When does Netflix’s ‘Skull Island’ take place?

Finding yourself shipwrecked on an island full of pre-historic giant creatures isn’t the best situation to be in, but the teenagers in Netflix‘s Skull Island are ready to face the danger. The latest addition to Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.’ MonsterVerse has again brought the one and only King Kong to the screen. The story follows a trio of well-meaning explorers who ventured out to sea to rescue Annie from the ocean but are now caught up on the Island under the guardianship of the legendary ape Kong himself.

Written and developed by Brian Duffield, known for Love and Monsters, Underwater, and The Babysitter, Skull Island is an animated spinoff to the MonsterVerse franchise. Though the iconic character King Kong traces its history back to 1933, Skull Island only marks his third appearance in the MonsterVerse. The franchise currently consists of four films: Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).

So when does Netflix’s Skull Island occur?

Skull Island is the fifth overall installment in the MonsterVerse, and the first series in the franchise. It is a prequel to the 2017 film Kong: Skull Island, but it is billed as a stand-alone project. Thus, the events of the series will not be followed by an upcoming project. Instead, MonsterVerse will be continued by a sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong, titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The film was announced in March 2022 and is scheduled to be released on March 15, 2024, in IMAX.

What is Skull Island about?

If you’re familiar with the MonsterVerse, you’ll know that the basis of any story taking place on Skull Island means you’re about to indulge in a tale on the land belonging to one of the most intense figures in pop culture history” King Kong himself. The Netflix show will highlight a new adventure in the familiar place.

Netflix describes the synopsis series as follows:

“As a crew of explorers — including teens and best friends Charlie and Mike — sail out across the South Pacific, they stumble on a girl named Annie… just before their boat is attacked by a gigantic octopus. When the survivors wash ashore, they find themselves on an island riddled with dangerous creatures. They realize this isn’t just any island: It’s Skull Island, where Kong lives. Soon, the trio is battling for their lives against an army of monsters. Will they make it out in one piece?”

For now, hop in Kong’s backyard and immerse yourself in the colossal realm of Kong and his primordial mates. Skull Island debuted exclusively on Netflix on June 22, and all eight episodes are available to watch now!