Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|2024 film by Adam Wingard}} {{Use American English|date=April 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox film | image = Godzilla x kong the new empire poster.jpg | alt = | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = [[Adam Wingard]] | producer = {{Plainlist| * [[Thomas Tull]] * [[Jon Jashni]] * Brian Rogers * [[Mary Parent]] * Alex Garcia * Eric McLeod }} | screenplay = {{Plainlist| * [[Terry Rossio]] * [[Simon Barrett (filmmaker)|Simon Barrett]] * [[Jeremy Slater]] }} | story = {{Plainlist| * Terry Rossio * Adam Wingard * Simon Barrett }} | based_on = {{Based on|[[Godzilla]] and [[Mothra]]|[[Toho|Toho Co., Ltd.]]}} | starring = {{Plainlist| * [[Rebecca Hall]] * [[Brian Tyree Henry]] * [[Dan Stevens]] * [[Kaylee Hottle]] * [[Alex Ferns]] * [[Fala Chen]] }} | music = {{Plainlist| * [[Tom Holkenborg]] * Antonio Di Iorio }} | cinematography = [[Ben Seresin]] | editing = Josh Schaeffer | studio = [[Legendary Entertainment|Legendary Pictures]] | distributor = {{Plainlist| * [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] (Worldwide) * Toho (Japan)<ref name="SciFiJapan">{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/godzilla-toho/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-new-trailer-and-poster-from-warner-bros-pictures|title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' -- New Trailer and Poster From Warner Bros. Pictures|work=SciFi Japan|access-date=March 26, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327012220/https://www.scifijapan.com/godzilla-toho/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-new-trailer-and-poster-from-warner-bros-pictures|url-status=live}}</ref> }} | released = {{Film date|2024|03|25|[[Grauman's Chinese Theatre|TCL Chinese Theatre]]|2024|03|29|United States}} | runtime = 115 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2024|title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' (12A) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde3ntm1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320015309/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde3ntm1 |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |access-date=March 19, 2024 |website=[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]}}</ref> | country = United States | language = English | budget = {{USD|135–150 million|long=no}}<ref name=Deadline-Preview>{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |last2=Tartaglione |first2=Nancy |title=''Godzilla x Kong'' Will Bunny Hop To $135M Global Opening As Legendary's Monsterverse Franchise Roars Past $2.5 Billion – Easter Box Office Preview |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-box-office-1235868869/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=March 26, 2024 |date=March 26, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326230533/https://deadline.com/2024/03/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-box-office-1235868869/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/monkey-man-opening-godzilla-kong-second-weekend-first-omen-1235962604/|title=Box Office: 'Godzilla x Kong' Staying on Top, 'Monkey Man' Swings Into Second and 'The First Omen' Gets Crossed Up|first=J. Kim|last=Murphy|work=Variety|date=April 6, 2024|access-date=April 6, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406205049/https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/monkey-man-opening-godzilla-kong-second-weekend-first-omen-1235962604/}}</ref> | gross = {{USD|380 million|long=no}}<ref name="Deadline-Monarch">{{Cite web |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=April 11, 2024 |title=''Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters'' Renewed For Second Season By Apple TV+; Multiple Spinoffs Planned |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/monarch-legacy-of-monsters-renewed-second-season-apple-tv-1235882018/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=BOM>{{cite Box Office Mojo|id=14539740|title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)|access-date=April 10, 2024}}</ref><ref name=NUM>{{cite the numbers|id=Godzilla-x-Kong-The-New-Empire-(2024)|title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire|access-date=April 10, 2024}}</ref> }} '''''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'''''{{efn|According to Wingard, the "x" in the film's title is silent.<ref name="SilentX">{{Cite web |last=Coman |first=Monica |date=March 21, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' Director Explains the Title, Confirms the 'x' Is Silent |url=https://www.cbr.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-director-title/ |access-date=March 21, 2024 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref>}} is a 2024 American [[monster movie|monster film]] directed by [[Adam Wingard]]. Produced by [[Legendary Entertainment|Legendary Pictures]] and distributed by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]], it is a sequel to ''[[Godzilla vs. Kong]]'' (2021), and the fifth film in the [[MonsterVerse]] franchise. It is also the 38th film of the [[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'' franchise]] and the 13th film in the [[King Kong (franchise)|''King Kong'' franchise]]. The film stars [[Rebecca Hall]], [[Brian Tyree Henry]], [[Dan Stevens]], [[Kaylee Hottle]], [[Alex Ferns]], and [[Fala Chen]]. Hall, Henry, and Hottle reprise their roles from the previous film. In the film, Kong encounters more of his species in the [[Hollow Earth]] and must unite again with Godzilla to stop their tyrannical leader and a powerful, frost-breathing Titan from destroying the surface. Following the box office and streaming success of ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' during the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema|COVID-19 pandemic]], Legendary announced a sequel in March 2022 and that filming would commence later that year. In May 2022, it was announced that Wingard would return to direct and Stevens had been cast as a lead. Filming began in July 2022 in the [[Gold Coast, Australia]], and finished in November 2022. ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' premiered at [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]] on March 25, 2024, and was released in the United States on March 29. