Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is already available. The 2024 MonsterVerse sequel opened in U.S. theaters and IMAX on March 29, 2024, after international releases began on March 27. It brings Godzilla and Kong together against a new threat rising from the Hollow Earth.
This guide covers the film’s corrected release-date history, official trailers, cast and characters, spoiler-free story, viewing options, rating, runtime, reviews, MonsterVerse watch order and the next movie, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova.
Quick facts about Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Final U.S. release date | March 29, 2024 |
| International rollout | Beginning March 27, 2024 |
| Director | Adam Wingard |
| Screenplay | Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater |
| Principal cast | Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen and Rachel House |
| Runtime | Approximately 115 minutes |
| U.S. rating | PG-13 for creature violence and action |
| Franchise | Legendary’s MonsterVerse |
| Current U.S. availability | Subscription, rental, purchase and physical-media options vary; see the dated availability section below |
| Next film | Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, scheduled for March 26, 2027 |
The film is the direct follow-up to Godzilla vs. Kong. Although Godzilla and Kong spent much of that movie fighting one another, The New Empire makes their reluctant alliance the center of the story.
When was Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire released?
The final U.S. nationwide theatrical release date was March 29, 2024. The film was released in theaters and IMAX in the United States, while its international rollout began on March 27. Japan received the movie later, on April 26, 2024, according to Fandango’s territory information.
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The schedule changed more than once:
- March 15, 2024: the original planned release date.
- April 12, 2024: a later planned date.
- March 29, 2024: the final U.S. release date.
That history explains why some older entertainment pages—and even the current Legendary film page—still display April 12, 2024 as the movie’s original release. April 12 was an intermediate date, not the date the film ultimately opened nationwide in the U.S. The official January 2024 release announcement and the official movie site identify March 29 as the final U.S. date.
Watch the official trailers
There are two principal official trailers for the film. These links point to the official videos rather than reposts.
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Official trailer
Watch the official trailer on YouTube.
Released on December 3, 2023, the first trailer establishes the film’s central change: Godzilla and Kong are no longer simply adversaries. It introduces the Hollow Earth setting, the human characters returning from the previous movie and the new ape threat led by the Skar King. It also signals a more expansive monster-fantasy adventure than the comparatively grim 2014 Godzilla.
Official Trailer 2
Watch Official Trailer 2 on YouTube.
The second trailer expands the mythology without giving away the ending. It offers more of Kong’s search for members of his own species, the Skar King’s position as a major threat, Kong’s new equipment and the human team’s investigation into an apparent Hollow Earth distress signal.
Trailer warning: both previews show important elements of the setup, including the new ape civilization and the Godzilla-Kong team-up. If you want to know as little as possible, watch only the first trailer—or go straight to the movie.
What is the movie about?
Spoiler-free synopsis
After the events of Godzilla vs. Kong, Godzilla patrols the surface world while Kong explores the Hollow Earth. When a previously hidden threat emerges from that subterranean realm, the two Titans must cooperate to protect their own worlds and humanity.
The story also expands the history of the Titans, the Hollow Earth, Skull Island and the people connected to those ancient ecosystems. Rather than treating the Hollow Earth as a brief alternate location, the film presents it as a living environment containing its own creatures, societies and conflicts.
The longer setup
Equipment at a Monarch station in the Hollow Earth begins experiencing strange interference. Dr. Ilene Andrews, Jia, Bernie Hayes and their colleagues investigate what appears to be a distress signal, drawing them toward an ancient conflict and a danger that could reach the surface. The official Netflix Tudum plot and cast guide provides additional setup without requiring readers to know the film’s ending.
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Kong’s storyline is especially important. He is not merely returning for another city-destroying battle; he is searching for, and eventually encountering, members of his own species. Godzilla’s role is more closely tied to maintaining order on the surface, creating a crisis-driven and uneasy partnership rather than suggesting that the Titans have become permanent friends.
Jia’s bond with Kong and her connection to the Iwi people provide the principal human and cultural link between the surface team, the Hollow Earth and the film’s expanded mythology. Monarch remains the organization trying to understand and manage the Titan world, although the movie places considerably more emphasis on myth and adventure than on procedural science fiction.
The film’s tone: monster spectacle first
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is best approached as a colorful, fast-moving monster adventure. Its emphasis is on giant creatures, fantasy world-building, Titan battles and the visual scale of the Hollow Earth.
That makes it a good fit for viewers who want:
- Large-scale Godzilla and Kong action.
