An interesting and thorough reflection on how the original Godzilla (1954) was adapted to make Godzilla: King of the Monsters (1956), with a framing story starring Raymond Burr, for the franchise’s introduction to American / English language audiences.

Mastdon post on creator’s account.

Not available yet at gricklemart.com but, his earlier Godzilla ones are there.

Now that we’ve had some time to digest the events of 2 x 05, it might be interesting to speculate and discuss what’s happening and where we think the Monsterverse is going with the apparent link between Cate, and Keiko, Randa to the Titans.

From her first interactions with Godzilla in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season one, we’ve been shown that Cate Randa has an unusual ability to connect with Titans/kaiju. In season two, it’s also been shown that Keiko is repeatedly aware of Co-Cai/TitanX ahead of others.

This doesn’t seem to be like the longstanding relationship between Mothra and the twins.

Are we getting a third angle on the Legacy? Monster research/Monarch + fractured attachment in relationships + genetic communication ability?

Any thoughts?

Shaw and Suzuki test a “Titan phone” designed to summon Godzilla, triggering an unforeseen event that puts Shaw in the path of his own past.

Once again, a somewhat spoilery official teaser clip has been shared with media — available in this article

An interesting analysis of GvK’s place in the industry’s recovery as the COVID-19 pandemic emergency wound down sufficiently that theatres reopened.

Godzilla vs. Kong eventually earned $470 million worldwide, making it a true, unqualified success. It was the first sign that en masse moviegoing could still exist in whatever our new normal would look like.

In Santa Soledad, Titan X becomes a target for Apex, forcing Shaw and the Randas to infiltrate the covert experiment.

Written by: Jeff King

Directed by: Andrew Colville

Welcome to the episode discussion! There is no spoiler protection in episode discussion threads, and spoiler tags are not necessary!

Alright, I loved this movie. So much better than Kong: Skull Island. It was weird at one moment with Serizawa and Russell switched opinions.

Overall this was an emotional roller coaster. Godzilla was injured, so the humans came to the rescue and then they joined the fight against King Ghidorah. I am so pleased with this sequel. But I didn’t expect Serizawa to die along the way.

In Santa Soledad, Titan X becomes a target for Apex, forcing Shaw and the Randas to infiltrate the covert experiment.

Once again, a somewhat spoilery official teaser clip has been shared with media — available in this article.

So I stuck with it and watched movie number 2. Kong: Skull Island while not tying back to Godzilla (2014) heavily (or more than like three lines of dialogue total), failed to grip me as much. It felt like a muddled mash up of your stereotypical Vietnam War story and fantastical creatures horror jig. Most the time I couldn’t understand if I was meant to care for any of the humans. By the time it got to like the 1:30:00 mark, I felt the true conflict arose: kill vs. defend Kong. Most curious question: is Mason Weaver meant to be an Ann Darrow counterpart?

My mind immediately wants to compare this to Peter Jackson’s King Kong remake. I am most with that story for my connection to Kong. I’m certain I’ve seen the original but can’t confirm. Sorry Brie, but I think Naomi Watts was a better Darrow.

EDIT: Kinda pissed me of the post-credit scene was exactly that: post credits. That part should have been a slightly bigger focus of the plot.

cross-posted from: https://startrek.website/post/37146040

While those of us who were already fans of the Monsterverse extended Godzilla universe continuity have been watching Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on AppleTV, it turns out that Amazon Prime has had a licence to stream it until March 31st.

Currently, the second season of this popular action epic is rolling out on Apple TV, but season 1 is one of the most-watched Prime Video shows on the planet at the moment. This brief stint on Prime Video will be short-lived, however, since the series will be removed from Prime Video less than 2 weeks on April 1, 2026. Don't miss your chance to binge this celebrated series before it's gone.

If you’re thinking of giving Monarch a try, and don’t have AppleTV, this may be a good opportunity.

To get Hiroshi’s device back, Shaw and the team execute a daring heist at Apex Cybernetics.