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many comparing it unfavorably to ''[[Godzilla Minus One]]'' (2023), and has grossed {{USD|380 million|long=no}}<ref name="Deadline-Monarch"/> worldwide on a {{USD|135–150 million|long=no}} budget, making it the [[2024 in film|fifth-highest-grossing film of 2024]]. ==Plot== Three years after defeating [[Mechagodzilla]],{{efn|name=GvK|As depicted in ''[[Godzilla vs. Kong|Godzilla vs. Kong]]'' (2021)}} [[King Kong|Kong]] has established his new territory in the [[Hollow Earth]] and searches for more of his kind. On Earth's surface, [[Godzilla (MonsterVerse)|Godzilla]] continues to maintain order between humanity and giant monsters, known as "Titans" — killing Scylla in [[Rome]] and resting in the [[Colosseum]] afterwards. A Monarch observation outpost stationed in the Hollow Earth picks up an unidentified signal. On the surface, the signal causes Jia, the last known survivor of the Iwi tribe from [[Skull Island (King Kong)|Skull Island]], to experience hallucinations and visions, causing her adoptive mother, Dr. Ilene Andrews, to worry. Also sensing the signal, Godzilla leaves Rome and attacks a nuclear plant in [[France]] to absorb the radiation. Godzilla then heads to the Titan Tiamat's lair in [[the Arctic|the Arctic]]. Monarch believes Godzilla is strengthening himself for an oncoming threat. When a sinkhole opens near his home, Kong discovers an uncharted region where a tribe of his species has survived, including a juvenile named Suko. After an initial confrontation, Kong forces Suko to lead him to the tribe's lair, and the two slowly bond on their journey. The tribe's tyrannical leader, the Skar King, battles Kong with the aid of an ancient ice-powered Titan, Shimo, whom the Skar King controls with pain using a crystal. Shimo's ice breath damages Kong's right arm, causing frostbite, but with Suko's help Kong manages to escape, though he loses his axe in the process. Andrews and Jia, alongside Titan veterinarian Trapper and conspiracy podcaster Bernie Hayes, travel to the Hollow Earth to locate the source of the signal. They find the Monarch outpost destroyed. As the group ventures forward, they discover a temple that leads them to a subterranean section that houses a surviving Iwi tribe, who communicate telepathically with each other. Inspecting some ruins, they surmise that the signal was a telepathic distress call sent by the Iwi. While observing Jia socializing with the Iwi, Andrews voices her fears to Trapper that Jia may choose to stay with her people and that Andrews would have to accept it. Inside a temple, Andrews uncovers hieroglyphics displaying the past and future: the Skar King once attempted to conquer the surface world and waged war against Godzilla's species, but Godzilla defeated him and trapped him and his tribe deep within the Hollow Earth. The prophecy also indicates that Jia would be the key to reawakening [[Mothra]]. Sensing Jia, Kong locates the temple and is fitted by Trapper with a prototype exoskeletal arm brace to strengthen and heal his frostbitten limb. Unbeknownst to them, one of the Skar King's loyalists has followed them and informs the Skar King, who assembles his invasion force for Earth. Jia successfully awakens the reborn Mothra. Godzilla kills Tiamat and absorbs cosmic radiation from her lair, evolving him and turning his dorsal plates magenta. Hoping to lure Godzilla to the Hollow Earth to assist him, Kong surfaces in [[Cairo]] and calls out to Godzilla. Despite Kong's attempts to communicate, an irate Godzilla attacks him, and a brief fight ensues until Mothra arrives with Jia and convinces Godzilla to help Kong. The trio then head down to Hollow Earth to face the Skar King along with Shimo and his army. The fight drags Godzilla, Kong, Shimo and the Skar King to [[Rio de Janeiro]], where Shimo begins to induce another [[ice age]] at the Skar King's command. The factions are evenly matched until Suko arrives with Kong's axe and destroys the crystal controlling Shimo. Shimo and Kong then freeze and shatter the Skar King. After undoing Shimo's ice age with his atomic breath, Godzilla returns to rest in the Colosseum. Jia reunites with Andrews and alleviates her fears by choosing to stay with her adopted mother. Mothra restores the protective barrier of the Iwi’s home and then departs. Kong returns with Shimo and Suko to Hollow Earth, where he becomes the ape tribe's new leader. ==Cast== {{cast listing| * [[Rebecca Hall]] as Dr. Ilene Andrews * [[Brian Tyree Henry]] as Bernie Hayes * [[Dan Stevens]] as Trapper<ref>{{cite web |date=December 3, 2023 |last1=McArdle |first1=Tommy |last2=Vasquez |first2=Ingrid |title=Monsters Clash in ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' First Trailer |url=https://people.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-first-trailer-8406236 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=5 December 2023 |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205232310/https://people.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-first-trailer-8406236 |url-status=live }}</ref> * [[Kaylee Hottle]] as Jia * [[Alex Ferns]] as Mikael * [[Fala Chen]] as Iwi Queen * [[Rachel House (actress)|Rachel House]] as Hampton * Ron Smyck as Harris * Chantelle Jamieson as Jayne * Greg Hatton as Lewis * Kevin Copeland as Submarine Commander * Tess Dobré as Submarine Officer * Tim Carroll as Wilcox * [[Anthony Brandon Wong]] as Talk Show Announcer }} ==Production== ===Development=== In March 2019, producer Alex Garcia stated that [[Legendary Entertainment|Legendary Pictures]] hoped to produce more [[MonsterVerse]] films if they became successful, stating, "It's one brick at a time, each piece has to be as good as it can be, so right now it's all focused on this [''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)|Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]'' and ''[[Godzilla vs. Kong]]'']. But could there be? Yeah, that's the hope if the movies turn out really well."{{sfn|Mirjahangir|2019|loc=21:30}} In February 2021, Wingard commented on the future of the MonsterVerse, "I know where we could go potentially with future films." However, he noted that the MonsterVerse was created "to a certain degree" to lead towards ''Godzilla vs. Kong''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/godzilla-vs-kong-adam-wingard-interview/|title=''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Director Adam Wingard on Avoiding an Issue He Had with 'Batman v Superman'|first=Matt|last= Goldberg|work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=March 11, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=March 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311174815/https://collider.com/godzilla-vs-kong-adam-wingard-interview/}}</ref> He added that the MonsterVerse is at a "crossroads", stating, "It's really at the point where audiences have to kind of step forward and vote for more of these things. If this movie is a success obviously they will continue forward."