Monster movie Godzilla was one of 2014's biggest box office hits, and anticipation is high for the sequel. In May it was announced that director Gareth Edwards, who helmed the first movie, was stepping down as director. It has now been reported that a new director is in talks to take over Godzilla 2.

　　According to Screencrush, Michael Dougherty is in negotiations with producers Legendary to helm the sequel, which is due in 2019. Dougherty had already been announced as co-writer of the movie alongside Zach Shields, and is now under consideration to direct. According to the site, Dougherty's role may depend on Legendary's approval of his and Shields's screenplay.

　　Dougherty previously directed the Christmas-themed horror movie Krampus, which he also wrote with Shields, as well as the acclaimed Halloween anthology Trick R' Treat. As a writer, he worked on Bryan Singer's superhero movies X-Men 2 and Superman Returns.

　　In May, Edwards left Godzilla 2 amicably, with Deadline reporting that he would instead be focusing on smaller projects. His Star Wars spinoff Rogue One hits theaters in December.

　　Godzilla 2 will form part of Legendary's ongoing big monster universe. Kong: Skull Island is set for release in March 2017, and Godzilla 2 will be followed up in 2020 with monster mashup Godzilla vs. Kong.