Legendary Pictures (producers of Dark Knight and 300, among others) has acquired the rights from Toho to produce a new film based on Godzilla, which it plans to release in 2012.  A director will be named soon, according to the announcement.  Legendary promises that it will “approach the film and its characters in the most authentic manner possible.” 

Legendary will co-produce and co-finance under its deal with Warner Bros; Toho will distribute in Japan.