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/383790/exclusive-godzilla-vs-kong-director-adam-wingard-explains-why-no-post-credits-scene/|title=Exclusive: ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Director Adam Wingard Explains Why No Post-Credits Scene|first=Josh|last=Millican|work=[[Dread Central]]|date=March 22, 2021|access-date=March 23, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=March 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324011752/https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/383790/exclusive-godzilla-vs-kong-director-adam-wingard-explains-why-no-post-credits-scene/}}</ref> ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' was released on March 24, 2021, and became a box office and streaming hit during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=breakeven>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/godzilla-vs-kong-opening-weekend-analysis-1234943958/ |title=''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Is a Box Office and HBO Max Hit. Will It Shake Up the Future of Moviegoing? |first=Rebecca |last=Rubin |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=April 5, 2021 |access-date=April 5, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805101036/https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/godzilla-vs-kong-opening-weekend-analysis-1234943958/}}</ref> The film grossed $470 million worldwide against a break-even point of $330 million,<ref name=breakeven/><ref>{{cite Box Office Mojo|id= 5034838 |title=Godzilla vs. Kong|access-date= July 20, 2021}}</ref> and became the most pirated film of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/most-pirated-movies-tv-shows-2021-list/|title='Zack Snyder's Justice League,' 'Black Widow' Among 2021's Most Pirated Movies|first=Andi|last=Ortiz|work=TheWrap |date=January 26, 2022|access-date=February 2, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date= February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202174635/https://www.thewrap.com/most-pirated-movies-tv-shows-2021-list/}}</ref> On April 4, 2021, Legendary's CEO Josh Grode commented on potential sequels, "we have a number of ideas for more movies."<ref>{{cite news|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=April 4, 2021|url= https://deadline.com/2021/04/godzilla-vs-kong-roars-to-best-opening-day-during-the-pandemic-with-9-6m-1234726022/ |title= ''Godzilla Vs. Kong'' Propels Domestic Box Office Out Of Pandemic Depression With $48.5M 5-Day Opening |website= [[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=April 4, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=April 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409180817/https://deadline.com/2021/04/godzilla-vs-kong-approaches-28-million-three-days-opening-1234726022/}}</ref> That same day, the [[hashtag]] #ContinueTheMonsterVerse began trending on [[Twitter]], which was acknowledged by Legendary and garnered support from [[Jordan Vogt-Roberts]], director of ''[[Kong: Skull Island]]'' (2017).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://film.avclub.com/godzilla-vs-kong-fans-adopt-snyder-cut-tactics-to-try-1846616601|title=''Godzilla Vs. Kong'' fans adopt Snyder Cut tactics to try and get a sequel, and it might be working|first=Sam|last=Barsanti|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=April 4, 2021|access-date=April 8, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=April 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409033634/https://film.avclub.com/godzilla-vs-kong-fans-adopt-snyder-cut-tactics-to-try-1846616601?rev=1617572235258}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://comicbook.com/anime/news/godzilla-vs-kong-continue-the-monsterverse-kong-skull-island-director-support/| title = Kong: Skull Island Director Backs 'Continue the MonsterVerse' Movement|first=Nick|last=Valdez|work=Comicbook.com|date = April 5, 2021| access-date = April 8, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816235111/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/godzilla-vs-kong-continue-the-monsterverse-kong-skull-island-director-support/}}</ref> On April 27, 2021, ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' stated that Legendary was "quietly taking steps to stretch the series into one or more installments" while negotiating with Wingard to potentially return to direct. Various ideas were considered, with ''Son of Kong'' being one potential title.<ref name="April 27 THR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/adam-wingard-next-godzilla-kong-movie-director|title=''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Director Adam Wingard In Talks for Legendary's Next MonsterVerse Film (Exclusive)|first=Borys|last=Kit|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=April 27, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427210633/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/adam-wingard-next-godzilla-kong-movie-director}}</ref> In August 2021, MonsterVerse writer [[Max Borenstein]] stated that "there will be some new, interesting installments coming" due to the success of ''Godzilla vs. Kong''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/godzilla-vs-kong-monsterverse-movie-future-max-borenstein/|title=Godzilla vs Kong Writer Teases Future MonsterVerse Movies|first=Grant|last=Hermanns|work=[[Screen Rant]]|date=August 3, 2021|access-date=August 5, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095425/https://screenrant.com/godzilla-vs-kong-monsterverse-movie-future-max-borenstein/}}</ref> On March 20, 2022, it was announced that a sequel to ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' was scheduled to commence filming later in the year in the [[Gold Coast, Queensland]], and other locations in [[South East Queensland]].<ref name="Variety March 2022">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/asia/godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-australia-1235210265/|title=''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Sequel to Film in Australia|first=Katherine|last=Tulich|work=Variety|date=March 20, 2022|access-date=March 20, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321052821/https://variety.com/2022/film/asia/godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-australia-1235210265/}}</ref> In May 2022, it was announced that Wingard would return to direct and that [[Dan Stevens]] had been cast as a lead. Wingard and Stevens had previously worked together on ''[[The Guest (2014 American film)|The Guest]]'' (2014).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=''Godzilla vs. Kong 2'': Dan Stevens Reunites With ''The Guest'' Director Adam Wingard On Legendary Sequel |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/godzilla-vs-kong-2-dan-stevens-the-guest-director-adam-wingard-legendary-1235022755/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |date=May 12, 2022|access-date=May 12, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512230601/https://deadline.com/2022/05/godzilla-vs-kong-2-dan-stevens-the-guest-director-adam-wingard-legendary-1235022755/}}</ref> In May 2022, ''Production Weekly'' reported that the film's working title was ''Origins''.