- A lighter and more colorful tone than the 2014 Godzilla.
- Kong-focused exploration of the Hollow Earth.
- A straightforward adventure built around monster spectacle.
- A continuation of the team-up established in Godzilla vs. Kong.
Expectations should be adjusted if you are looking for a serious human drama, realistic scientific world-building, an unambiguously horrific Godzilla or the grounded postwar atmosphere of Godzilla Minus One. That is a tonal comparison, not a continuity connection: Minus One is not part of Legendary’s MonsterVerse.
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Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry and Kaylee Hottle return from Godzilla vs. Kong. Dan Stevens, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen and Rachel House are among the major additions to the human cast. Godzilla and Kong remain the central title characters, so Dan Stevens should not be described as the film’s sole lead.
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| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Hall | Dr. Ilene Andrews | A Monarch scientist and Kong specialist |
| Brian Tyree Henry | Bernie Hayes | A Titan conspiracy podcaster |
| Dan Stevens | Trapper | A veterinarian and new human lead |
| Kaylee Hottle | Jia | Ilene’s adopted daughter, who shares a special bond with Kong |
| Alex Ferns | Mikael | A Monarch pilot and scientist associated with the Hollow Earth mission |
| Fala Chen | Iwi Queen | The matriarch of the Iwi people |
| Rachel House | Hampton | The director of Monarch |
| Ron Smyck | Harris | A Monarch employee |
| Chantelle Jamieson | Jayne | A Monarch employee |
| Greg Hatton | Lewis | A supporting human character |
| Kevin Copeland | Submarine Commander | A supporting role |
The official movie site, along with the Apple TV listing and Netflix Tudum’s cast guide, provides the credited character information above.
Director, writers and production credits
- Director: Adam Wingard
- Screenplay: Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater
- Story: Terry Rossio, Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett
- Producers: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric McLeod, Thomas Tull and Brian Rogers
- Cinematography: Ben Seresin
- Editing: Josh Schaeffer
- Production design: Tom Hammock
- Music: Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, and Antonio Di Iorio
Production notes list filming or production locations in Australia, Brazil, Gibraltar, Iceland, Italy, Morocco and the United States, with substantial production work taking place in Queensland, Australia. Those location details come from the film’s production notes.
Runtime, rating and family guidance
In the United States, the movie is rated PG-13 for creature violence and action. It runs for approximately 115 minutes, or 1 hour and 55 minutes. Some platform listings, including Apple TV’s U.S. page, display the runtime as 1 hour and 54 minutes, so a one-minute discrepancy may appear depending on the listing. Classification authorities in Australia and the United Kingdom list approximately 115 minutes; see the Australian Classification Board and BBFC.
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Parents should expect:
- Frequent giant-monster fights.
- Creature peril and fantasy violence.
- Threats to human populations.
- Some injury detail and creature violence.
- Flashing images in some versions, according to the BBFC.
The U.S. PG-13 rating does not translate directly to every country’s classification system. Families outside the United States should check their local rating authority rather than assuming the U.S. label applies unchanged.
Where can you watch it now?
U.S. availability checked August 9–10, 2026. According to the cited JustWatch U.S. listing, the film is listed on Max, also shown in some listings as HBO Max, and through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. JustWatch also lists YouTube TV, subject to the service’s own package and regional terms.
For viewers who do not have a relevant subscription, the same check lists:
- Digital rental: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home and Spectrum On Demand.
- Digital purchase: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home.
- Physical media: DVD and Blu-ray purchase options.
The cited U.S. check did not list a free streaming option. Availability can change by date, country, platform and subscription tier, so readers outside the U.S. should use a regional availability guide rather than treating these services as worldwide options.
Home-release dates
The movie became available for digital rental and purchase on May 14, 2024. The 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD editions followed on June 11, 2024, according to TheWrap’s home-release report.
Some older pages say the film is on Netflix because a Netflix Tudum article published in December 2024 said it was streaming there at that time. That historical statement does not establish current U.S. Netflix availability. For the present U.S. options, use the dated JustWatch check above.
How it fits into the MonsterVerse
The recommended feature-film watch order is:
- Godzilla (2014)
- Kong: Skull Island (2017)
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is an optional television addition. It expands the MonsterVerse’s history, but it is not required to understand the basic story of The New Empire. Watching Godzilla vs. Kong first is more useful because the 2024 film follows its character relationships and its division between the surface world and the Hollow Earth.
This continuity should not be confused with Toho’s separate Godzilla Minus One. The two films were released near one another, but Minus One is not a sequel to The New Empire, and neither film requires the other for context. Toho’s official film site is available at godzilla-movie.jp.
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Reviews, audience response and box office
The reception is notably divided between critics and general audiences. As checked on August 10, 2026, Rotten Tomatoes listed a 54% Tomatometer score from 251 reviews and an 89% audience score from more than 5,000 verified ratings. Scores and review counts can change over time.
The broad pattern is clear: critics generally recognized the film’s monster spectacle while objecting to aspects of its human storyline, plotting or fantasy logic. Audiences were considerably more enthusiastic, particularly about the action and the Godzilla-Kong pairing. In practical terms, the film is a stronger recommendation for viewers seeking escapist Titan battles than for those expecting tightly grounded science fiction.
Commercially, the film performed strongly. The Numbers reports approximately $572.5 million worldwide. Box-office totals can vary slightly between databases and may be revised.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Will there be another Godzilla and Kong movie?
Yes. Legendary has officially announced Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, scheduled for release on March 26, 2027. Legendary lists Grant Sputore as the director on the project’s official film page.
Supernova is a separate upcoming MonsterVerse film, not a new release date for The New Empire. Legendary’s announcement does not by itself confirm that every character or performer from the 2024 movie will return, so unconfirmed cast and plot reports should be treated cautiously.
Frequently asked questions
Is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire already released?
Yes. It opened in U.S. theaters and IMAX on March 29, 2024. International releases began March 27, with territory-specific dates varying by country.
Why do some websites say the release date was April 12, 2024?
April 12 was an earlier planned release date. The schedule changed from March 15 to April 12 and then to March 29. March 29, 2024 is the final U.S. theatrical release date, although older or unrevised pages may retain April 12.
Is the movie a sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong?
Yes. It follows Godzilla vs. Kong and continues the MonsterVerse storyline, with Godzilla and Kong forming an uneasy alliance against a new Hollow Earth threat.
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No. Godzilla Minus One belongs to a separate Toho continuity. It is not part of Legendary’s MonsterVerse and is not connected to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
How long is The New Empire?
The primary runtime is approximately 115 minutes, or 1 hour and 55 minutes. Some streaming listings display 1 hour and 54 minutes.
What is the age rating?
In the U.S., it is rated PG-13 for creature violence and action. Children may also encounter frequent monster fights, peril, threats to human populations, injury detail and flashing images in some versions.
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Where is it streaming in the United States?
A JustWatch U.S. check from August 9, 2026 listed the film on Max/HBO Max and through the HBO Max Amazon Channel, with additional rental, purchase and physical-media options. Streaming catalogs change, so check the current listing before subscribing or renting.
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Do I need to watch the earlier MonsterVerse movies?
You can follow the basic plot without watching every earlier entry, but Godzilla vs. Kong is the most important film to see first. For the full feature-film context, watch Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong and then The New Empire.
Is there another sequel?
Yes. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova is scheduled by Legendary for March 26, 2027. Its final release date and announced details remain subject to change, and not all returning cast members have been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire already released?
Yes. The final U.S. theatrical release date was March 29, 2024, after international openings began on March 27.
Why do some sites list April 12, 2024?
April 12 was an earlier planned release date. The movie’s schedule changed more than once, and March 29, 2024 became the final U.S. date.
Is Godzilla Minus One part of the MonsterVerse?
No. Godzilla Minus One is a separate Toho production and continuity, not a sequel or companion story to Legendary’s MonsterVerse.
How long is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire?
The film runs approximately 115 minutes, although some platform listings display 1 hour and 54 minutes.
What is the movie’s rating?
It is rated PG-13 in the United States for creature violence and action. It also contains monster peril, threats to people, injury detail and flashing images in some versions.
Where can I watch it in the U.S.?
A JustWatch U.S. check dated August 9, 2026 listed it on Max/HBO Max and through the HBO Max Amazon Channel, plus digital rental, purchase and physical-media options. Availability changes by date and region.
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Legendary’s next announced MonsterVerse film is Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, scheduled for March 26, 2027. Its complete cast and plot details have not all been confirmed.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a released 2024 MonsterVerse adventure, not an upcoming film. Watch it for the Godzilla-Kong alliance, Hollow Earth mythology and large-scale Titan action; approach it with more reservations if you want grounded science fiction, serious human drama or the darker tone of Godzilla Minus One. U.S. viewing options currently vary by platform, so check a dated local listing before renting or subscribing.
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