Ever since their first movie of Godzilla in 2014, Legendary Studios has been building their own cinematic universe of monsters, with iconic Toho beasts such as Godzilla, King Kong, Mothra, and King Ghidorah. After the success of Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021, the studio continues to release the trailer for their upcoming title, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire.
The latest trailer released by Legendary Studios got every kaiju enthusiast on their feet, as it sees the iconic duo Godzilla and Kong team up again to fight a greater threat. This time, a brand-new original villain is introduced, alongside Godzilla’s newfound power, and a potential replacement for Kong in the future. Let’s find out.
#1. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire Introduces An Original Ape Villain
In the trailer of Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, we get to see the two great kaiju team up again to face yet another new threat from the Hollow Earth. The name of the villain is reportedly Skar King, another primate kaiju whose size is significantly bigger than Kong, and has red fur all around his body. Unlike Kong, Skar King has that wild and unhinged look in his eyes, making him a formidable opponent.
Especially, Skar King is also the first-ever original kaiju in the MonsterVerse that doesn’t come from Toho, the founder of the Godzilla franchise. Therefore, the villain’s true abilities are still shrouded in mystery. However, for both Godzilla and Kong to team up to defeat him, Skar King must be insanely powerful, and according to the trailer, it seems like he can also command other Kong-like primates in the Hollow Earth.
#2. The Trailer Also Reveals Godzilla’s New Power
Source: Warner Bros.
Skar King is such a powerful villain, that the human crews even admit that Kong cannot take him on by himself. Therefore, the addition of Godzilla is necessary, and this time, the Japanese kaiju has some new tricks up his sleeve.
In the trailer, Godzilla heroically emerges from an iceberg with a burst of pink energy surging on his back. The kaiju’s mouth and eyes are also glowing pink, and then he shoots a pink energy beam into the sky. We are not sure if the change of color will give Godzilla any new unique abilities, but it looks like a nice change of pace for the most iconic Toho monster in the upcoming movie.
#3. The Team Encounters A Mini-Kong
Source: Warner Bros.
At the start and the end of the trailer, we see glimpses of a small primate child that has the same fur color as the Skar King. However, he seems to be a different species, as he looks harmless and bewildered. In the trailer, Hayes calls him a mini-Kong.
The appearance of mini-Kong is also one of the most speculated aspects in the trailer, with many suspecting him to be the son of Kong, or at least, someone who inherits Kong’s power and status as a kaiju. This further raises another question: will Kong sacrifice himself in the upcoming movie to stop the Skar King, and leave the mantle to mini-Kong?
#4. When Is Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire’s Release Date?
Source: Warner Bros.
The much-anticipated sequel is expected to be released on April 12, 2024. The New Empire is going to be the fifth installment of Legendary’s MonsterVerse, after Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and Godzilla vs Kong.
The movie cast will also welcome the return of many actors, including Rebecca Hall (Ilene Andrews), Kaylee Hottle (Jia), and Brian Tyree Henry (Bernie Hayes).
What’s your expectation for Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire? Are you excited to see the two great kaiju teaming up again? Let us know in the comments.