{{sfn|Production Weekly|2022|p=40}} On June 30, 2022, it was revealed that [[Mary Parent]], Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod, Brian Rogers, [[Thomas Tull]] and [[Jon Jashni]] would return to produce.<ref name="IMAX">{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/godzilla-vs-kong-2-sequel-release-date-dune-2/|title='Godzilla vs. Kong' Sequel Gets 2024 Release Date; 'Dune 2' Pushed to November 2023|first=Adam|last=Chitwood|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=June 30, 2022|access-date=August 8, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809002403/https://www.thewrap.com/godzilla-vs-kong-2-sequel-release-date-dune-2/}}</ref><ref name="VT">{{cite web|url=https://www.vitalthrills.com/godzilla-vs-kong-sequel/|title=Godzilla vs Kong Sequel Starts Filming|first=Mirko|last=Parlevliet|work=Vital Thrills|date=August 25, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2022|archive-date=March 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317173030/https://www.vitalthrills.com/godzilla-vs-kong-sequel/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 1, 2022, [[Toho]] confirmed that the film would feature [[Godzilla (MonsterVerse)|Godzilla]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://godzilla.com/news/godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-announcement/|title=''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Sequel Announcement|first=|last=|work=Godzilla.com|publisher=[[Toho]]|date=July 1, 2022|access-date=August 14, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808190314/https://godzilla.com/news/godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-announcement/}}</ref> ===Pre-production=== Wingard recalled that preproduction on the film began in January 2022.<ref>{{citation |last=Jr |first=Mike Fleming |date=2024-03-22 |title=How 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids' Led Adam Wingard To Epic Scale Pics Like 'Godzilla X Kong:' The Film That Lit My Fuse |url=https://deadline.com/video/adam-wingard-influences-video-interview-from-honey-i-shrunk-the-kids-to-godzilla-x-kong/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |type=video |time=25:05 |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324043650/https://deadline.com/video/adam-wingard-influences-video-interview-from-honey-i-shrunk-the-kids-to-godzilla-x-kong/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2022, [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] and Legendary announced a new synopsis and that [[Rebecca Hall]], [[Brian Tyree Henry]] and [[Kaylee Hottle]] would reprise their roles from ''Godzilla vs Kong'' while [[Fala Chen]], [[Alex Ferns]] and [[Rachel House (actress)|Rachel House]] would join the cast as well. It was also revealed that Wingard would collaborate once more with production designer Tom Hammock, editor Josh Schaeffer, composer [[Tom Holkenborg]], and that [[Terry Rossio]] had returned to write the script with [[Jeremy Slater]] and Wingard's frequent collaborator [[Simon Barrett (filmmaker)|Simon Barrett]].<ref name="August Collider">{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/godzilla-vs-kong-2-synopsis-monsterverse-sequel/|title=''Godzilla vs. Kong 2'' Synopsis Reveals New Details About Monsterverse Sequel|first=Marco|last=Vitto Oddo|work=Collider|date=August 25, 2022|access-date=August 25, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825174709/https://collider.com/godzilla-vs-kong-2-synopsis-monsterverse-sequel/}}</ref><ref name="VT"/> Ultimately, Rossio, Barrett, and Slater received "screenplay by" credit, while Rossio, Wingard, and Barrett received "story by" credit; [[Michael Dougherty]] and Zach Shields, both of whom co-wrote ''Godzilla: King of the Monsters'' and ''Godzilla vs. Kong'', shared off-screen "additional literary material" credit with James Ashcroft, [[Eli Kent]], and [[Nicole Perlman]].<ref name="WGA">{{Cite web |title=''Origins'' |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1240262/origins/ |access-date=April 26, 2023 |website=[[Writers Guild of America West]] |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426170450/https://directories.wga.org/project/1240262/origins/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-09|title=Why Millie Bobby Brown Is Not Returning For Godzilla vs Kong 2|website=[[Screen Rant]]|url=https://screenrant.com/why-millie-bobby-brown-isnt-in-gvk-2/|access-date=2023-10-25|language=en|archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120161120/https://screenrant.com/why-millie-bobby-brown-isnt-in-gvk-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Filming=== Principal photography commenced in the Gold Coast, Queensland, on July 29, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1232875-legendary-godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-begins-production|title=Legendary's ''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Sequel Begins Production in Australia|first=Maggie Dela|last=Paz|work=Comingsoon.net|date=July 29, 2022|access-date=July 29, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=July 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729231454/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1232875-legendary-godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-begins-production}}</ref> At the start of production, [[Ben Seresin]] was confirmed to have returned as director of photography.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1233317-godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-gets-working-title|title=''Godzilla vs. Kong'' Sequel Gets Working Title|first=Anthony|last=Nash|work=Comingsoon.net|date=August 2, 2022|access-date=August 16, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816234452/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1233317-godzilla-vs-kong-sequel-gets-working-title}}</ref> In November 2022, it was reported that filming had finished in Australia and that crew gear revealed the film's potential title, at the time, as ''Godzilla and Kong''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-vs-kong-2-title-confirmed-1849749915|title=The Next Godzilla Movie Has an Unsurprising Title|first1=James|last2=Whitbrook|first2=Gordon|last1=Jackson|work=[[Gizmodo]]|date=November 11, 2022|access-date=November 12, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=November 12, 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221112231129/https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-vs-kong-2-title-confirmed-1849749915}}</ref> === Visual effects === The film's visual effects were supervised by Alessandro Ongaro.