Legendary Entertainment’s recent offeringGodzilla Vs Konghas become the biggest box-office success since last year, beating out films likeTenetandWonder Woman 1984to take the crown at a time when the theater industry is plagued with uncertainty. The success ofGvKhas also reignited hope for the “MonsterVerse” cinematic universe that Legendary had been developing.
In a recent interview with Deadline, Josh Grode, CEO of Legendary Entertainment confirmed that “we have a number of ideas for more movies [in theMonsterVerse],” while also affirming thatGodzilla vs. Kongwas greenlit based on audience expectations.
“We did a lot of analytics after [Godzilla: King of the Monsters], and the audience showed that they wanted tosee these monsters going at it. This movie gives the audiences what they want and we’re seeing the results of that.”
For a long time, it seemed as though the MonsterVerse washeaded for the same ignominious fate as the infamous Dark Universethat Universal Pictures had tried and failed to kickstart. The MonsterVerse movies, fromGodzilla, toKong: Skull Island, toKing of the Monsterswere middling successes at the box-office while being saddled with huge budgets. There was even an expectation thatGvKwould be the franchise’s final hurrah before the series called it a day.
But with the unexpected success ofGodzilla vs. Kong, the MonsterVerse seems back on track once again. Adam Wingard, the director ofGvK, has stated in a previous interview that he would be happy to return to the franchise for sequels, which wouldexplore the “Hollow Earth” phenomenonthat was teased in previous films.
“I would absolutely love to continue. The clear starting point we teed up, exploring Hollow Earth, I think there is a lot more to do there. This is a pre-history of Planet Earth, where all the [Titans] come from. We tee up some mystery in [Godzilla vs. Kong], things I want to see resolved and explored and pushed to the next level. If I have the opportunity, I know what I will do. It’s up to Warner Bros and Legendary, if they have an appetite.”
In the MonsterVerse, the Hollow Earth refers to a series of giant, interconnected tunnels dug under the Earth a very long time ago, which Godzilla and his ilk use to travel quickly around the planet. A movie exploring the origins of the Hollow Earth, and the superpredators that roamed freely at the time, would be an exciting new direction in which to take the franchise.
For now, theater chains are making the most of having a rare box-office hit on their hands, and hopingGvKis the beginning of a return to normal for the film distributions business.
Directed by Adam Wingard and written by Eric Pearson and Max Borenstein,Godzilla vs. Kongstars Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, and Brian Tyree Henry. The film is now playing in theaters and on HBO Max.Deadlinebrought us this news first.
