Convention - NYCC 2023 : Monarch: Legacy of Monsters panel

By Mulder, New York, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 13 october 2023

New York Comic Con 2023, which took place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 13, witnessed the electrifying Monarch: Legacy of Monsters panel, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation. This highly awaited panel provided a tantalizing glimpse into the heart of the iconic Monsterverse, setting the stage for the upcoming Apple TV Plus series scheduled to premiere on November 17, 2023.

The Monsterverse, a cinematic universe that originally kicked off with the 2014 release of "Godzilla," has continued to mesmerize audiences across the globe. The monumental clash of titans in "Godzilla vs. Kong" (2021) left fans craving more, and "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" aims to satisfy that insatiable appetite.

The panel featured a star-studded lineup, including executive producers Chris Black, Matt Fraction, Tony Tunnell, director Andy Goddard, casting director Ronna Kress, and VFX supervisor Sean Konrad. These industry professionals unveiled their thrilling vision for the series, underlining their commitment to expanding the Monsterverse's intricate lore and introducing compelling new characters. A major highlight of the panel was the revelation of their partnership with Toho, the legendary Japanese film studio responsible for bringing Godzilla to life, promising to deepen the franchise's legacy.

One of the standout moments of the event was the casting of Kurt Russell, who shares the screen with his son Wyatt Russell, portraying the same character in two different timelines. Both actors devoted themselves to replicating their characters' mannerisms, bridging two eras and generations. At the heart of the series lies the story of half-siblings, portrayed by Anna Sawai and Ren Watabe, as they uncover their father's legacy intricately woven with the enigmatic Monarch organization.

While emphasizing the importance of the human element in the Monsterverse, the "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" team announced an exciting collaboration with the crew of the upcoming film "Godzilla X Kong: A New Empire," promising a continuation of the epic spectacle. Additionally, they expressed their optimism about the potential for a second season, should the opportunity arise.

"Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" is set to captivate audiences with its intriguing blend of human drama and breathtaking spectacle when it premieres on Apple TV Plus on November 17, 2023. The series pledges to enrich the Monsterverse's already intricate tapestry and delve into the mysteries of the Monarch organization in a manner never before seen on screen.

For Monsterverse enthusiasts, this series is an absolute must-watch, offering a fresh perspective on a world where monsters are a reality, and their legacy intertwines with our own. Get ready to embark on a journey to a realm where monsters and humans share a common narrative, unraveling the enigmatic secrets that bind them.

"Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" is an upcoming American television series created by Chris Black and developed by Black and Matt Fraction, exclusively available on the streaming service Apple TV+. This remarkable series is based on Toho Co., Ltd.'s iconic Godzilla franchise and is produced by Legendary Television, Safehouse Pictures, and Toho Co., Ltd. Serving as the sixth installment and the second television series within the MonsterVerse franchise, the show promises to be a thrilling addition to this beloved cinematic universe. The series follows the members of the enigmatic Monarch organization as they encounter Godzilla and other colossal monsters, known as "Titans," across a half-century of time, in the aftermath of the events depicted in "Godzilla" (2014). Chris Black assumes the role of showrunner, guiding the series to success.

The stellar cast includes Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski. "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" is scheduled to debut on Apple TV+ on November 17, 2023.

The journey to bring this captivating series to life began following the triumphant release of "Godzilla vs. Kong," as discussions emerged on expanding the MonsterVerse beyond feature films. Legendary proposed the concept of a live-action series, and Apple TV+ was quick to express its keen interest, ultimately striking a deal and greenlighting the series in January 2022. This project represents a collaborative effort between Legendary Television, Safehouse Pictures, and Toho, showcasing a dedication to bringing this iconic franchise to new heights. Matt Shakman was brought on board in May to direct the first two episodes and also serve as an executive producer. The writing team includes Andrew Colville, Milla Bell-Hart, Amanda Overton, Karl Taro Greenfeld, Mariko Tamaki, and Al Letson.

The talented ensemble cast was assembled over several months, with Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski joining in June 2022. The Russells, Kurt and Wyatt, were announced as part of the cast in July, while Mari Yamamoto came on board in August. The casting process was completed in September with the addition of Anders Holm, who also unveiled the series title.

The series' production journey included filming in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with two weeks of shooting taking place in Japan during August. Remarkably, the series was shot using 3D cameras in Apple's Spatial Video Format, specifically designed for the Apple Vision Pro.

The soundtrack for the series was entrusted to Leopold Ross, adding an extra layer of depth to the viewing experience. As excitement continued to build, Apple unveiled a series of first-look images in August 2023, officially christening the show as "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." The teaser for the series was unveiled on September 8, 2023, accompanied by additional images. The first official trailer for the series premiered at the 2023 New York Comic Con, creating a buzz among fans. Moreover, an official poster was revealed to further whet the audience's appetite.

In a unique marketing twist, a viral website named "Monarch Unlocked" was launched in October 2023, featuring intriguing Monarch computer private files, further immersing fans into the series' universe.

Early critical reception indicates that the series is off to a promising start, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 88% approval rating based on 16 reviews, accompanied by an average rating of 6.6/10. The consensus on the site highlights the charm of the father-son duo of Kurt and Wyatt Russell, as "Monarch" adds a welcome dimension to the Godzilla legacy by bringing its monumental scale to a deeply human level. Metacritic, utilizing a weighted average, assigns a score of 63 out of 100, derived from 5 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews." The stage is set for "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" to become a significant addition to the MonsterVerse, promising to thrill audiences with its rich storytelling and awe-inspiring spectacle.

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Synopsis : 
Two siblings set out on their father's trail to uncover their family's links to the secret organization known as Monarch. Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately into the parallel world of army officer Lee Shaw, set in the 1950s and half a century later when Monarch is threatened by Shaw's knowledge. This dramatic saga - spanning three generations - reveals buried secrets and how epic, life-changing events can reverberate in our lives.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Created by Chris Black
Based on Godzilla by Toho Co., Ltd.
Developed by Chris Black, Matt Fraction
Starring  Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, Elisa Lasowski
Music by Leopold Ross
Executive producers : Chris Black, Matt Fraction, Matt Shakman, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Andy Goddard, Brad Van Arragon, Andrew Colville, Hiro Matsuoka, Takemasa Arita
Production companies : Legendary Television, Safehouse Pictures, Toho Co., Ltd
Network : Apple TV+ 
Running time : 600 minutes

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville