With the DC Universe gearing up for a much-needed impending reboot and the Harry Potter world’s reputation taking a kicking, thank the movie gods for the MonsterVerse — Warner Bros.’ one beast of a cinematic franchise that’s still in rude health. And just to prove it, the studio has now released the first teaser for its fifth chapter, which confirms the title of the next battle between the Kings of Monsters. Check out the epic promo for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire above.
While the MonsterVerse hasn’t always been a massive critical success — true to form for its featured creatures — that hasn’t stopped the four films released under this umbrella to date become huge international hits at the box office. Somehow, even during the height of the pandemic, Godzilla vs. Kong managed to earn $470 million plus change at the global box office. Now that the industry’s a little stronger again these days, its direct follow-up, The New Empire has a good chance of smashing that total by a hefty stretch.
Director Adam Wingard is returning to helm this one, following his work on GvK. Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry are likewise coming back in front of the camera too, reprising their roles as Dr. Ilene Andrews and Bernie Hayes, respectively. Stepping into Alexander Skarsgard’s shoes as the franchise’s latest leading man, however, is Dan Stevens, re-teaming with Wingard after their cult favorite 2014 horror flick The Guest. Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House round out the cast.
A previously revealed synopsis promises that the movie we now know as The New Empire will pit “the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence – and our own.” What’s more, the movie is due to detail the origins of the Titans, Skull Island, and beyond as the MonsterVerse’s lore is expanded. In particular, we can look forward to “uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.” Well, we’re sold.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is set to reign supreme in cinemas from March 15, 2024.