Kong's Monsterverse Comeback: Finally, a Skull Island Story We Deserve!
Kong: A Titan Deserving His Own Spotlight
Let’s be honest, Kong is awesome. That massive ape first stomped onto the scene in his solo film Kong: Skull Island (2017). He then teamed up with Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), taking down the Skar King in that latest epic clash! But guess what? Despite being one of the main characters; this incredible character who always steals the show has yet to have an awesome solo outing and the story lacks that key development that most people expect, even after that hugely anticipated cross-over storyline; leaving that critical storytelling point underdeveloped – even missed! The current cinematic plans even involves an additional film planned in March 2027 to continue his story arc. This truly amazing character deserves more, especially considering that immense and intense love generated by audiences!
This amazing new planned project is exciting – but many would also agree that a better storytelling choice involves adding a stand-alone film; further solidifying Kong's role in the wider MonsterVerse setting and delivering a more fulfilling story for the most popular characters within this franchise! There is something to consider however and it really demonstrates the larger issues found when studios attempt to rely completely on established continuity to the detriment of delivering unique plot-based arcs which could make sense independent of existing continuity!
A Missed Opportunity: The Skull Island Sequel That Never Was
The MonsterVerse is weird, folks. Despite multiple sequels already planned; and several more in development— Kong's solo adventures really ended a long time ago. There was that animated Skull Island series which did feature additional storylines involving this major character in the MonsterVerse, and those storylines created several great new stories that might possibly provide a bridge between past storylines which weren't adequately explored in earlier movies – but it's really only a small aspect, when you think about how these events really should develop for the next story-line!
It really has yet to expand beyond Kong: Skull Island. Those many crossovers emphasized the teamwork, that iconic duo; Godzilla and Kong—they make one heck of an amazing duo; but completely ignored that standalone development. Even Kong gaining other gigantic ape followers, all this occurs long after leaving Skull Island behind.
The new story arcs provide a completely unexplored aspect – namely how it completely affects and reimagines Kong's character and develops the plot within a largely untold timeline before this period!
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters: Kong's Second Chance at a Solo Story
But there’s an amazing opportunity awaiting fans, that awesome Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters! It features that perfect setting, introducing those great new plotlines from a completely unexpected and totally unpredictable direction – completely changing those existing dynamics.
That finale cliffhanger showed Cate, May, and Keiko escaping Hollow Earth; arriving in Skull Island (2017); and encounter Kong nearby a mysterious research facility.
And those developments are set to continue! This allows Monarch season 2 to completely delve into Kong's story: showcasing how many unanswered questions remain and those unexplored elements during Kong's time on Skull Island. That period before Godzilla vs. Kong remained unmentioned and largely unexplained. Focusing specifically on Kong is very exciting – especially when this storyline already features some critically significant moments showing this collaboration with those major and relevant players from earlier movies. The combination here delivers something many of those original movies lack; making Kong's own standalone stories both appealing and immensely relevant!
Kong's MonsterVerse Importance: From Lone Ape to Titan Leader
Remember Kong’s first cinematic appearance in Kong: Skull Island? That is now incredibly important considering the changes planned in future films. The new cinematic releases might deliver even more important plots which will also incorporate Kong's unique characteristics; his evolution into the legendary ape King he became during Godzilla vs. Kong. Those early films focused on his Skull Island origins. And this approach has left Kong’s development severely stunted— the next season of Monarch promises Kong’s most compelling exploration as an independent player before encountering other characters; that key storytelling moment entirely omitted previously; a severe oversight that completely detracted from a deeper storyline. All this also helps with setting up the deeper meaning around those unexplored periods and relationships. His actions create important themes regarding teamwork, power, and leadership; creating a greater character evolution and justification for those previously emphasized action-oriented scenes. Those upcoming releases focus largely on collaborations. This allows for the kind of focus missing: A Kong-centric storyline can weave him into that larger MonsterVerse story.
Conclusion: Kong Deserves the Spotlight, and Monarch Season 2 is His Time to Shine
Team-ups between Kong and Godzilla were intense – and absolutely memorable for fans! But that approach risks obscuring a truly special and awesome ape who dominates everything he’s part of. Monarch season 2's focus on Kong gives that truly special chance to delve into his Skull Island days, explore that period that we missed. The developments to be revealed might expand that universe significantly and may offer even deeper and surprisingly awesome interactions which create compelling thematic arcs. Given its timeline, it might also add elements concerning the upcoming movies! Expect a major Kong experience. It will truly make up for a past storyline previously unaddressed – giving Kong the grand, standalone story he totally deserves. And who knows what this might do – it could possibly even elevate Kong into the major player of this whole MonsterVerse!
