The MonsterVerse has drafted in the writer for the next movie in the Godzilla and Kong franchise in the form ofDave Callaham(as perThe Hollywood Reporter). Best known for his work on the MCU’sShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Callaham will have the task of crafting a new story to build on the success of this year’sGodzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which is currently the second-highest grossing movie of 2024.
Shang-Chiwas one of the most highly praised movies of the MCU’s Phase 4, and with the MonsterVerse having veered into Marvel-style action in its latest installment, Callaham could well be a perfect choice to capitalize on the success of this formula. His other credits include working onThe Expendables,2021’sMortal Kombatreboot, and the heavily criticizedWonder Woman 1984. However, he came back strong as the co-writer ofSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which wasnominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empirehad all the makings of a blockbuster hit, but after 2023’s year of box office disappointments there was never a guarantee that it would manage to pull off a colossal haul. However,the film surpassed projections, resulting in a $548 million box office, which makes it the second-highest grossing MonsterVerse movie, and a sign that the franchise is only going to get bigger in the future. The new movie will head into production along with the second season of Apple TV+ seriesMonarch: Legacy of Monsters, which was green-lit recently.
The MonsterVerse is Growing with More Projects to be Announced
The success ofThe New Empirehas awakened something at Legendary. In total, the MonsterVerse has evolved into a lucrative franchise, accumulating $2.5 billion at the global box office since Gareth Edward’sGodzilladebuted in 2014. As well as the sixth movie in the franchise now moving forward, and the second season ofMonarchin development, Apple TV+’s head of international development Morgan Wandel previously teased even further expansion to the streaming arm of the franchise. He said:
“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has left an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds and imaginations of audiences around the world, led by the brilliance of Chris, Matt, Kurt, Wyatt and the incredibly gifted talented cast and creative team. We couldn’t be more excited for viewers to not only have the chance to experience even more thrills in season two, but to embark on epic, new journeys in the franchise, as we expand Legendary’s Monsterverse.”
Godzilla x Kong Smashes New Box Office Milestone Amid High Praise from Hideo Kojima
Hideo Kojima has shared a longer than usual review of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire as the movie hit Japanese cinemas.
What impressed many fans aboutMonarchwas how the show focused on the human side of the MonsterVerse coin that the movies have often pushed aside in favor of big monster action sequences. The first season returned to several moments from earlier in the franchise, including scenes from the 2014 movie, and its final shot revealed that the second season will be bringing Kong to the party and could fill in several gaps between the events ofKong: Skull IslandandGodzilla v Kong.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empireis still playing in theaters, whileMonarch: Legacy of Monstersis available on Apple TV+.