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' Has a Very Specific Homage to ''Godzilla Minus One'' |url=https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-x-kong-minus-one-connection-toho-adam-wingard-1851340571 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315214648/https://gizmodo.com/godzilla-x-kong-minus-one-connection-toho-adam-wingard-1851340571 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |access-date=March 18, 2024 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |language=en}}</ref> After watching the trailer for ''[[Godzilla Minus One]]'' (2023), Wingard and Ongaro decided to pay tribute to that film by recreating a shot of the ground bursting beneath Godzilla's footfall for the film's Rome sequence.<ref name=":0" /> Wingard confirmed that [[Mothra]]'s inclusion was always part of the plan. However, Legendary did not have the rights to Mothra by the time that post-production began and used a placeholder character named "Phosphera" until the rights were secured. Wingard also refuted rumors that Phosphera was replaced with Mothra due to poor testing, iterating that Mothra was included as far back as the first draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-ending-explained-mothra/|title='Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Ending Explained: Director Adam Wingard on That Big Cameo|first=Drew|last=Taylor|work=[[TheWrap]]|date=March 30, 2024|access-date=April 2, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=April 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402031744/https://www.thewrap.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-ending-explained-mothra/}}</ref> ==Music== {{main|Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (soundtrack)}} In August 2022, Tom Holkenborg was announced to return to compose the film's score, after previously doing so for ''Godzilla vs. Kong''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Tom Holkenborg to Return for Adam Wingard's 'Godzilla vs. Kong' Sequel |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/08/25/tom-holkenborg-to-return-for-adam-wingards-godzilla-vs-kong-sequel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826035741/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/08/25/tom-holkenborg-to-return-for-adam-wingards-godzilla-vs-kong-sequel/ |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Film Music Reporter}}</ref> In December 2023, it was announced that Antonio Di Iorio would co-compose the score with Holkenborg.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 December 2023|title=Antonio Di Iorio Joins Tom Holkenborg to Co-Score Adam Wingard's 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'|url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/12/03/antonio-di-iorio-joins-tom-holkenborg-to-co-score-adam-wingards-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire/|website=Film Music Reporter|url-status=live|archive-date=December 4, 2023|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20231204041206/https://filmmusicreporter.com/2023/12/03/antonio-di-iorio-joins-tom-holkenborg-to-co-score-adam-wingards-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire/|access-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref> A single was released on March 13, 2024 by [[WaterTower Music]], titled “Main Title Theme.” The full soundtrack album was released on March 22, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240322064435/en/Godzilla-x-Kong-The-New-Empire-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack-Available-Now-on-WaterTower-Music|title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Available Now on WaterTower Music|first=|last=|work=Business Wire|date=March 22, 2024|access-date=March 22, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=March 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322183336/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240322064435/en/Godzilla-x-Kong-The-New-Empire-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack-Available-Now-on-WaterTower-Music}}</ref> ==Release== ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' held its red carpet premiere at the [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]] on March 25, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chuba |first=Kirsten |date=March 26, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' Stars Joke That CGI Monsters Were "Such Divas" on Set |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-stars-cgi-monsters-divas-1235860226/ |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326180405/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-stars-cgi-monsters-divas-1235860226/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Afterward, it was released internationally on March 27 and released in the United States on March 29.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dick |first=Jeremy |date=February 14, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' Gets Action-Packed Trailer Uniting the Iconic Titans |url=https://www.cbr.com/godzilla-x-kong-second-trailer/ |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225135933/https://www.cbr.com/godzilla-x-kong-second-trailer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is scheduled to be released in Japan by Toho on April 26.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=ゴジラ×コング ザ・ニュー・エンパイア（原題） |url=https://eiga.com/movie/98575/ |access-date=May 27, 2023 |work=Eiga.com |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527174437/https://eiga.com/movie/98575/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was previously slated to be released on March 15 and April 12.<ref name="IMAX" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Treese |first=Tyler |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Release Date Pushed Back |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1326494-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-release-date-pushed-back |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825042749/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1326494-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-release-date-pushed-back |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |access-date=August 25, 2023 |work=Comingsoon.net}}</ref> Incidentally, Toho's ''[[Godzilla Minus One]]'' was withdrawn from U.S. theaters eight weeks before the release of ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=February 3, 2024 |title=''Godzilla Minus One'' Is Leaving Theaters Early |url=https://collider.com/godzilla-minus-one-leaving-theaters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204013811/https://collider.com/godzilla-minus-one-leaving-theaters/ |archive-date=February 4, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> ==Reception== ===Box office=== {{As of|2024|4|10|df=US}}, ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' has grossed $140.9 million in the United States and Canada and over $226 million in other territories,<ref name="BOM" /><ref name="NUM" /> for a worldwide total of $380 million.