Shang-Chi Writer Dave Callaham Pens New Godzilla/Kong Sequel

by Annika May 10, 2024

– Screenwriter Dave Callaham, celebrated for his work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” has been selected to write the next film in Legendary’s Godzilla/Kong series, following the financial success of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.”
– While director Adam Wingard’s involvement in the next installment is uncertain due to other commitments, Callaham brings experience from the Monsterverse, having contributed to the 2014 “Godzilla” film, and a track record of action hits, including “The Expendables” and “Wonder Woman 1984.”

Shang-Chi Writer Dave Callaham Pens New Godzilla/Kong Sequel

The realm of colossal creatures that roam the cinematic universe is about to be injected with a fresh dose of creativity as screenwriter Dave Callaham has been chosen to script the new chapter in Legendary’s Godzilla/Kong monster movie series. His previous work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” showcased his flair for blending action with profound character development, earning him the opportunity to contribute to the ever-expanding Monsterverse narrative.

Callaham’s background is steeped in cinematic spectacles; his portfolio flaunts an impressive array of action-packed blockbusters. With the Monsterverse experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks notably to the robust performance of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” at the international box office, the audience’s appetite for the larger-than-life clashes between these titanic entities seems insatiable. The latest juggernaut of the series raked in nearly 5 million globally, outdoing prior releases and landing just shy of “Kong: Skull Island’s” pinnacle earnings of 8 million.

This financial triumph, combined with a relatively modest production budget, positions “Empire” as a potential frontrunner for the franchise in terms of profitability. Legendary’s decision to harness Callaham’s knack for crafting thrilling narratives makes strategic sense as the studio moves to sustain and amplify the Monsterverse’s momentum.

While director Adam Wingard’s touch helped to steer “Empire” to success, his involvement in the next installment is uncertain. Wingard’s prior success with “Godzilla vs. Kong” might set precedence, yet his commitment to launching “Onslaught,” an original film venture with A24, hints at a potentially packed schedule. Legendary’s inclination to welcome back Wingard signals their confidence in his filmmaking prowess, although it remains to be seen whether he will retake the helm.

The Monsterverse, under Legendary’s watch, has effectively carved out a lucrative niche, with a formidable collection from its five films surpassing .5 billion in global receipts. The enterprise recently leaped from silver screen to streaming service, unveiling “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” on Apple TV+. This venture has garnered enough success to warrant further expansion into a second season and prospective spinoffs.

Beyond the behemoth battles of Godzilla and cohorts, Callaham’s resume is decorated with other notable credits. He is the creative mind behind the “The Expendables” franchise and has contributed to reboots like “Mortal Kombat” and sequels such as “Wonder Woman 1984.” His skills in the superhero domain are well-established, having penned the script for “Shang-Chi” and co-written the Oscar-endorsed animated feature “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

Callaham’s alignment with UTA and Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment further solidifies his standing in the industry, marking him as one of the sought-after writers for franchises requiring a delicate balance of explosive action, heartfelt storytelling, and an understanding of audience expectations.

The decision to bring Callaham onboard signifies Legendary’s resolve to navigate the Monsterverse toward uncharted territories. With his proven track record, Callaham seems poised to deliver a narrative as thrilling and action-packed as the cataclysmic clashes of the titular Titans themselves, promising fans an escape into a world where the battle for supremacy rages on, dwarfing humanity’s grandest endeavors.