Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire expands the MonsterVerse with another thrilling installment, yet it still falls short on delivering ample screen time for the iconic Titan. Despite being a central figure, Godzilla’s presence in the franchise remains somewhat limited, leaving fans craving more of the colossal creature in action.
The allure of the MonsterVerse lies in witnessing a reimagined version of Godzilla wreaking havoc on the big screen. However, since the 2014 film, the focus has shifted towards human characters finding Godzilla’s cataclysmic tendencies. As a result, Godzilla sightings are fleeting, aiming to maximize impact within minimal screen time.
According to Mr. Goji on X, a viral commentator, Godzilla accumulates only 40 minutes of screen time across the four MonsterVerse films.
While this may seem substantial, it averages to a mere 10 minutes per film, with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire featuring a scant eight minutes of Godzilla on screen. This discrepancy raises concerns about the franchise’s commitment to telling Titan-centric stories.
Godzilla Needs More Screen Time
While Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire rightfully focuses on Kong’s journey into the Hollow Earth, relegating Godzilla to a supporting role, the imbalance persists throughout MonsterVerse.
Even in films where Godzilla ostensibly takes center stage, such as in battles for dominance, human narratives often overshadow the Titan’s presence.
Director Adam Wingard acknowledges this disparity, hinting at a potential sequel where Godzilla assumes a more prominent role akin to Kong’s in the latest installment. Addressing Godzilla’s perpetual relegation to the background is crucial for the franchise’s evolution.
For the MonsterVerse to embrace its potential for epic monster battles and nostalgic fun reminiscent of the Showa era, Godzilla must feature more prominently in future projects. Amplifying Godzilla’s presence would not only satisfy fans’ desires but also inject renewed excitement into the franchise’s direction.
