After Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire crushed it in theaters, grossing over $560 million, a sequel seems imminent. However, despite having ideas for a sequel, experienced MonsterVerse director Adam Wingard no longer seems prime to direct it.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Wingard will not return for the sequel to Godzilla x Kong series. He directed The New Empire based on a script from the team of Terry Rosslo, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater.

THR's report does acknowledge that Adam Wingard has spoken about story ideas for a third film. His leave comes as he has another project that he would like to take on before returning to the MonsterVerse. He has a new film, Onslaught, an original story, prepping to shoot in the fall for A24.

Warner Bros and Legendary seem eager to make another Godzilla x Kong film after The New Empire's successful box office run. In turn, Legendary had to move on.

What is unclear is the focus of future installments. THR notes that it's unclear if the next helmer will focus on Wingard's additions to the franchise such as Hollow Earth and Dan Stevens' character.

Adam Wingard made his directorial debut in 2007, directing both Home Sick and PopSkull. He then gained notoriety for directing films such as You're Next, The Guest, Blair Witch, and Death Note.

What is Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire about?

Scene from Godzilla x Kong.

After the events of 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, the two titans must team up. Kong begins encountering more of his species in the Hollow Earth, leading to him teaming with Godzilla to take down their leader.

MonsterVerse veterans such as Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry return in the film. Dan Stevens is also introduced as a new character, Trapper, in the film. Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen, and Rachel House also star in the film.

To date, the film is one of the biggest successes in the MonsterVerse and Hollywood alike. As it stands, The New Empire is the second highest-grossing film of 2024. It is also the second highest-grossing film in the MonsterVerse domestically and worldwide.

Godzilla (2014) remains the highest-grossing film (domestically) in the franchise. It grossed over $200 million during its theatrical run. The New Empire comes in slightly behind, having grossed $194.5 million domestically. Kong: Skull Island ($168 million), King of the Monsters ($110.5 million), and Godzilla vs. Kong ($100.9 million) follow.

At the worldwide box office, though, Skull Island remains the highest-grossing film. It grossed $568,652,812 million worldwide. The New Empire is creeping closer, though, as it currently sits at $563,816,234.

The MonsterVerse

Legendary and Warner Bros' MonsterVerse commenced in 2014 with Gareth Edwards' Godzilla. The film was a big hit, grossing over $520 million at the box office. Over five years later, a sequel, King of the Monsters was released.

In between the Godzilla films, Skull Island was released to introduce King Kong to the MonsterVerse. The two titans then squared off in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong before teaming up in The New Empire.

While the MonsterVerse is largely a big-screen spectacle, it has made its way to the small screen as well. There are two MonsterVerse series, Skull Island — an animated Netflix series — and Apple TV+'s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.