Scene from “Godzilla x Kong: A Recent Empire” | Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Screenwriter Dave Callaham, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, moves from the Marvel universe to the Monsterverse. Following the film’s huge success, Legendary Pictures tapped Callaham to write the script for the next chapter of the Godzilla/Kong saga. Godzilla x Kong: A Recent Empire.
With worldwide gross revenue reaching $555 million, Recent Empire is one of the most financially successful installments of the Monsterverse since then Kong: Skull Island in 2017. Costing a modest $135 million, the film proved to be a lucrative venture for Legendary, prompting the studio to continue developing the franchise.
Although director Adam Wingard has expressed interest in returning to direct the sequel, his involvement remains uncertain due to previous commitments. Wingard is set to direct Attack for A24 this fall. Nevertheless, Callaham’s deep understanding of the Godzilla universe from his involvement in the 2014 film makes him a suitable choice to write the next chapter.
Legendary’s Monsterverse is a box office juggernaut, grossing $2.5 billion worldwide across five films. Expanding its reach, the studio recently ventured into television Monarch: Legacy of Monsterssuccessful on Apple TV+ with plans for additional seasons and spin-offs.
Callaham’s impressive resume includes co-writing an Oscar-nominated film Spider-Man: The Other Side of the Spider-Verse and critically acclaimed Shang Chi. He is currently working with Phil Lord and Chris Miller on a third film Spider-Man: Beyond Spider-Vers.