<ref name="Deadline-Monarch"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2024 |title=Apple TV+ renews global sensation ''Monarch: Legacy of Monsters'', and announces plans for multiple spin-off series from Legendary Entertainment |url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/04/apple-tv-renews-global-sensation-monarch-legacy-of-monsters-and-announces-plans-for-multiple-spin-off-series-from-legendary-entertainment/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=Apple TV+ Press |language=en-US}}</ref> In the United States and Canada, ''Godzilla x Kong'' was initially projected to gross $50–55 million from 3,850 theaters in its opening weekend, as well as an additional $80–90 million from 63 international territories.<ref name=Deadline-Preview/> After making $37 million on its first day, including $10 million from Thursday previews, the best-ever total for a MonsterVerse film, estimates were raised to $75 million domestic weekend. It went on to debut to $80 million, topping the box office and becoming the second-best opening weekend of the series and fifth-best Easter weekend of all-time, behind ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'' (2016), ''[[Furious 7]]'' (2015), ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' (2023) and ''[[The Fate of the Furious]]'' (2017).<ref name=opening>{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=They Have Risen: 'Godzilla x Kong' Conquers Easter Box Office With $80M Opening; Legendary Monsterverse Franchise Crosses $2 Billion – Sunday AM Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-1235871440/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=March 31, 2024 |date=March 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330023616/https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-1235871440/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In its second weekend, the film made $31.2 million (a drop of 61%), remaining in first.<ref>{{cite news |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title= 'Godzilla x Kong' Rising To $30M; 'Monkey Man' Sees $10M, 'First Omen' Jinxed With $8M+ – Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/box-office-monkey-man-first-omen-godzilla-x-kong-1235876709/ |access-date=April 7, 2024 |work=Deadline |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=April 7, 2024 }}</ref> ===Critical response=== ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' received mixed reviews from critics.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Malhotra |first=Rahul |date=April 2, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' Destroys Kaiju-Sized Global Box Office Milestone in Less Than a Week |url=https://collider.com/godzilla-x-kong-new-empire-global-box-office-202-million/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403203746/https://collider.com/godzilla-x-kong-new-empire-global-box-office-202-million/ |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en}}</ref> {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|54|5.6|224|Come to ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' for the sheer monster-mashing spectacle -- and stay for that too, because the movie doesn't have much else to offer.|access-date=March 31, 2024|ref=y}} {{Metacritic film prose|47|51|ref=yes|access-date=March 29, 2024}} Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A–" on an A+ to F scale, while [[PostTrak]] reported 96% of audience members said the film "met or exceeded their expectations."<ref name="opening"/> Several critics compared the film negatively to [[Toho]]'s ''[[Godzilla Minus One]]'' (2023).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grierson |first=Tim |date=March 29, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'': Review |url=https://www.screendaily.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review/5191966.article |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331155531/https://www.screendaily.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review/5191966.article |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Screen International]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' review: flimsy monster mash |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/godzilla-kong-new-empire-movie-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408022523/https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/godzilla-kong-new-empire-movie-review/ |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[Digital Trends]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Luxford |first=Victoria |date=April 5, 2024 |title=''Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire'' is a low IQ addition to a sagging franchise |url=https://www.cityam.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-is-a-low-iq-addition-to-a-sagging-franchise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406011830/https://www.cityam.com/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-is-a-low-iq-addition-to-a-sagging-franchise/ |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |website=[[City A.M.]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>}} [[Owen Gleiberman]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' found ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' mediocre, likening it more to a [[superhero film]], but felt that it was misfortunate that the film was released too soon after ''Godzilla Minus One'', comparing that film with "lyrical majesty" and ''Godzilla x Kong'' more like a "product", but admitted that the film delivers on the monster battles, praising the Rome scenes.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-1235953545/|title='Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Review: A Godzilla Spectacle Minus One Thing: A Reason to Exist|first=Owen|last=Gleiberman|work=Variety|date=March 28, 2024|access-date=March 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329131135/https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-1235953545/}}</ref> Pete Hammond from ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' likened the scenes with the Ape tribe to ''[[Planet of the Apes]]'' and noted that Godzilla, despite getting top billing and referenced repeatedly in the film, mostly plays a supporting role. He felt the human characters were the same "one dimensional caricatures" typically found in monster films, but admitted that they had a "nice rapport" regardless. Like Gleiberman, Hammond compared the film to ''Godzilla Minus One'', calling it "far more impressive" than ''Godzilla x Kong'' and suggested that Legendary hire that film's team next.