Legendary's monster universe has grown exponentially over the past decade and, due to its sustained success, will now also expand to the small screen with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. This new series produced exclusively for Apple TV+ not only boasts impressive production values in front of and behind the camera, but also looks to establish a close relationship with past and future big screen projects.
Legendary's current monster canon began with the Godzilla reboot (2014) and has expanded with Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and, soon, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters represents a new and intriguing chapter in this story that will dialogue with these previous works and will even feature some cameos from characters already introduced as is the case of John Goodman's Bill Randa.
As for its story, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will take place after the events portrayed in Gareth Edwards' Godzilla movie where much of San Francisco was destroyed. However, the series will primarily follow in the footsteps of two brothers who seek to uncover their family's connection to the secret organization known as Monarch. This arc will span several decades, which is why Kurt Russell and his real-life son, Wyatt Russell, will bring to life an older and younger version of Army officer Lee Shaw.
The showrunner in charge is Chris Black, who previously worked on the series Outcast, while Matt Shakman was in charge of directing the pilot episode.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will premiere on Apple TV+ on November 17, 2023. The first season will feature 10 episodes and will be the prequel to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which will premiere on April 12, 2024.
