Director Adam Wingard is set to bring the colossal clash of monsters back to the big screen with “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, this upcoming American monster film is a follow-up to the 2021 blockbuster “Godzilla vs. Kong” and marks the seventh installment and fifth film in the MonsterVerse. Notably, it’s the 38th film in the Godzilla franchise, the 13th in the King Kong franchise, and the fifth Godzilla film fully produced by an American film studio.

The stellar cast includes Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen, with Hall, Henry, and Hottle reprising their roles from the previous film.

The success of “Godzilla vs. Kong” during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Legendary to announce a sequel in March 2022. Filming, helmed once again by Adam Wingard, began in July 2022 in Gold Coast, Queensland, and concluded in November 2022. The film is eagerly anticipated for its release on April 12, 2024.

Premise:

The narrative of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” picks up from the explosive showdown in “Godzilla vs. Kong.” The story unfolds a new cinematic adventure, pushing the mighty Kong and fearsome Godzilla against an undiscovered colossal threat within our world. This hidden menace challenges not only the existence of the Titans but also our own. The film promises to delve deeper into the histories of these iconic creatures, exploring their origins, the mysteries of Skull Island, and beyond. It aims to uncover the mythic battle that forged these extraordinary beings and forever tied them to humankind.

Cast:

• Rebecca Hall as Dr. Ilene Andrews
• Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes
• Dan Stevens
• Kaylee Hottle as Jia
• Fala Chen
• Alex Ferns
• Rachel House

Production:

Development: Legendary Pictures expressed its hope for more MonsterVerse films back in March 2019, contingent on the success of earlier releases. The positive reception of “Godzilla vs. Kong” in 2021 paved the way for the sequel. Wingard, the director, shared insights into the potential future of the MonsterVerse, emphasizing the need for audience support.

Filming: Following the success of “Godzilla vs. Kong,” filming for the sequel commenced in July 2022 in Australia. The return of Wingard as director, along with the collaboration of the original cast and crew, generated excitement. The movie, initially rumored to be titled “Origins,” was confirmed to feature Godzilla by Toho Co., Ltd.

Pre-production: In August 2022, a new synopsis was revealed, confirming the return of key cast members. The absence of Millie Bobby Brown was noted, attributed to her commitment to another project. The creative team, including production designer Tom Hammock, editor Josh Schaeffer, and composer Tom Holkenborg, reunited for this installment.

Filming: Principal photography kicked off in Gold Coast, Queensland, on July 29, 2022. By November 2022, reports indicated the completion of filming, suggesting the potential title “Godzilla and Kong.”

Music:

In August 2022, it was announced that Tom Holkenborg would return to compose the film’s score, with Antonio Di Iorio joining as a co-composer in December 2023.

Release:

Marketing: Legendary initiated the marketing campaign in April 2023, unveiling a teaser trailer that disclosed the film’s official title. Subsequent hints and reveals, including a banner teasing a potential team-up at a toy fair, built anticipation. A panel featuring Wingard and the cast at CCXP further stoked excitement, culminating in the release of the first official trailer in December.

Theatrical:

“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is set for theatrical release on April 12, 2024, following an initial schedule for March 15, 2024. The movie promises to continue the legacy of the MonsterVerse, blending captivating storytelling with breathtaking monster battles.