I’m sure it’s a popular notion that Godzilla’s new pink form in Godzilla X Kong The New Empire reminds everyone of Goku’s Super Saiyan form from Dragon Ball. Now we finally have confirmation that there is at least ‘some’ truth in that idea.

On Twitter, Godzilla X Kong The New Empire lead creature designer Jared Krichevsky confirmed that Godzilla’s new pink aura is based on Goku’s iconic Kaio-Ken transformation from Dragon Ball.

I didn't see Goku Rose until years later. But I did base the transformation off of Kaio-Ken. Yeah it was always supposed to be temporary transition. In the movie he absorbs the DNA of Tiamat.

— Jared Krichevsky (@Monstermash042) April 2, 2024

In Dragon Ball, before obtaining his Super Saiyan form, Goku would use his Kaio-Ken ability for a temporary power level boost, during which he would sport a reddish aura around his body. That’s similar to how in Godzilla X Kong The New Empire, Godzilla gains a temporary power up after absorbing Tiamat’s power in order to fight the new threats in Godzilla X Kong The New Empire.

Godzilla X Kong The New Empire is conquering the world, garnering a whopping US$194 million in its opening weekend box office, which is the biggest one yet in 2024 so far.

Once again at the helm is director Adam Wingard. The film stars Rebecca Hall (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” The Night House”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Bullet Train”), Dan Stevens (“Gaslit,” “Legion,” “Beauty and the Beast”), Kaylee Hottle (“Godzilla vs. Kong”), Alex Ferns (“The Batman,” “Wrath of Man,” “Chernobyl”) and Fala Chen (“Irma Vep,” “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”).

The screenplay is by Terry Rossio (“Godzilla vs. Kong” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series) and Simon Barrett (“You’re Next”) and Jeremy Slater (“Moon Knight”), from a story by Rossio & Wingard & Barrett, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO Co., Ltd.. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric Mcleod, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Brian Rogers. The executive producers are Wingard, Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira.

News of  Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama’s passing broke last month. Check out our tribute to the late legend’s greatest and most iconic works by heading over here.

Godzilla x Kong The New Empire is now showing in Malaysian cinemas. Head on over here for our full review of the movie.