Written by: Al Letson

Directed by: Hiromi Kamata

Welcome to the episode discussion! There is no spoiler protection in episode discussion threads, and spoiler tags are not necessary!

Whatever the actual weather may be where you are, this Blender creation by visual artist @toolbrowny (on YouTube) aka shanedioneda.com, may give you a spring experience.

I was recommended Monarch. Wanted to start from the beginning. So I watched Godzilla (2014). Guess my hesitation was from my exposure to the Roland Emmerich movie as a child (I did like the animated sequel series), and the Hanna-Barbera cartoon. I have no familiarity with the IP outside this.

This was unexpectedly very enjoyable. Not a lot actually occurs by way of the plot but the moments we get of Godzilla and the mutos just look so cool. I was cheering when the last muto got fire breath directly down their mouth. Definitely going to watch Kong: Skull Island.

On a more serious note: what was the response from the Japanese audience? This was just three years after the Fukushima meltdown. Knowing the original 1954 movie was commentary on Hiroshima, makes me wonder how such a audience felt in 2014, not just with the timing but also the fact it was a American franchise bringing back the IP.

A comprehensive perspective on the Guinness Book of World Records longest running screen franchise from The Irish Examiner.

Having a the perspective of an Irish fan and media critic is interesting - Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and other Godzilla media do consistently less well in English speaking countries other than the United States.

From the piece:

But why are giant monsters enjoying a resurgence in 2024, when big franchises such as Marvel are going through a slump? How is it that we have gone cold on men and women in spandex costumes, while we embrace kaiju laying waste to our cities?

“Kaiju have become the new superheroes. Much like anime, after years of blossoming in its niche fandom here in the West, kaiju have expanded into mainstream popularity,” says Nathan Marchand, host of  The Monster Island Film Vault podcast.

By @grickle@mstdn.social - https://mstdn.social/@grickle/116245351426406913

To get Hiroshi’s device back, Shaw and the team execute a daring heist at Apex Cybernetics.

Mild spoilers ahead for this Friday’s episode…

Again, there’s a teaser clip that Broadway World has up.

This feature article from Japan Times includes more perspective on filming in Japan and the cross-Pacific cast.

For decades, Japan had a reputation as a difficult place for international productions to film. But the experience of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” suggests that perception is beginning to shift.

“It was nice to see how everyone was coming together (and that) Japan is also growing to be a more easily filmable place,” Sawai says.

Ren Watanbe, who plays Kenark Randa, says:

“That's what makes this show original,” Watabe says. “My character, who's authentically Japanese, is bringing that element to the story on a very Hollywood scale. You’ve got Kurt Russell and Kiersey Clemons (alongside myself) and I think that’s a very unique thing.”

Reading through speculation about what the **Monsterverse’s new kaiju Titan X aka Le Gran Dios de la Mar may be (such as the article linked above), it sounds increasingly as though she may be a new protective mother figure, impacted or possibly even responding to the effects of global heating on the oceans.

If so, this season’s Titan threat may put Monarch: Legacy of Monsters in a unique position among current major science fiction streaming shows in directly taking on a Climate Change/Emergency scenario with no gloss of allegory.

It is nonetheless absolutely in keeping with the long tradition of the broader franchise in critiquing the consequences of human actions on the planet.

The 70+ year Godzilla franchise is unique in embedding the impact of humanity on the Earth’s environment from its outset.

The narrative of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as later nuclear weapons testing and nuclear power plants, calling up kaiju, literally “strange creature”, is a constant within the franchise.

In addition to atomic/nuclear radiation, films such as Godzilla vs Hedorah (1971), with its smog monster, and the more recent Monsterverse film Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), which ends with Godzilla leading an ecological recovery, the franchise continues to underscore its deep theme that humanity shares the Earth and will bear the consequences for its actions.

Legendary Comics will be releasing a new 120 page graphic novel in mid July 2026.

