Mechagodzilla is a fictional mecha character that first appeared in the 1974 Godzilla film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. Since then, different incarnations of Mechagodzilla have appeared in numerous Godzilla films over the decades. But who actually built this robotic Godzilla counterpart? That depends on which version of Mechagodzilla we’re talking about. Let’s take a look at the origins behind each major incarnation of this iconic movie monster.
Showa Era Mechagodzilla
The first Mechagodzilla debuted in 1974’s Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. In the film, Mechagodzilla is constructed by ape-like alien invaders called Simians who intend to use the robot to conquer Earth.
Mechagodzilla is disguised to look like the real Godzilla in order to ruin the monster’s reputation among humans. It rampages through cities under this disguise until the real Godzilla shows up and the two battle. Godzilla is nearly killed before a group of humans discover Mechagodzilla’s secret and destroy the alien control device hidden inside it. Godzilla then destroys the inactive Mechagodzilla.
So in the original film, Mechagodzilla was built by extraterrestrial invaders as a weapon. This version of Mechagodzilla would return the following year in 1975’s Terror of Mechagodzilla. In this sequel film, Mechagodzilla is rebuilt by the Simians to try conquering Earth again.
Heisei Era Mechagodzilla
In 1993’s Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, a new origin is introduced for Mechagodzilla. In this film, Mechagodzilla is created by the United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center using futuristic technology in order to defend human cities from Godzilla.
Mechagodzilla is constructed out of a fictional alloy called NT-1 which can absorb and channel radiation. Its arsenal includes an oral maser cannon, laser cannons, paralysis missiles, and a plasma grenade. Mechagodzilla is so powerful that Godzilla is unable to defeat it in direct combat.
However, Rodan sacrifices itself to transfer its life energy into Godzilla. A super charged Godzilla then destroys Mechagodzilla by tearing its head off. So in the Heisei series continuity, Mechagodzilla was a human-made mecha built to protect the Earth.
Millennium Era Mechagodzilla
In 2002’s Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, yet another new origin is introduced for this iconic robot. In this film, Mechagodzilla is constructed by the Japanese government’s Counter-Measures Center, again to defend Japan from Godzilla.
Mechagodzilla is built around the bones of the original Godzilla from 1954, which were salvaged and incorporated into the robot’s frame. It is piloted by a human controller and armed with powerful masers, missiles, and a laser cannon.
Mechagodzilla is successful in its first battle against Godzilla in this film. However, Godzilla later returns more powerful than ever and destroys Mechagodzilla by tearing its head off. So once again, Mechagodzilla was a human-constructed mecha used to counter Godzilla.
Kiryu – Mechagodzilla
A modernized version of Mechagodzilla called Kiryu appears in the Millennium Era films Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. In these films, Kiryu is an advanced mecha built around the original Godzilla’s skeleton. Kiryu retains some of Godzilla’s own cells and DNA, which results in the machine becoming self-aware and developing a mind of its own.
Kiryu is depicted as sentient and capable of acting independently, at times even breaking free from human control to attack Godzilla deliberately. So this version represents perhaps the most autonomous incarnation of Mechagodzilla seen on film.
Legendary Era Mechagodzilla
The 2021 Hollywood film Godzilla vs Kong introduced a new Mechagodzilla design to Legendary’s MonsterVerse series. This Mechagodzilla was created by the shady tech company Apex Cybernetics, run by businessman Walter Simmons.
Apex had obtained severed pieces of Godzilla’s flesh from their battles with the Titans. Using Godzilla’s DNA, they engineered a robotic duplicate codenamed Mechagodzilla.
Mechagodzilla is depicted as Apex’s ultimate anti-Titan weapon, intended to supplant Godzilla as Earth’s protector and allow Apex to control the Titans. Its arsenal includes a proton scream, drill tail, and finger missiles. In the climatic Hong Kong battle, it takes the combined efforts of Godzilla and Kong to finally destroy Mechagodzilla.
Other Variants
Aside from the major cinematic incarnations covered above, Mechagodzilla has also popped up in other Godzilla media over the years.
In video games such as Super Godzilla for the Super Nintendo, Mechagodzilla was created by the United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center (similar to the Heisei origin).
The Godzilla comic books published by Marvel feature an origin story where Mechagodzilla is constructed by Doctor Demonicus using advanced human and alien technology.
So while the films remain the most well-known depictions, the origins of Mechagodzilla have been re-imagined several times across different media. But the core concept remains the same – an artificial replica of Godzilla built to match or defeat the real deal.
Summary of Mechagodzilla Creators
Here is a summary of who built the main Mechagodzilla incarnations seen on film:
| Mechagodzilla Version | Creator |
|---|---|
| Showa Era Mechagodzilla | Alien Simians |
| Heisei Era Mechagodzilla | G-Force (United Nations) |
| Millennium Era Mechagodzilla | Japanese Counter-Measures Center |
| Kiryu | Japanese Counter-Measures Center |
| Legendary’s Mechagodzilla | Apex Cybernetics |
Conclusion
The iconic mecha kaiju Mechagodzilla has origins going back over 50 years to its first appearance in 1974’s Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla. While the details have changed, Mechagodzilla is usually portrayed as being constructed by advanced human science and technology in order to defend against Godzilla.
Only in its original incarnation was Mechagodzilla actually built by invading aliens. Otherwise, subsequent film continuities have depicted Mechagodzilla as being man-made. Regardless of its origins, Mechagodzilla remains one of Godzilla’s most famous mechanical doppelgangers and a fan favorite monster.