Apple TV Plus, an emerging streaming platform already with a reputation for impressive content, seems to be taking a titan-sized leap forward with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
Stepping away from the more familiar territories of the DC and Marvel cinematic universes, the Apple TV+ series dives deep into the world of kaiju – colossal creatures that have stomped through cities and human imaginations for years.
The Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is a 10-episode series, with the first two episodes premiering on November 17. Each subsequent episode will be released every week, quenching the thirst of kaiju enthusiasts all the way through January 12. Legendary’s Monsterverse is the guiding force behind this series, having previously given audiences the most recent big-budget outings featuring Godzilla, King Kong, and King Ghidorah, among other iconic behemoths. This isn’t a first for Godzilla, but we might be witnessing a golden era for the mighty lizard, considering the quality and quantity of content being produced.
The story unfolds after the events of Godzilla: King of the Monsters from 2019. It tracks the journey of two siblings as they unearth their family’s mysterious connection to Monarch, the covert organization that has been intertwined with these primordial titans for decades. The siblings’ odyssey transports audiences across multiple time frames, revealing a captivating storyline that encompasses three generations. A central character, Army officer Lee Shaw, is portrayed by a real-life father and son duo, Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ plot navigates between the events of the 1950s and those happening fifty years later, a showcase of how the secrets of the past can have a seismic impact on the present.
There’s a blend of the old and new in the series. While fans will recognize Bill Randa, played by John Goodman from Kong: Skull Island, there’s much more awaiting discovery. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters isn’t just about giant monsters wreaking havoc. It dives into the intricate layers of human emotions, relationships, and the age-old question of who the real monsters are in a world that’s trying to coexist with these gigantic titans.
Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse has always prioritized quality, starting with Gareth Roberts’ Godzilla in 2014 that will lead to the highly anticipated Godzilla x Kong: A New Empire in 2024. Yet, the shift from cinema to streaming is a risk albeit a calculated one.
Can a franchise, known for its grand cinematic battles, retain its charm on the small screen? The initial glimpses suggest that it can. The trailers exude grandiosity, the special effects are reminiscent of big-budget movies, and there’s an atmospheric tension that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Interestingly, Legendary Television, alongside talented individuals like Chris Black, Matt Fraction, and Matt Shakman, are at the helm of this project. Their combined expertise across various genres suggests a series that’s capable of redefining how we perceive cinematic universes on streaming platforms.
Moreover, the MonsterVerse is setting up a tantalizing horizon. With the next movie entry slated for an April 12 release next year, fans won’t have a lengthy hiatus devoid of their favorite monsters. It’s a clear sign that Sony, Toho, and Legendary are still firmly committed to this shared universe.
Given the positive track record of Apple TV+, it’s only reasonable to anticipate that this series will take its rightful place among the best TV offerings of the year. And for those who believe in the enduring allure of Godzilla and his colossal peers, November 17 can’t come soon enough.