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-the-titans-of-the-monsterverse-join-forces-against-evil-but-it-is-all-still-just-more-of-the-same-stomp-fest-1235870412/|title='Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Review: The Titans Of The Monsterverse Join Forces Against Evil But It Is All Still Just More Of The Same Stomp Fest|first=Pete|last=Hammond|work=Deadline|date=March 28, 2024|access-date=March 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329132436/https://deadline.com/2024/03/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-the-titans-of-the-monsterverse-join-forces-against-evil-but-it-is-all-still-just-more-of-the-same-stomp-fest-1235870412/}}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] also expressed disatisfaction for the film and suggested that ''Godzilla Minus One'' writer-director [[Takashi Yamazaki]] make the next Monsterverse film.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Berardinelli |first=James |author-link=James Berardinelli |date=March 29, 2024 |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' |url=https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Reelviews Movie Reviews |language=en}}</ref> A review in ''[[The Guardian]]'' praised the choreography and structure but criticized some aspects of the actors' roles, stating, "[[Dan Stevens]] and a returning [[Brian Tyree Henry]] are both lumped with the comedy and both struggle to make any of it work, which for a portion of the middle stretch, devoid of crashing and smashing, starts to become a problem." and concluding, " If the next chapter ended up being Godzilla Minus People, that wouldn’t be a loss."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |date=2024-03-28 |title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire review – breezy, forgettable monster sequel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/mar/28/godzilla-vs-kong-the-new-empire-review |access-date=2024-03-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In a review for ''[[The New York Times]]'', Alissa Wilkinson wrote: "''Godzilla x Kong'' is evidence the original thread has been lost entirely — a shame, in an era haunted by monsters the movies can only hint at, from climate catastrophe, destructive weaponry and geopolitical strife to power-hungry, brutal authoritarianism. There's no reflection here at all, not even space to contemplate what might lie beyond the literal. Beyond the main cast, the humans in this movie exist only to get squashed like ants by falling debris and mangled buildings." and wondered, "When will Hollywood have the guts to make a fun blockbuster like this that dares to acknowledge the real menacing monsters?"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Alissa |title='Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Review: Running Out of Steam |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/28/movies/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review.html |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Writing for ''[[IndieWire]]'', David Ehrlich awarded the film a C-grade, calling it a "goofy-ass, clumsily assembled Saturday morning cartoon" that was curated to "overstimulate ten-year olds." He criticized the CGI for being dull and not taking full advantage of its potential, feeling that the filmmakers should have used ''[[Godzilla (2014 film)|Godzilla]]'' (2014) as a reference point to emphasize the gravitas of the monster scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-1234968569/|title='Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Review: Titans Team Up in Goofy Sequel That's Always Silly but Rarely Fun|first=David|last=Ehrlich|work=IndieWire|date=March 28, 2024|access-date=March 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329133758/https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-1234968569/}}</ref> In a more positive review, Amon Warmann of ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' awarded the film three stars out of five, stating "at its best, it delivers a fun slice of monster mayhem, even if we have to wait too long for the titular duo to charge into battle together." However, Warmann noted that the film prioritizes Kong over Godzilla and the film's journey to the climax is a "mixed bag", feeling that the characters were "shallow but fun."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire/|title=Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire Review|first=Amon|last=Warmann|work=Empire|date=March 28, 2024|access-date=March 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329135120/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire/}}</ref> The [[Los Angeles Times|''Los Angeles Times'']] called the film "a roaring headache" but noted "two impressively goopy moments" in the beginning and the horror-like approach brought by the director "with a penchant for gleeful experimentation and over-the-top style", including "a heavy emphasis on crystals as both plot device and aesthetic, offering this film a retro feel".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Katie |date=2024-03-28 |title=Review: 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' is monster math that becomes a headache |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-03-28/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review-rebecca-hall-dan-stevens-brian-tyree-henry |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Robbie Collin]] of ''the Telegraph'' awarded the movie two stars out of five, lamenting that “Godzilla and Kong stomp off on adventures that turn out to be thunderously boring.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-review/ |title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, review: It's monsters fighting – and that's it|website=The Telegraph |date=28 March 2024|access-date=2 April 2024}}</ref> ==Possible sequel== Director [[Adam Wingard]] has expressed interest in making a third film featuring both [[Godzilla]] and [[King Kong|Kong]], but noted that "it just depends on how ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' does and how things kind of shape out."