In the cinematic showdown “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” the spotlight firmly belongs to the colossal titans rather than the human ensemble featuring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Dan Stevens. According to the cast, it’s the creatures whose names grace the title that truly lead the narrative.
Rebecca Hall humorously remarked, “They are the stars of the movie. We’re essentially the scale for their enormity,” underscoring the secondary role of the human characters compared to their larger-than-life co-stars. Dan Stevens added, “We’re just the sideshow,” highlighting the awe-inspiring presence of Godzilla and Kong.
This sequel to 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong” and continuation of the MonsterVerse expands the universe established since 2014’s “Godzilla” and 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island.” The new installment explores what comes after the iconic duo’s initial confrontation, with director Adam Wingard inspired by the audience’s reaction to their team-up against Mechagodzilla in the previous film. “The last film felt like we threw everything at the audience, but there’s so much more we can do,” Wingard explained, emphasizing the endless potential of storytelling with these iconic monsters.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is notable for its emphasis on monster-centric, dialogue-free storytelling, particularly highlighting Kong’s life in the Hollow Earth and introducing new titans. Wingard described the film as both a dream project and a monumental filmmaking challenge, aiming to captivate the imagination of viewers young and old alike, much like the Godzilla movies did for him as a child.
The film’s actors shared insights into the unique challenges and joys of working on such a grand scale. Kaylee Hottle, who reprises her role and worked closely with Hall, described the steep learning curve from the first to the second movie. Hall also expressed excitement about working more closely with Henry, while Stevens, a newcomer to the franchise, shared his enthusiasm for his character’s adventures among the titans.
Behind the scenes, the cast faced the technical challenges of acting against green screens and imagining the colossal creatures they were interacting with, an experience they all navigated with humor and camaraderie. Wingard also touched on the complexities of directing a film with such massive visual effects, noting the importance of shooting on real locations like Australia’s Daintree Rainforest to ground the fantastical elements in reality.
As “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” gears up for its release, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of cinema’s most iconic monsters, promising an experience that draws audiences back to the theaters for a spectacle best appreciated on the big screen. The film opens in Hong Kong on March 28, continuing the legendary saga of Godzilla and Kong in action-packed style.
