Warner and Legendary are teaming up on a 2020 movie Godzilla Vs. Kong, representing the unification of the two monster franchises.
The companies announced Wednesday that the basis for the film would be an “ecosystem” of giant super-species, both classic and new, as the Monarch organization that uncovered Godzilla in the 2014 film expands its mission in multiple releases.
The first films in the partnership have already been announced: “Kong: Skull Island,” which opens on March 10, 2017, and “Godzilla 2” on June 8, 2018.
While Legendary maintains its new home at Universal, the Godzilla films and the Kong origin film will be distributed via Warner.
Production on “Kong: Skull Island,” which had been at Universal until recently, begins October 19 with Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and “Straight Outta Compton” actors Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell.
“Kong: Skull Island” will be set in the mysterious home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the island.
Jordan Vogt-Roberts is directing from a script by Max Borenstein, John Gatins and Dan Gilroy. Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce with Mary Parent.
Tull said in a statement: “Audiences really responded to Godzilla. Today, I’m excited to reveal that film was only the beginning of an epic new entertainment universe. As a lifelong fan of these characters, I’ve always wanted to see the ultimate showdown, and today we’re pleased to be announcing that and more.”
Warner head Kevin Tsujihara said in a statement: “Working with our partners at Legendary, we enjoyed tremendous creative and commercial success with ‘Godzilla.’ It’s great to be able to revisit these characters and help create a franchise with so many creative possibilities for filmmakers. Fans love these big, globally iconic films and it doesn’t get any bigger than this.”
Warner and Legendary announced that they had scheduled “Godzilla 2” for June 8, 2018, with Gareth Edwards returning as director of the monster movie sequel. At Comic-Con in July, Legendary disclosed that Godzilla would be joined by Mothra, Rodan and Ghidorah in the next movie.
“Godzilla” grossed $529 million worldwide. Legendary financed 75% of the $160 million budget, with Warner providing the rest and the companies splitting marketing costs.