<ref name="SilentX"/> Wingard iterated that ideas have been discussed as to where to take the franchise onward and that he would take a "different approach" on the next film if he's invited back to direct; but stressed that his decision to return would depend on the box office performance of ''The New Empire''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tinoco |first1=Armando |last2=Sitek |first2=Natalie |date=March 25, 2024 |title='Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire' Premiere: Director Adam Wingard On Possible Third Film To Complete MonsterVerse Trilogy |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-premiere-director-adam-wingard-monsterverse-trilogy-1235868179/ |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326024235/https://deadline.com/2024/03/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-premiere-director-adam-wingard-monsterverse-trilogy-1235868179/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/godzilla-x-kong-pays-tribute-minus-one-1235860045/|title=‘Godzilla x Kong’ Director Adam Wingard Talks His Cat’s Influence on Godzilla and Lance Reddick’s Role in ‘The Guest 2’|first=Brian|last=Davids|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 26, 2024|access-date=April 11, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=April 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412045649/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/godzilla-x-kong-pays-tribute-minus-one-1235860045/}}</ref> He also suggested that the next film could potentially follow Godzilla and explore his perspective in the same way that ''The New Empire'' followed Kong.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-ending-and-post-credits-scene-explained|title=Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Ending Explained by Director Adam Wingard (and Post-Credits Check-In)|first=Rosie|last=Knight|work=IGN|date=March 29, 2024|access-date=April 5, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=April 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405021433/https://www.ign.com/articles/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-ending-and-post-credits-scene-explained}}</ref> Commenting on the film's box office success, producer and Legendary's chairman of worldwide production Mary Parent said, "This is certainly an exciting result. We are in a good position to continue the journey, but let’s see how ''Godzilla x Kong'' unfolds."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/godzilla-x-kong-sequel-likely-1235869465/|title=MonsterVerse Future Looks Bright After 'Godzilla x Kong'|first=Pamela|last=McClintock|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 8, 2024|access-date=April 9, 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=April 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410012504/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/godzilla-x-kong-sequel-likely-1235869465/}}</ref> ==Notes== {{Notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==Bibliography== * {{cite book|last=Kalat|first=David|year=2010|title=A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series|edition=Second|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786447497}} * {{cite AV media|first=Chris|last=Mirjahangir|url=https://www.tohokingdom.com/images/interviews/visiting_the_set_of_gkotm_interview_alex_zack.mp3|title=Interview with Alex Garcia and Zach Shield|type=Audio|publisher=Toho Kingdom|year=2019|access-date=2022-07-29|archive-date=2022-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621002857/https://www.tohokingdom.com/images/interviews/visiting_the_set_of_gkotm_interview_alex_zack.mp3|url-status=live}} * {{cite magazine|title=Untitled Godzilla vs. Kong sequel Feature Film|magazine=Production Weekly|issue=1299|date=May 19, 2022|ref={{harvid|Production Weekly|2022}}}} * {{cite book|last=Ryfle|first=Steve|year=1998|title=Japan's Favorite Mon-Star: The Unauthorized Biography of the Big G|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=1550223488|url=https://archive.org/details/japansfavoritemo0000ryfl}} ==External links== * {{Official website}} * [https://godzilla-movie.jp/ Japanese website] {{in lang|ja}} * [https://godzilla.com/blogs/movies/Godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire''] on the official ''Godzilla'' website * [https://www.legendary.com/film/godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire/ ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire''] at [[Legendary Entertainment|Legendary]] * [https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/godzilla-x-kong-new-empire ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire''] at [[Warner Bros.]] * [https://www.toho.co.jp/movie/lineup?modal_open=godzilla-movie2 ''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire''] at [[Toho]] {{in lang|ja}} * {{IMDb title|14539740}} * {{Mojo title}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes}} {{Navboxes |title=''Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire'' |list1= {{MonsterVerse}} {{Godzilla}} {{KingKong}} {{Mothra}} {{Adam Wingard}} {{Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio}} }} [[Category:2020s American films]] [[Category:2020s English-language films]] [[Category:2020s monster movies]] [[Category:2024 3D films]] [[Category:2024 fantasy films]] [[Category:2024 science fiction action films]] [[Category:4DX films]] [[Category:Action crossover films]] [[Category:American crossover films]] [[Category:American Sign Language films]] [[Category:American fantasy action films]] [[Category:American monster movies]] [[Category:American science fiction action films]] [[Category:American sequel films]] [[Category:Fantasy crossover films]] [[Category:Films about apes]] [[Category:Films about the Colosseum]] [[Category:Films about the Hollow Earth]] [[Category:Films about deaf people]] [[Category:Films directed by Adam Wingard]] [[Category:Films produced by Thomas Tull]] [[Category:Films scored by Junkie XL]] [[Category:Films set in 2027]] [[Category:Films set in the future]] [[Category:Films set in the Arctic Ocean]] [[Category:Films set in Barbados]] [[Category:Films set in Cádiz]] [[Category:Films set in Cairo]] [[Category:Films set in France]] [[Category:Films set in Gibraltar]] [[Category:Films set in Miami]] [[Category:Films set in Rio de Janeiro (city)]] [[Category:Films set in Rome]] [[Category:Films shot in Australia]] [[Category:Films shot in Queensland]] [[Category:Films shot on the Gold Coast, Queensland]] [[Category:Films with screenplays by Terry Rossio]] [[Category:Giant monster films]] [[Category:Godzilla films]] [[Category:IMAX films]] [[Category:King Kong (franchise) films]] [[Category:Legendary Pictures films]] [[Category:MonsterVerse films]] [[Category:Mothra films]] [[Category:Science fiction crossover films]] [[Category:ScreenX films]] [[Category:Warner Bros. films]] [[Category:Films about technology]] [[Category:Films about slavery]]'