Highlights:
– The acclaimed 2017 movie, Kong: Skull Island was first conceptualized as a sequel to Peter Jackson‘s 2005 King Kong.
– The crossover between the Giant Ape and Godzilla resulted in the successful MonsterVerse franchise.
– The director of two crucial MonsterVerse films, Adam Wingard, initially slated to direct the sequel to Jackson’s King Kong, reveals interesting backstories.
– Despite commercial success and fanfare, Wingard has parted ways with the MonsterVerse due to scheduling conflicts.
Kong: Skull Island’s Initial Journey as a Sequel
The action-packed MonsterVerse, a franchise that has won millions of hearts with its thrilling films and TV series, wasn’t always conceptualized the way fans know it now. Adam Wingard, the director of two impactful MonsterVerse films, recently revealed in an interview that Kong: Skull Island was first imagined as a follow-up to the 2005 hit, King Kong.
Wingard shared how Peter Jackson, post the monumental success of his King Kong remake, planned a sequel titled Skull Island, with Wingard at the helm. The 2005 film immensely impressed critics and audiences, earning $556.9 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo.
The Twist in the Tale
However, the plot took a twist when the King Kong rights transferred from Universal to Warner Bros., resulting in the sequel’s derailment. Recalling the incident, Wingard stated, “Peter Jackson had seen an early version of ‘You’re Next’ and expressed interest in me directing the King Kong sequel. The film was set up at Universal but ended up at Warner Bros.”
Before MonsterVerse’s decision to introduce the colossal ape to their universe, Legendary and Peter Jackson had also eyed Joe Cornish and Guillermo del Toro as potential directors for the King Kong sequel. Intriguingly, Skull Island was also rumored to be a prequel to Jackson’s film.
Unforeseen Circumstances Leading to a Blockbuster Franchise
The chain of events led Kong: Skull Island to become the second film of MonsterVerse, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. Still, Jackson’s initial proposition lingered in the mind of Mary Parent, a Legendary executive. This direction eventually led to Wingard’s association with two iconic films in the franchise.
The culmination of solo titles of Godzilla and Kong led to the highly anticipated MonsterVerse crossover in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. The film not only received immense fan love but also reinvigorated the movie theater industry post-pandemic.
Adam Wingard’s Unexpected Exit from MonsterVerse
Even with the enormous success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Wingard will not continue his association with the MonsterVerse. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Wingard and Legendary parted due to timing issues and no hard feelings were involved in the decision.
Wingard’s fun approach in the MonsterVerse films made them ideal big-screen popcorn entertainers. His departure from the franchise leaves fans anticipating what the forthcoming filmmaker will bring to this successful universe.
Fans can now stream King Kong on Peacock and Kong: Skull Island on Max.
