Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to explore kaiju lore

Olivia Richman Published 20/04/2023

Ever since Godzilla vs. Kong, fans of the Monsterverse have been hearing rumors about the next movie in the franchise, but nothing was confirmed. Until now. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has been officially announced, leaving the kaiju community more curious than ever before.

Godzilla vs. Kong ended with the two titular titans working together to take out Mechagodzilla, a man-made creation that went haywire and was set on finishing what King Ghidorah had started in King of the Monsters. Before that, Godzilla and Kong had been duking it out in China, with Godzilla taking down Kong 2-1 but sparing his life.

After Godzilla vs. Kong, many North American fans wondered if the next film would center around King Kong and Hollow Earth, a mysterious location in the center of the planet where his ancestors appeared to once rule. But it looks like the next movie won’t be solely about Kong after all.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer reveal

On April 19, 2023, the name of the new Monsterverse movie was revealed: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

The use of the “x” between Godzilla and Kong has fans wondering if the two kaiju will be working together to fight another threat to the Earth. This wouldn’t be a big stretch, since Godzilla clearly felt respect for Kong during their final fight against each other when he chose to let him live.

Godzilla x Kong plot

An official synopsis of the film provides more insight into what fans should expect in the new Monsterverse movie. The New Empire takes place after the epic fight at the end of Godzilla vs. Kong. But even with Mechagodzilla destroyed, there’s a “colossal undiscovered threat” hidden within Earth that is challenging the entire planet’s existence.

The new film will also dive deeper into the history of Godzilla and Kong’s origins, including the “mystery of Skull Island and beyond.” The movie may even discuss how Godzilla, Kong, and other kaiju came to be at all. It all started with a mythic battle that tied the titans to humankind.

Who is starring in Godzilla x Kong?

Aside from the two titular titans, familiar faces from Godzilla vs. Kong will return. This includes Rebecca Hall as Dr. Ilene Andrews, Brian Tyree Henry as conspiracy podcaster Bernie Hayes, and Kaylee Hottle as Jia. They will be joined by Dan Stevens, Fala Chen, and Rachel House.

But let’s be real, we’re all here for the kaiju.

Who is the evil red Kong in the trailer?

Speaking of kaiju, fans noticed a very creepy face in the trailer that didn’t have too much context or explanation. Who is the red, scaly Kong-like kaiju in The New Empire trailer?

For now, this is a bit of a mystery. There are many fan theories online, however, with the Godzilla fanbase noting the creature’s scaly skin. The features are also very orangutan-like. It’s more than likely this ape-like beast is from Kong’s past or at least a familiar location to the giant monkey.

Others noticed similarities between the ape’s face and the Gaira from the 1966 film The War of the Gargantuas. These experimental apes grew up in the deep sea, fighting off hostile creatures and becoming hardened by such a tough life. Gaira is a bloodthirsty villain with unquestionable strength, making him a good opponent for Godzilla and Kong.

But this all remains unknown for now.

When is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire coming out?

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is coming to theaters on March 15, 2024.

This is sure to be a film to see in IMAX, with incredible kaiju fights that are bigger and more intense than ever. Each film has improved its monster battle scenes with more details and action every film.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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