It’s an official release that promises to offer significant backstory on all of the M:LOM main characters. (I’m personally curious to know more about Kentaro’s adventures between the two seasons.)

The graphic novel is already available for preorder via booksellers. That said, it’s still possible to request to be a late backer for the Kickstarter campaign . Backers at higher tier levels have access to alternate covers and a WĒTĀ Titan Concept Art Portfolio.

From the vendor copy:

Dive into the mystical and mysterious world of MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS with five new stories in the Monsterverse not seen on TV!

Featuring the most beloved characters from the world of Monarch, this graphic novel is one prequel that fans of the Apple TV show will not want to miss!

From the kickstarter page:

Legendary Comics presents a new graphic anthology that dives deep into the mystical and mysterious world of MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS.

Features five (5) all-new stories!

THE USS LAWTON AND THE ION DRAGON

Before he became a Monarch operative, Billy Randa faces a harrowing test of endurance against a formidable creature in THE USS LAWTON AND THE ION DRAGON, offering a gripping tale of resilience.

WRITER: Paul Cornell
ARTIST: Drew Zucker
COLORIST: Brad Simpson

KENTARO, HIROSHI, AND KONG

Kentaro, Hiroshi, and Kong embark on a journey that leads to the creation of the Apex base on Skull Island, setting the stage for what’s to come. 

WRITER: Marguerite Bennett
ARTIST: Alberto Sapien

LEE SHAW

During Monarch’s lockdown, Lee Shaw reflects on a key moment from his past. This character-driven story offers a deeper look into his journey and the choices that shaped him.

WRITER: Tony Lee
ARTIST: Tony Shasteen

KEIKO AND THE BRAMBLEBOAR

In a world teeming with mystery and danger, KEIKO AND THE BRAMBLEBOAR Keiko and the Brambleboar follows Keiko as she struggles to survive in the treacherous realm of Axis Mundi, where every encounter is a battle for survival.

WRITER: James F. Wright
ARTIST: Amanda Perez Puentes
COLORS: Eren Angiolini
 

CATE AND MAY

Set before the first season, these interludes provide a glimpse into the lives of Cate and May before they crossed paths with Monarch and each other, offering insight into the events that led them to their fateful encounters.

Creative Team: To be announced

Shaw, Keiko, Hiroshi and Kentaro go rogue in an attempt to find Titan X. Cate struggles with feelings of guilt. A buried secret is exposed.

Written by: Kari Drake

Directed by: Hiromi Kamata

Welcome to the episode discussion! There is no spoiler protection in episode discussion threads, and spoiler tags are not necessary!

Emmy Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series Award winner Anna Sawai has somewhat suddenly burst into high profile since she was working on filming season one of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

She and her M:LOM character Cate Randa unfortunately have taken a lot of fan blowback over season one and the early episodes of season two.

Legendary seems determined to build the Monsterverse with compelling character drama with imperfect heros. They got the same kind of flack for Kong: Skull Island (2017) despite a strong cast and some of their best writing.

It’s being successful in definitely drawing in new fans. One can only be hopeful that there’s enough of a balance with kaiju action to moderate the negativity from long term ones.

It’s interesting to have a major THR interview with Sawai in any event.

For those interested in creature models — both practical physical models and vfx — as well as anything Monsterverse or kaiju in general, this new AppleTV official featurette is a ‘must see.’

When to see it will depend on your interest in or willingness to be spoiled as it does give some things away about what’s upcoming in season two of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

It seems to make clear that Le Gran Dios de la Mar aka “Titan X” is a wholly new creation for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. There remains nonetheless much to speculate about.

Shaw, Keiko, Hiroshi and Kentaro go rogue in an attempt to find Titan X. Cate struggles with feelings of guilt. A buried secret is exposed.

Happy Tuesday! Mild spoilers for this Friday’s episode ahead…

In addition to the episode description, and production stills that tell us little about what might be revealed in an episode titled Secrets, Apple has again released a short teaser clip from the episode. BroadwayWorld is again the first entertainment media site posting the clip