With Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, get ready for 3 Godzilla projects within a year

Apple's cooking up a kaiju-sized treat for all you monster enthusiasts out there with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. We're about to be bombarded with not one, not two, but three Godzilla goodies in the near future.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters looks to be an exciting new addition to Apple TV’s portfolio, offering viewers an intriguing glimpse into the Monsterverse - the dynamic cinematic universe that revitalized the iconic characters of King Kong and Godzilla. 

While an official trailer and premiere date are yet to be revealed, the unveiling of the show's title and first looks has ignited excitement among fans who eagerly await a deeper dive into this kaiju-infused narrative.

The 10-episode series takes place in the aftermath of the cataclysmic events depicted in the 2014's Godzilla, which left San Francisco in ruins. It also delves into the mysterious early days of the enigmatic Monarch organization during the 1950s. 

Get ready for a saga that stretches across three generations with a unique narrative twist that introduces us to a military officer named Lee Shaw, portrayed by the talented father-son duo of Kurt and Wyatt Russell over the span of 50 years. This character bridges both time periods, offering a connecting thread that weaves together a multifaceted storyline.

At its core, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters follows two siblings who embark on a quest to uncover their family's hidden connection to Monarch. The thunderous clash between Godzilla and the Titans, which decimated San Francisco, has left an indelible impact on their lives. As they follow the trail of clues, they are drawn into the enthralling world of monstrous creatures, unraveling long-buried secrets that link their lineage to the secretive organization.

Sure, the budget might not allow Godzilla to hog the spotlight in every episode, but don't despair. The show's going to be giving Monarch, the organization that makes studying kaiju its business, a moment in the sun. They've been around since the 1940s, and you know what they say: with great decades of research comes great monster responsibility.

The cast and crew

Kiersey Clemons, known for her work in Dope, takes on the role of May, a character who undoubtedly plays a significant part in the unraveling narrative. Anders Holm, recognized for his role in Workaholics, joins the cast as well, with his character's details shrouded in mystery. Joe Tippett, whose recent appearances include Mare of Easttown and Spirited, is set to portray Tim.

Japanese actress Mari Yamamoto, celebrated for her work on Tokyo Vice and Pachinko, takes on the role of Keiko, while Anna Sawai, another alum from Pachinko, portrays the character Cate. Ren Watabe joins the ensemble as Kentaro and French actress Elisa Lasowski, fluent in five languages, offers the character of Duvall.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has been co-developed by Chris Black and Matt Fraction, with the first two episodes directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on Disney+ series, WandaVision. 

 And just so you know where this story falls in the timeline, remember it's building on the wreckage left behind by Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and the face-off of the century, Godzilla vs. Kong,  while expanding the narrative horizon.

In the coming months, fans of the Monsterverse will be treated to a trio of exciting new Godzilla projects.

On the cinematic front, Toho is throwing us a curveball with Godzilla Minus One, a film set in a post-war Japan that's already seen better days. Takashi Yamazaki, the genius behind the visual effects for Shin Godzilla, is at the helm. The plot's locked up tighter than a vault, but we can bet it's going to be a blast. Godzilla Minus One, is set to premiere in Japan on November 3, followed by a US release on December 1.

READ MORE: Godzilla Minus One is Japan's response to Oppenheimer

And as if that wasn't enough, Legendary's sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong is stomping into theaters on March 15, 2024. Titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, it sounds like our favorite titans are throwing a royal party with some new faces in the mix. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, is slated for a March 15, 2024 release.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is rumoured to be premiering in Fall 2023 on Apple TV.