Fresh off the impressive box-office impact of Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, Warner Bros. and Legendary have locked in a release date for the Monsterverse’s next movie. The studio has announced that the untitled sequel to The New Empire will hit theaters on March 26, 2027, maintaining the franchise’s March release foothold since 2021’s Godzilla VS Kong. The news comes on the heels of I Am Mother‘s Grant Sputore being hired to direct the movie following Adam Wingard’s departure due to scheduling conflicts.
The Monsterverse Is A Hollywood Titan On The Rise
Currently, the Monsterverse stands at an exciting point in its history, following not only the franchise’s successful return to theaters, but a successful branching out into the realm of television. With a dual narrative story that spans multiple generations over 70 years, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters not only began to address lingering unanswered questions and gaps to follow on details established by Kong: Skull Island, but pivoted its lens to focus on humans swept up in the affairs of the emerging Titans following Godzilla’s San Francisco battles. Critically praised, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will return for a second season.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is also about to make its streaming premiere on Max on July 4.
With this and a new theatrical entry on the way, the Monsterverse has firmly set itself as a multimedia franchise to be reckoned with. Not only will Monarch: Legacy of Monsters return with a season 2, but Apple TV+’s hopes for numerous spin-offs were confirmed, allowing the series to expand on the small screen. However, while the Monsterverse will return to the big screen, Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong director Wingard’s departure could open up the franchise for a shake-up under Sputore that will keep the universe fresh.
While Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire‘s ending leaves Kong in a new status quo while Godzilla takes a much-needed rest after their brief alliance, there is no sign of stopping for the Monsterverse. Wingard’s departure may mean his Godzilla-focused follow-up may not come to pass, but the 2024 feature could be treated as the end of an arc, as the world settles, Kong assumes rulership of the Hollow Earth tribe, and Godzilla protects the surface’s balance. Though three years may be a lengthy wait, it is clear WB and Legendary are prioritizing quality over quick turnarounds.
