The MonsterVerse has expanded to both film and television since the release of Godzilla in 2014. Now the latest theatrical installment, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, is close to hitting theaters. Ahead of its theatrical release date, however, the first reactions are pouring out of test screenings. And they carry both good and bad news.
As noted below, users on X have shared reactions to Godzilla X Kong. The new sequel follows the events of Godzilla vs. Kong, with the two monster titans now acting as allies. As such, it looks like the humor will be increased to operate more like a film from the Showa era.
As noted by the below X user, not only will fans not believe how funny the movie is, but that it “goes so much further in the silly direction” that they love it more than its predecessor:
I didn’t connect with GvK as much as I hoped I would because of the tone, but this one goes so much further in the silly direction that I might love it this time
— Neb | 🏳️🌈 (@NebsGoodTakes) October 22, 2023
Another X posts shared screenshots of a conversation in which one viewer of the film describes their thoughts. According to their reactions, while they “enjoyed every aspect of Kong’s plot,” they were disappointed to see “that Godzilla was sidelined once more.” On the bright side, they allege the film has “a kaiju fight every 20 min and half of those fights are in daytime.” They agree that “the film is as wacky as a Showa Godzilla film,” and that the plot is “heavy on the sci-fi.” He concludes that it is “very much entertaining” with what feels like a “long” runtime.
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire recent test screening. #GodzillaXKongTheNewEmpire pic.twitter.com/ZEl6i6lUSL
— Ian CASSIDY (@IanCASS30649034) September 13, 2023
With these comments, fans might be disappointed to know that Kong is still considered more of the lead than Godzilla. But it’s possible that the film will become more balanced by the time it hits theaters. Additionally, it seems as though there weren’t any other issues with the film, with the viewers agreeing that it was a lot of fun. It certainly feels as though the MonsterVerse is headed in a more positive direction, one that’s fan-friendly and exciting.
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire is set to hit theaters on March 15, 2024. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the highly-anticipated MonsterVerse flick and any other franchise projects as we have them.