Technically, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is the fifth movie in Legendary Footage’ MonsterVerse, which expanded into tv in 2023 with Apple TV Plus’ Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Whereas that doesn’t make this franchise as sprawling as, say, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s nonetheless a large sufficient physique of labor to fill an extended weekend of looking forward to anybody who’s inquisitive about what led as much as The New Empire.
Must you trouble with a deep dive into this collection’ lore to prep for The New Empire, although, or simply content material your self with a fast explainer? That largely relies on what you need to learn about this world and its characters.
Do I would like to look at any MonsterVerse motion pictures earlier than Godzilla x Kong?
Frankly, not likely. You may go in chilly if you happen to like! So far as strict continuity goes, although, The Visitor and Dying Notice director Adam Wingard picks up the motion of this film immediately after the occasions of his 2021 collection installment, Godzilla vs. Kong.
The scientific company Monarch remains to be taking the lead in coping with the kaiju-sized creatures referred to as Titans. The New Empire brings again just a few forged members, like Monarch scientist Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Corridor), her adopted (and psychic, apparently) daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), and conspiracy-theorist podcaster Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry). Loads of different characters aren’t coming back from Godzilla vs. Kong, although, together with Alexander Skarsgård as Dr. Nathan Lind, Millie Bobby Brown as Bernie fan Madison, and Kyle Chandler as her dad, Mark. Largely what issues is that Godzilla and King Kong are again, and nonetheless keen to work collectively, even when they don’t like one another.
You can return additional within the story if you happen to like, however provided that monster introductions curiosity you: 2014’s Godzilla and 2017’s Kong: Cranium Island introduce the lead Titans, whereas 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters reveals how all these different Titans grew to become a difficulty for contemporary Earth. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters considerations itself with the individuals who first realized of the Titans’ existence.
Does Godzilla x Kong have a post-credits scene?
Nope. Not even a mid-credits scene. Stick round and recognize all of the individuals who made this film, however don’t count on any additional teases. The film, to cite Ferris Bueller, is over. Go residence.
Will Godzilla x Kong get a sequel?
That relies on how many individuals go see Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Warner Bros. hasn’t greenlit one other MonsterVerse film but, and clearly didn’t expressly plan this explicit MonsterVerse arc as a trilogy. However Adam Wingard has brazenly mentioned he’s keen to make a 3rd movie on this collection. He’s equally open about saying that all of it relies on whether or not The New Empire makes cash and Warner Bros. decides to proceed the MonsterVerse from this level.
The film itself doesn’t arrange any dangling plot threads or cliffhangers, although — it wraps up fairly neatly, placing all of the toys again on the shelf. The Titans are prepared to come back out for an additional brawl at any time when there’s a requirement, simply as they’ve been since 1955, when Godzilla Raids Once more turned Godzilla from a one-off villain right into a franchise anchor. Wingard and Warner Bros. are simply ready to see whether or not audiences need to maintain taking part in with these explicit motion figures.