DISCLAIMER: Since this article's publication, a new MonsterVerse movie has been confirmed, Godzilla vs Kong sequel, directed once again by Adam Wingard. The as-yet-untitled movie is currently in production in Australia, and a few details have already been spilled by Legendary. The movie will likely feature more of the Hollow Earth, as the MonsterVerse hasn't yet shown too much of this unique location. Dan Stevens, who worked with Wingard on The Guest, has been signed on for an undisclosed major role. As for kaiju, MonsterVerse fan-favorite Titanus Doug, the Hollow Earth lizard, will be making a return, as will the titular Godzilla and Kong. Original article follows...
The 2021 movie Godzilla vs. Kong is the last confirmed installment in the MonsterVerse. Though it’s only the fourth movie in the franchise, no more movies connected to Legendary’s versions of Godzilla, Kong, or other Titans/Kaiju are currently in development. In 2015, it became official that not only would Godzilla and Kong share the same cinematic universe, but the two monsters would also come to blows in Godzilla vs. Kong.
The movie served as their second big-screen showdown, with their first brawl being Toho’s King Kong vs. Godzilla in 1962. Following multiple delays, the highly anticipated crossover Godzilla vs Kong finally hit theaters in March 2021. While Godzilla pretty convincingly won his one-on-one fight with Kong, as expected, the big ape didn't die. By the end of the movie, Kong ed forces with Godzilla, helping his rival take down the evil Mechagodzilla. As long as just one of the two alpha titans had survived, the MonsterVerse would have had room for a sequel. With both alive, Godzilla 3 or Kong 2 could still theoretically be possibilities. However, there have been no reports about either of those films happening, nor has there been any word on a potential movie spinoff.
Legendary having an empty MonsterVerse slate going into Godzilla vs. Kong can be explained by the unimpressive box office performance of the preceding entry, Kong: Skull Island both pulling in over $500 million each, Legendary had good cause to expect a lot from the Godzilla sequel. While it didn’t do poorly enough to be called a box office failure, there’s no denying it was a financial disappointment, and part of that may have been the result of negative reviews.
Why Godzilla vs. Kong Is The Last MonsterVerse Movie
While Warner Bros. expressed confidence in its franchise following King of the Monsters’ release, it still pushed back Godzilla vs. Kong. It was assumed this move was made so the studio could better ensure the crossover’s success. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic then inserted itself into the mix, causing further delays, and a weakened box office picture overall. In the end, Godzilla vs. Kong did decently for a pandemic release - especially when released simultaneously to HBO Max - but considering its massive budget, was far from a smash box office hit. With that in mind, and theatrical release model still in flux, it's not hard to see why Warner Bros. isn't rushing into another MonsterVerse movie.
The MonsterVerse Is Getting A Godzilla TV Show
Thankfully for those who can't get enough of Godzilla, or Legendary's MonsterVerse, the franchise isn't dead, it's just not on the big screen anymore. Surprisingly enough though, Warner Bros.' HBO Max won't be the home for the MonsterVerse's first TV show. That honor will go to the AppleTV+ streaming service, in what Apple is likely hoping will be a subscription-selling acquisition. Little is known about the Godzilla TV show yet, but it will connect directly to the MonsterVerse, and pick up after Godzilla vs. Kong. That seemingly leaves the door open for Kong to play a role on the show.
