Godzilla x Kong Director Out For Sequel
Adam Wingard, the director of Legendary’s last two successful MonsterVerse movies, will not return for a third film. The split is said to be amicable and due to scheduling conflicts. Insiders say the filmmaker may return. Wingard recently directed and co-wrote Godzilla x Kong: New Empire, which earned over $564 million worldwide since its March 29 release.
Adam Wingard Out
Although he didn’t have a contract for another MonsterVerse installment, Wingard previously hinted at having more Godzilla x Kong stories to tell during the press tour.
However, the filmmaker also said he wanted to first work on a new original project, an action thriller titled Onslaught. The film was acquired by A24 in a competitive sale and is set to start filming in the fall.
Legendary Needed To Move On
But Legendary wanted to quickly move on to the next monster movie. The company expressed interest in having Wingard continue as director on the next Godzilla x Kong story. But his return seemed unlikely when they hired Dave Callaham, of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings fame, to start working on a new script just a week or two later.
Wingard will leave the franchise on a high note. Godzilla x Kong is about to become the highest-grossing of the five MonsterVerse movies, likely surpassing the $568 million record set by 2017’s Kong: Skull Island. It might also become the most profitable of the movie in the franchise, as it only cost $135 million to make.
An Epic Clash
Godzilla x Kong follows the epic clash between Godzilla and Kong as they face a colossal, deadly threat hidden within our world. The plot revolves around Kong, who establishes his territory on Hollow Earth while searching for more of his kind. At the same time, Godzilla maintains order on Earth’s surface.
The pair eventually team up to stop a tyrannical leader and his frost-breathing ally, Shimo.
Godzilla vs. Kong At The Box Office
Wingard’s first Godzilla movie, Godzilla vs. Kong, was released during the Covid-19 pandemic in theaters and on HBO Max (now Max).
Despite the circumstances, the film grossed over $100 million domestically and $470 million worldwide and was credited with helping to revive cinema during a difficult time for theaters.
The Monsterverse
Godzilla vs. Kong is a sequel to 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters and 2017’s Kong: Skull Island. The story follows the clash between two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, with humanity caught in the middle.
The plot revolves around Kong, who is being monitored on Skull Island by Monarch. He eventually bonds with Jia, a young orphan who communicates with him using sign language.
More Monsterverse Background
As the story unfolds, sinister activities at Apex Cybernetics are uncovered, leading to Godzilla’s unexpected attacks and the revelation of a Mechagodzilla. The film delves into the Hollow Earth, the Titans’ home world, and the epic battle between Godzilla and Kong, instigated by unseen forces.
The movie’s success led to the development of Godzilla x Kong.
Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire is currently available via digital platforms, with the 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD versions scheduled for release on June 11.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
