First Images from ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’

Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell and Godzilla Feature in the First Images From New Series ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’

The series, from Legendary and Apple TV+, also stars Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto and Anders Holm.

Anna Sawai in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' coming soon to Apple TV+.

We’ve had monster footprint teaser images, but Apple and Legendary today confirmed the title of the companies’ new series set in the “Monsterverse” of kaiju like Godzilla and revealed the first proper look at some of the cast (including the giant creature having a roaring time).

The series, which will follow the mysterious company established in Legendary and Warner Bros’ Monsterverse movies (2014’s ‘Godzilla’, ‘Kong: Skull Island,’ from 2017, 2019’s ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and 2021’s ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ (with the latest, ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ targeting a March 15th release next year), has clearly enjoyed the sort of lavish attention that Apple has applied to the likes of ‘Foundation’ and ‘Invasion’.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

"Rise together or fall alone."

PG-131 hr 55 minApr 12th, 2024

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Online

What’s the story of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?

Kurt Russell in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' coming soon to Apple TV+.

Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, the series tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.

Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played both by Kurt Russell and real-life son Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.

The dramatic saga –– spanning three generations –– reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.

And, of course, lots of monster action.

Who else is in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?

(L to R) Anders Holm and Mari Yamamoto in 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.

The cast also includes Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski.

Anna Sawai stars as Cate, a former schoolteacher and a G-Day survivor who travels to Japan to settle family affairs but instead uncovers a family secret. Tired of running from her problems, she is determined to find answers. Watabe plays Kentaro, an intelligent, creative, and curious young man who has yet to find his own path. He will embark on a quest to learn more about his revered yet mysterious father and discover his own talents in the process.

Clemons has the role of May, an American ex-pat with a roguish exterior that she uses to protect herself as well as others. Whether it be deciphering a code or finding the loophole, she is always three steps ahead of everyone around her.

Tippett is Tim, an office drone who dreams of secret agent adventure. His overconfidence gets him in trouble in the field, but he is determined not to fail his organization. Finally, Lasowski will portray Duvall, an expert operative with unwavering confidence in herself and her skills and a wry sense of humor.

Developed by writers Chris Black (a veteran of shows such as ‘Severance’, and ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’) and ‘Hawkeye’ comicbook writer Matt Fraction, the show’s first two episodes have been directed by ‘WandaVision’s Matt Shakman.

Apple TV+ has yet to announce when the show might premiere, but our guess would be next year, given the crowded launch schedule for the company’s new and returning offerings and with the hopes that the strikes will have been resolved and the stars/creators can properly promote it.