Kong is set to star in two upcoming Monsterverse projects, but the best sequel toKong: Skull Islandis actually one the franchise forgot about. The classic giant ape was introduced early inthe Monsterverse’s timeline, with his first movie taking place in 1973. The film established the many giant creatures that exist on the titular island, while focusing mostly on Kong’s role as a protective force. The movie also teased his larger role in the franchise, with a post-credits scene establishing him in the same world as Godzilla.
Since then,two direct sequels,Godzilla vs. KongandGodzilla x Kong: The New Empire, have continued his storyinto the modern era. By theend ofThe New Empire, he became leader of the Skar King’s former ape tribe, living there alongside Shimo and Suko. His story will continue in theupcomingGodzilla x Kong: Supernova, scheduled for theatrical release on August 10, 2025. However, despite these crossover continuations, the best sequel toKong: Skull Islandis one the Monsterverse has forgotten about, despite coming out relatively recently.
Netflix’s Skull Island Is The Kong: Skull Island Sequel That The Movies Never Gave Us
The Show Expanded On His Home While Giving Him A New Solo Adventure
In 2023,Netflix releasedSkull Island, an animated series set within the Monsterverse. Taking place in the 1990s, the show follows a crypitd expedition in the South Pacific, focusing on teenagers Charlie and Mike as they accompany their fathers on the mission. However, things go awry when they fish up a girl named Annie being hunted by mercenaries, resulting in a shipwreck near the titular island. The show goes on to introducenew creatures to the Monsterverseas it explores Skull Island and Kong’s direct relation to his home, while the surviving crew tries to escape to the mainland.
The show marks Kong’s only solo outing in the Monsterverse since his 2017 debut movie, with all his other appearances being crossovers with Godzilla. In addition to focusing on him alone, the series also expands the ecosystem of Skull Island, introducing a variety of new monsters unseen in other parts of the franchise. This gives the series plenty to explore while also keeping its focus on the Kong-related elements of the series. As an animated TV show, it helps expand the world of the franchise with ideas that are unique contrasted with other entries.
Is Skull Island Canon? How The Animated Show Fits Into The Monsterverse Timeline
How Much Of The Show Will The Monsterverse Acknowledge?
Despite being an animated series that hasn’t been addressed by other movies and shows yet,Skull Islandis technically canon to the Monsterverse. However, the story it tells is far-removed from anything else in the franchise, with the characters and events that unfold probably not getting addressed again. This is especially the case for the movies, which are already well beyond the timeline of the series. Kong is also in a very different position now that he’s in the Hollow Earth, meaning future installments probably won’t acknowledge its story.
This is somewhat disappointing becauseSkull Islandseason 1 endedon a cliffhanger. Luckily,the series will be coming back in comic books form withReturn to Skull Island,a direct continuation. While the show’s wider implications for the Monsterverse are likely to be ignored, it still offers some intriguing ideas that are going to be expanded upon, even if it’s not onscreen. Despite the show only being one season, its intriguing ideas and unique storyline make it the perfectKong: Skull Islandsequel, even if it goes unacknowledged moving forward.
Kong Will Return To The Small Screen Before The Next Godzilla x Kong Movie
He’ll Have A Significant Role In Another Monsterverse TV Show
Although his backstory inSkull Islandis at an end onscreen, Kong will still be coming back to TV beforeGodzilla x Kong: Supernovaarrives. Teased at the end of season 1,Monarch: Legacy of Monstersseason 2takes place on Skull Island, with Kong front-and-center. While not much is known about the upcoming episodes, including their release date, filming wrapped in February 2025. This means the show will likely come out before the next movie, revealing why Apex Cybernetics is on the island and how it ties into one of the main Titans.
Even thoughMonarchwill probably add new layers to Kong’s story,it seems doubtful the live-action show will acknowledgeSkull Island’s established ideas. However, even some small nods to theKong: Skull Islandsequel series could help establish it in the Monsterverse, even if it won’t be important. As the series moves on and Kong goes on a variety of adventures, the Netflix animated series will still be the best sequel to his debut movie.
