With the success of 2014's "Godzilla" and 2017's "Kong: Skull Island," these monster epics are being groomed to be the next big franchise. Reports suggest that a Godzilla v Kong crossover is being developed, but in the meantime Legendary Pictures is working on the release of a "Godzilla" sequel, titled "Godzilla: King of Monsters."
"Godzilla 2" is shaping up rather nicely, with the film enlisting big stars to take on integral roles. Variety reported that "Straight Outta Compton" star O'Shea Jackson Jr. is in negotiations to star in the sequel. There is no word yet on what character he is playing.
"Stranger Things" breakout star Millie Bobby Brown is already on board to star in "Godzilla 2," with Kyle Chandler and Vera Farmiga playing Brown's on-screen parents. "Krampus" filmmaker Michael Dougherty is directing the sequel with a script he co-wrote with Zach Shields.
2014 "Godzilla" cast members Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Olsen are not likely to return in the sophomore movie. Sources say Ken Watanabe is the only original cast member to reprise his role. Watanabe played a key role in the first film as the lead researcher in the Monarch organization that informed the government of Godzilla's very existence.
There is still no report as to when "Godzilla 2" may begin production, but with a spring release date confirmed, it is likely that they would begin filming before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, there has been a lot of talk about a possible Godzilla and King Kong crossover, especially after the "Kong: Skull Island" end credits scene showed more monsters appearing on the horizon. Although both films are owned by different studios - Legendary Pictures owns "Godzilla" while Warner Bros. has the rights to "King Kong" - a massive match-up involving the two is highly possible.
According to The Wrap, "Godzilla vs. Kong" has been confirmed for a May 29, 2020. The bridge that will tie both creatures is the government organization Monarch. It was first introduced in "Godzilla" and explored further in "Kong: Skull Island."
In "Kong: Skull Island" Tom Hiddleston's character, Conrad, runs into a team of Monarch operative. The organization was described as a "shadowy presence in the movie."