Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Causes Huge Debate About Kaiju
The highly anticipated trailer for MonsterVerse movie Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire has been released by Warner Bros. Pictures. But amid the excitement, a scene depicting the iconic kaiju sprinting through a crystal-studded cavern has sparked a heated debate among fans due to the departure from the traditional slow, weighty movements long associated with these colossal creatures.
While a film in which a gigantic monkey battles a skyscraper-sized atomic lizard isn’t really the epitome of realism, the almost three-minute clip for Godzilla X Kong resulted in a significant amount of backlash on social media. Per IGN, critics argue that the deliberate and imposing strides, hallmarks of these monstrous beings, are compromised by a more agile and goofy animation style.
Others argued that agility has always existed in classic Japanese live-action representations of Godzilla. The 1973 movie Godzilla vs. Megalon sees the legendary lizard executing a magnificent tail slide before delivering a devastating double kick to a pinned kaiju. In 1971’s Godzilla vs Hedorah, the iconic reptile defied gravity by using its atomic breath to fly through the air backward.
While some fans appreciate the nostalgic charm of these classic scenes, others argue that Godzilla X Kong embracing innovation allows these mythical creatures to evolve. This is essential for keeping the franchise fresh and exciting. Additionally, embracing kaiju’s new movements could open up new possibilities for storytelling and awe-inspiring visuals.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is directed by Adam Wingard from a screenplay by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater. The movie is a sequel to 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong and stands as the seventh installment and fifth film in the MonsterVerse. It is also the 38th entry in the Godzilla franchise, the 13th film in the King Kong franchise, and the fifth Godzilla film entirely produced by an American film studio.
The decision to develop a sequel was fueled by the box office and streaming success of Godzilla vs. Kong during the Covid-19 pandemic. Godzilla x Kong features a star-studded cast including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen. Notably, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle will reprise their roles from the previous film.
Godzilla x Kong builds upon the explosive clash in Godzilla vs. Kong. The story thrusts the formidable Kong and the mighty Godzilla into a dangerous encounter with an enormous, previously unknown menace lurking within our world. This hidden threat not only questions the very existence of these colossal creatures but also challenges the essence of our own existence.
Godzilla x Kong goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricate histories of these Titans and exploring the origins that shaped them. The story reveals the mysterious tales of Skull Island and ventures beyond, shedding light on the mythic battle that intricately blended the destinies of these extraordinary beings with that of humankind, creating an inseparable bond that echoes through time.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will hit cinemas worldwide on April 12, 2024.
