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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024 Film)
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, an eagerly anticipated American monster film, is under the direction of Adam Wingard. Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, this installment serves as a sequel to the wildly successful Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), marking the fifth entry in the MonsterVerse. Notably, it also represents the 38th film in the Godzilla franchise, the 13th in the King Kong series, and the fifth Godzilla film wholly produced by an American studio. The film boasts a talented cast including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen, with Hall, Henry, and Hottle reprising their roles from the previous installment.
Set against the backdrop of a looming threat to the Hollow Earth and the surface world, Godzilla and Kong must set aside their differences and unite in an epic battle. This time, they face off against an unknown adversary, compelling them to join forces for the greater good.
Following the resounding success of Godzilla vs. Kong amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Legendary announced plans for the sequel in March 2022. Filming commenced in July 2022 in Gold Coast, Queensland, with Wingard returning to the director’s chair and Stevens joining the cast in a lead role. Principal photography concluded in November 2022, paving the way for the film’s highly anticipated international release on March 27, 2024, and its debut in the United States on March 29.
Kraven the Hunter
| Directed | Adam Wingard |
|---|---|
| Screenplay |
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| Story |
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| Based | Godzilla by Toho Co., Ltd. |
| Produced |
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| Cinematography | Ben Seresin |
| Edited | Josh Schaeffer |
| Music | Tom Holkenborg Antonio Di Iorio |
| Production | Legendary Pictures |
| Distributed |
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| Release dates |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Summary
Continuing from the explosive clash of Godzilla vs. Kong, this latest installment embarks on an entirely new cinematic journey. Here, the formidable Kong and the legendary Godzilla face off against a colossal, previously unknown menace lurking within our world, posing a threat not only to their existence but to ours as well. Delving deeper into the backgrounds of these iconic Titans, the film explores their origins, unravels the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, and unveils the mythic battle that shaped their extraordinary existence, forever intertwining them with humanity.
Actors / Cast
- Rebecca Hall as Dr. Ilene Andrews
- Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes
- Dan Stevens as Trapper
- Kaylee Hottle as Jia
- Alex Ferns
- Fala Chen
- Rachel House
Development
In March 2019, producer Alex Garcia expressed Legendary Pictures’ aspiration to expand the MonsterVerse franchise if their current endeavors proved successful. Garcia emphasized the importance of each project being of the highest quality, indicating that the focus at the time was on Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). While discussing the potential future of the MonsterVerse in February 2021, director Adam Wingard hinted at potential directions for upcoming films, acknowledging the franchise’s initial trajectory leading to Godzilla vs. Kong.
Following its release on March 24, 2021, Godzilla vs. Kong achieved both commercial success and widespread popularity despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film surpassed expectations, grossing $470 million worldwide, surpassing its break-even point of $330 million, and earning the title of the most pirated film of 2021. Legendary’s CEO, Josh Grode, confirmed in April 2021 that they were exploring ideas for additional MonsterVerse films, coinciding with a social media campaign under the hashtag #ContinueTheMonsterVerse.
Reports surfaced in April 2021 that Legendary was quietly exploring further installments in the MonsterVerse, with discussions underway regarding Adam Wingard’s potential return as director. Ideas for future projects, including the possibility of a film titled Son of Kong, were being considered. With the success of Godzilla vs. Kong, MonsterVerse writer Max Borenstein hinted at the likelihood of new and innovative additions to the franchise. Subsequently, in March 2022, plans were unveiled for a sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong, with filming scheduled to commence later in the year. Director Adam Wingard was confirmed to return, and actor Dan Stevens was announced to join the cast, fostering anticipation for the continuation of the MonsterVerse saga.
Pre - Production
In August 2022, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary made an exciting announcement, unveiling a new synopsis for an upcoming project. Notably, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle were confirmed to reprise their roles from Godzilla vs Kong, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film. Joining the cast were Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House, promising fresh talent to complement the returning stars.
Further details emerged, highlighting the reunion of director Adam Wingard with key members of his creative team. Production designer Tom Hammock, editor Josh Schaeffer, and composer Tom Holkenborg were all set to collaborate once more, ensuring a cohesive and immersive cinematic experience. Additionally, screenwriting duties were entrusted to Terry Rossio, Jeremy Slater, and Simon Barrett, with Rossio, Wingard, and Barrett earning “story by” credit, while Rossio, Barrett, and Slater received recognition for the screenplay.
In a testament to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, Michael Dougherty and Zach Shields, known for their contributions to Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs. Kong, were acknowledged with off-screen “additional literary material” credit, alongside James Ashcroft, Eli Kent, and Nicole Perlman. This behind-the-scenes collaboration promised to deliver a captivating narrative and visual spectacle for audiences to enjoy.
Filming
On July 29, 2022, principal photography kicked off in Gold Coast, Queensland, marking the beginning of the film’s production journey. Ben Seresin was announced to resume his role as director of photography, ensuring continuity and visual coherence for the project. As filming progressed, reports emerged in November 2022, indicating the completion of shooting in Australia. Crew gear hinted at the potential title of the film, then speculated to be “Godzilla and Kong,” adding to the intrigue surrounding this anticipated cinematic endeavor.
Music
Tom Holkenborg, known for his work on the score of Godzilla vs. Kong, was confirmed to return as the composer for the film in August 2022. Later, in December 2023, it was revealed that Antonio Di Iorio would join him as a co-composer for the project.
Release
In April 2023, Legendary kickstarted the marketing campaign for the highly anticipated film by unveiling its official title in a teaser. Building on the excitement, September saw the North American International Toy Fair in New York featuring a banner hinting at a potential team-up between Godzilla and Kong. As anticipation reached a fever pitch, November brought news that director Wingard and the cast would engage in a panel discussion at CCXP the following month. Then, in December, Warner Bros. unveiled the film’s first-look trailer at CCXP, promptly followed by an online release; a second trailer followed suit in February 2024.
Internationally, audiences can catch the theatrical release of the film starting March 27, 2024, with the United States following suit on March 29. Previously slated dates were March 15 and April 12, 2024. Japanese fans can mark their calendars for April 26, 2024, when Toho will release the film in Japan.
External Link
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire 2024 Film– Selective Ranks
