In the franchise’s previous films, nothing foreshadowed the great showdown between Godzilla and King Kong. And yet, it will come to it soon and the first information is appearing as to why it will happen.
After three MonsterVerse productions that did not foreshadow a conflict between the beasts, here comes Godzilla vs. Kong . The movie’s trailer, although truly spectacular, also did not reveal the reasons for the Titans’ fight. The same applies to the latest poster that was created for China. It is now available online, so we can also see it:
It shows both beasts fighting beneath the surface of the ocean. The warships, already known from the trailer, are trying to stay on the rough waves. Kong holds Godzilla by the throat and swings to strike him, while the lizard prepares for an atomic attack. They are clearly not peaceful towards each other. However, aside from showing the amount of damage the kaiju can do, the new artwork gives no hints as to the reason for the conflict. It is known that since the time of the King of Monsters, the Titans have been calm and concerned with themselves, but now that is changing drastically. Why this is happening, explains Alex Garcia, one of the film’s producers:
There are many Titans in the world, and Godzilla is once again the alpha predator and keeps the balance. However, as we get closer to the action of the movie [ Godzilla vs. Kong ed. author], Godzilla starts behaving erratically and no one knows why. He attacked certain cities and outposts. Madison Russel – the character played by Millie Bobby Brown – plays the role of Godzilla’s attorney. Her role is to justify Godzilla. She believes with all her heart, for personal and emotional reasons, that there must be a reason for Godzilla’s behavior. He believes that although he is not kind to individual people, he wants good for all mankind.
Due to the seismic activity, new Titans are headed to Skull Island, while Kong leaves it for the first time (in this universe). This is because people ask him for help in a treacherous journey to the center of the Earth, which turned out to be empty inside. This expedition aims to find a way to defend against monsters. According to the producer’s words, this mission will involve Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgård), who will undertake it for emotional reasons. It is he who insists on the presence of the Congo, on the assumption that a creature that may come from within the Earth will increase their chances of survival. Their destination is Antarctica, but on the way they encounter Godzilla, whose behavior seems to stem from trying to contain any threat to his balance. Garcia defends the lizard, describing his actions not as tyranny, but a feeling that the balance may be upset, for example by the Congo, who may not be aware of the consequences of his actions. The producer adds that the interpersonal conflict will reflect the one between the kaiju, but none of the Titans is referred to as an antagonist:
They are both characters who fight for something special for them. Sometimes it is good for us, but it does not always mean kaiju compatibility. None of them are inherently bad, but neither are they good. And this is where I think the complexity of humanity and our relationship with the beasts comes into play. Neither is an antagonist per se, but there is a complexity.
Perhaps this means that in the end Godzilla and Kong will join forces against a common opponent? It seems quite possible, because the film is supposed to surprise the audience more than once, and it’s hard to talk about a surprise if the main fight is announced in the trailer, the poster and the title of the production itself. Answers to all viewers’ questions will come from the premiere of the film, which is currently scheduled for March 31, 2021.