film.

Godzilla's Evolution Between Films

Goddzilla is an organism that evolves over time. This evolution is quite unique, as he has the ability to shed his dorsal plates. In 2014, it was clear that Godzilla had different dorsal plates compared to those seen in the 2019 film. This change occurred because Godzilla disappeared for five years, during which time he was evolving. His physical form changed gradually over those years, including the alteration of his feet and the number and size of his dorsal plates. Furthermore, he increased in height from 355 feet to 393 feet and in weight from 90,000 metric tons to 99,000 metric tons.

This is a prime example of Godzilla's ability to evolve, and there is a reasonable possibility that he could change yet again in the upcoming film 'Godzilla versus Kong,' set to be released in 2021. This evolution not only enhances the visual appeal but also the thematic depth of the character, making him a more dynamic and interesting entity in the Godzilla universe.

Conclusion

The changes in Godzilla's dorsal spines in 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' reflect a combination of artistic and narrative choices. These design changes serve to emphasize his power, his elemental theme, and his endless evolution. As fans of the series, we can look forward to these ongoing transformations and the stories they will tell.