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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a 2024 American monster film directed by Adam Wingard. Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it serves as a sequel to the 2021 hit Godzilla vs. Kong and is the fifth film in the Monsterverse franchise. Additionally, it marks the 38th entry in the Godzilla film series and the 13th in the King Kong film series. The ensemble cast includes Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen, with Hall, Henry, and Hottle reprising their roles from the previous film. The storyline follows Kong as he encounters more of his species in the Hollow Earth and teams up with Godzilla to thwart the tyrannical Skar King and the frost-breathing Titan Shimo, who threaten Earth’s surface.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Production
Following the impressive box office and streaming success of Godzilla vs. Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, Legendary Pictures announced plans for a sequel in March 2022. Adam Wingard, who directed the previous film, was confirmed to return in May 2022, and actor Dan Stevens was cast in a leading role. Filming commenced in July 2022 on the Gold Coast, Australia, and wrapped up in November 2022. The lush landscapes and advanced film facilities in Australia provided a perfect backdrop for the film’s extensive visual effects and large-scale sets.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Plot
The film picks up three years after the events of Godzilla vs. Kong, with Kong having established his territory in the mysterious Hollow Earth. Godzilla’s presence is felt globally as he eliminates Titan Scylla in Rome and rests in the ancient Colosseum.
The peace is disrupted when a Monarch outpost in the Hollow Earth detects an unidentified signal, which causes Jia, the last known survivor of the Iwi tribe from Skull Island, to experience haunting hallucinations. Monarch scientists speculate that Godzilla is preparing for a significant threat.
During his exploration of the Hollow Earth, Kong discovers an uncharted realm where a tribe of his species, including a juvenile named Suko, has survived. There, they encounter Skar King, a tyrannical leader who controls Shimo, an ancient ice-powered Titan, using a crystal of pain. Shimo injures Kong’s arm severely with his icy breath, but with Suko’s help, Kong narrowly escapes.
Meanwhile, Dr. Andrews, Jia, Titan veterinarian Trapper, and conspiracy podcaster Bernie Hayes venture into the Hollow Earth to trace the source of the signal. They find a destroyed Monarch outpost and uncover a surviving Iwi tribe that communicates telepathically. The prophecy also indicates that Jia will play a crucial role in awakening Mothra.
Absorbing cosmic radiation from Tiamat’s lair, Godzilla’s dorsal plates transform into a striking magenta. Kong, aiming to lure Godzilla to Hollow Earth for assistance, surfaces in Cairo and calls out to him. Despite Kong’s attempts at communication, Godzilla attacks, leading to a brief but intense battle until Mothra intervenes. Together, Godzilla, Kong, and Mothra venture back to Hollow Earth to confront Skar King and Shimo. Jia reassures Andrews by choosing to stay with her adoptive mother. Mothra restores the protective barrier around the Iwi’s home, and Kong, along with Shimo and Suko, returns to the Hollow Earth to become the new leader of his tribe.
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Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Movie: 720P (HD Quality) (OTT info)
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Cast
- Rebecca Hall as Dr. Ilene Andrews
- Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes
- Dan Stevens as Trapper
- Kaylee Hottle as Jia
- Alex Ferns as Mikael
- Fala Chen as Iwi Queen
- 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
Release
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire premiered with grandeur at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on March 25, 2024. It saw its international release on March 27, followed by a U.S. release on March 29. The film made its debut in Japan on April 26, distributed by Toho. Originally, the film was slated for release on March 15 and April 12, but these dates were later adjusted. Interestingly, Toho's Godzilla Minus One was withdrawn from U.S. theaters eight weeks prior to the release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Home Media
Following its theatrical release, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was made available on digital platforms on May 14, 2024. The film is scheduled for Blu-ray, DVD, and Ultra HD Blu-ray release on June 11, 2024.
Box Office
As of June 4, 2024, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has amassed $196.3 million in the United States and Canada and $371.3 million in other territories, totaling an impressive $567.6 million globally. This achievement has made it the highest-grossing Godzilla film of all time. Initially, the film was projected to earn $50–55 million from 3,850 theaters in its opening weekend in the United States and $80–90 million from 63 international territories. Surpassing expectations, it grossed $37 million on its first day, including $10 million from Thursday previews—the highest opening day for a Monsterverse film. The movie continued to perform strongly, debuting with $80 million over its opening weekend, marking the second-best opening for the series and the fifth-best Easter weekend debut ever. It retained the top spot in its second weekend with $31.2 million, despite a 61% drop, and earned $15.5 million in its third weekend, finishing second to the new release, Civil War. In Japan, it opened at number two, just behind Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram.
Critical Reception
Critics gave the film mixed reviews, with many comparing it unfavorably to Godzilla Minus One. While some praised the film's visual effects and action sequences, others felt it lacked the narrative depth and character development seen in previous Monsterverse entries. However, the movie's box office performance indicates a strong fan base and general audience appreciation for the spectacle and entertainment value it offers.
Future Prospects
With its strong box office performance, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has set the stage for future developments in the Monsterverse. A sequel is already in the works, with David Callaham set to write the screenplay. This next installment is expected to further expand on the rich lore and universe established in previous films, promising more epic battles and intriguing storylines. The success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire highlights the enduring popularity of both Godzilla and King Kong as iconic figures in cinema and their continued appeal to audiences worldwide.
