Ever since Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire had a huge opening weekend there was a lot of talk of whether director Adam Wingard will return to do the sixth Monsterverse film. In an interview with Discussing Film, he mentioned he had some ideas of where to take the next film if he were to return. Last night, The Hollywood Reporter has made an exclusive report that Adam Wingard will not be returning to direct the next film.
According to the article, Wingard went on a press tour inciting he has more [Monsterverse] stories to tell, but has also unveiled he is working on an original feature film (Onslaught by A24) before working on another monster movie. The filming for the action thriller is preparing to begin shooting in the fall, which didn't fit in with Legendary's plans to make the next movie.
With the sixth film green lit and Shang Chi writer Dave Callaham signed on to write the script, the director seat is now open for anyone to take. Most likely a new director will come to take a stab at making the film, but there is always a chance that a veteran could return, as well. Currently, Gareth Edwards is busy directing the next "Jurassic" movie for Universal Studios. Michael Dougherty is currently working on Trick'r Treat 2 and executive producing a Hellraiser film. As for Jordan Vogt-Roberts, he is working on a Metal Gear Solid movie and a live action Gundam movie.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has currently made $563 million in the box office worldwide making it the second highest grossing Monsterverse film and catching up to Kong: Skull Island's $568 million. With that, it showed that as long as a movie is fun there will always be an audience to keep seeing these movies. After Godzilla: King of the Monsters showed disappointing box office results in 2019, there was an uncertainty of the Monsterverse continuing. That uncertainty was lifted after Godzilla vs Kong (also directed by Adam Wingard) made $470 million in 2021. It lead not only to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, yet also Monarch: Legacy of Monsters for Apple TV+ and other spin off shows that are in the works. Without Adam Wingard, the Monsterverse may have ended after Godzilla vs Kong without any continuity.
And who knows what holds for future installments? Adam could always come back for one more movie in a future project. Maybe Adam just needs to take a break from the Monsterverse for a while as he does have other projects lined up such as Onslaught, the Face/Off sequel, and Thundercats. He did say he has ideas, so he could take the time to iron out his ideas if he wants to return to the Monsterverse.
There are no details yet as to which direction Legendary will take the sixth film. They may stick the course to making fun Godzilla/Kong team up films or they could go back to making solo films. My honest opinion is that we are past the point of going back to doing solo films. I would like to see the next movie be more Godzilla-focused since Godzilla has played a secondary character and Kong has soaked up most of the spotlight for two movies. Legendary also needs to up the ante. Time to start planning a bigger event that is more life threatening than the MUTOs, the Skullcrawlers, King Ghidorah, and MechaGodzilla. Give Godzilla and Kong a real challenge that isn't just filler fodder like Skar King.
What are your thoughts on Adam Wingard not directing the sixth Monsterverse film? Who would you want to direct the next film? Do you think Adam will return to direct a future film? Leave a comment in the comments section of your thoughts on Adam Wingard not coming back. Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Minds, MeWe, Gab, and TRUTH Social to stay up to date for more news, reviews, and discussions.
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