‘Jurassic Park’ Star Sam Neill Joins ‘Godzilla x Kong’ Sequel

Sam Neill has signed on to the Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire sequel.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be part of the upcoming installment in Legendary’s MonsterVerse, joining an impressive lineup including Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O’Connell, Matthew Modine, Delroy Lindo, and Alycia Debnam-Carey. And guess who else is on board? The legendary figure from Jurassic Park!

In the sequel to “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Dan Stevens is set to once again play the character of Trapper Beasley.

In the upcoming sequel of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, it’s been made clear that Neill will be part of the cast, but as of now, we don’t know what specific part he’ll be playing.

The director behind “I Am Mother,” Grant Sputore, is set to lead another movie. This script was written by David Callaham, known for his work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” While the exact storyline remains undisclosed, Deadline suggests that the film will present some fresh human characters who will team up with the main Titans to combat a brand new global catastrophe.

In the movie titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, and Brian Tyree Henry star in an adventure where the legendary Titans, Godzilla and Kong, unite to confront a formidable new menace that emerges from the depths of Hollow Earth. This threat not only endangers their species but also jeopardizes the very survival of mankind.

In May’s announcement, it became clear that director Adam Wingard wouldn’t take charge of the upcoming film titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, as he encountered scheduling issues instead.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the parting between the filmmaker and the MonsterVerse was friendly, leaving open a possibility for Wingard’s return to direct more films in this universe at some point down the line.

Despite his exit, Wingard previously teased he had “more story to tell” in the Monsterverse.

He mentioned prior to the March 2024 theatrical release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, “The thought that if we’ve made two films, it might be wise to create a third, since as you pointed out, there seems to be a trilogy potential… It all hinges on how well [Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire] performs and how the story unfolds.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve been captivated by Legendary’s Monsterverse since its debut in 2014 with the colossal release of Godzilla. Then, in 2017, the universe expanded with the intriguing introduction of King Kong through ‘Kong: Skull Island’.

In 2019, the series moved forward with “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” eventually culminating in the grand clash between the colossal titans in the 2021 film, “Godzilla versus Kong.

Since then, the MonsterVerse has branched out into television programming. For example, you can find an animated spin-off called “Skull Island” on Netflix, and the live-action series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” is available on Apple TV+.

The ABCs of Movies: The Best Movie For Each Letter of the Alphabet

A: American Movie (1999)

In a surprising yet often amusing manner, the documentary titled “American Movie” narrates the journey of aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he strives to bring his long-awaited passion project to life. This tale is both poignant and melancholic, portraying dreams left unfulfilled. Mark encounters numerous challenges, expresses profoundly about his creative drive, yet never fully accomplishes all he sets out to do. The film also beautifully captures the essence of friendship as Mark leans on his friend Mike for support during the production of his low-budget films. “American Movie” is an enjoyable viewing experience at age 20, but becomes heartbreakingly profound when viewed at 40. It undeniably ranks among the greatest American movies of our time.

B: Blow Out (1981)

In a nod to the concept of “Blowup,” Brian De Palma’s noteworthy work delves into the cinematic universe. John Travolta plays a sound engineer in this film, who accidentally records a staged car crash reminiscent of the Chappaquiddick incident involving Senator Ted Kennedy while gathering background noise for his project. With its clever sound design, nail-biting suspense scenes, and sharp commentary on screen violence and its relationship to reality, “Blow Out” stands as one of the finest films ever crafted about the filmmaking process.

C: Citizen Kane (1941)

Timeless masterpieces, such as those once revered as inviolable, may not retain their charm over time. However, that certainly isn’t the case with Citizen Kane. Eighty years after its initial release, it continues to impress, offering a sharper commentary on contemporary politics than most films produced in the last decade. Moreover, it was instrumental in developing or refining various film techniques, and features some of the most powerful images ever captured by a motion picture camera. Often dismissed as a conventional biopic about a wealthy man’s solitude, who sought tranquility but found none, and spent his final days yearning for the enigmatic “Rosebud,” the viewing experience proves to be far more profound, exhilarating, and insightful than one might initially anticipate.

D: Die Hard (1988)

In the style of a police procedural set in the West, “Die Hard” reaches its pinnacle among ’80s action films at the Nakatomi Tower-like peak. John McClane, a New York City cop (played by Bruce Willis), journeys to Los Angeles to reconnect with his separated wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). However, he finds himself as the lone hope in resolving a hostage situation when terrorists invade the Nakatomi Corporation’s Christmas party. Stuck between a rock and a hard place without any shoes, McClane transforms into one of cinema’s legendary heroes: an ordinary man who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time but may need to embody his old cowboy hero, Roy Rogers, to get home safely. Catchphrase: “Yippie-ki-yay.

E: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

I can’t recall the specific location or date when I first watched “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” However, it was around 20 years ago, during my time living and studying in New York City. Regrettably, the memory of that particular screening has slipped away, much like how memories often fade with time. This loss, ironically, has made me value the film more today than I did in 2004. The movie’s profoundness lies in its exploration of the ramifications of natural memory loss through a science fiction lens: a troubled couple erase their memories of each other, resulting in a mix of tragedy and comedy. The exceptional duo of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in this film is remarkable because their relationship is doomed, just like every relationship eventually succumbs to the passing of time; it’s as if their love story mirrors an old beach house crumbling into the sea.

F: The Fugitive (1993)

In creating lists, it’s often easy to overlook films that are purely entertaining and enjoyable, such as “The Fugitive.” This movie masterfully executes the large-scale chase genre, making it seem effortless. However, crafting a film like this, with its intricate mystery, striking action sequences, and exceptional acting—notably Tommy Lee Jones as the persistent U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard—is no small feat. The reason this movie remains entertaining time and again is due to its exceptional skill and artistry, a quality that was rare even in 1993, and is increasingly so now.

G: Goodfellas (1990)

If you’re limited to watching just one Martin Scorsese movie, or one crime/gangster film, throughout your lifetime, I strongly recommend “Goodfellas.” This movie is a hilarious, tragic, brutal, and thoughtful tale of the lives of New York mob associates during the latter half of the 20th century. The casting, music, editing, voiceover, and even the remarkable drug smuggling scene where Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) gets caught are all spot-on. It’s no wonder that “Goodfellas” has been repeatedly quoted and imitated for the past 30 years – it’s simply unmatched in the gangster genre since then.

H: Hoop Dream (1994)

The remarkable documentary “Hoop Dreams” goes beyond sports, offering a profound insight into life itself. Unlike other sports documentaries, “Hoop Dreams” does not conclude with its protagonists’ final high school matches, but rather at their graduation ceremonies. As Spike Lee states during his appearance at an elite college prospects camp, this entire system revolves around money.

“Hoop Dreams,” a groundbreaking sports documentary, delves deep into life beyond the court. Unlike typical sports movies, it ends not with high school games but graduation, highlighting that the whole system is driven by money.

And in less formal language:

“Hoop Dreams” isn’t just about basketball; it’s a glimpse into real life. It doesn’t stop at the final high school game, but instead shows graduation, hinting that the entire system is about cash.

I: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

How many hearts have been warmed by Frank Capra’s heartwarming ode to selflessness and friendship, “It’s a Wonderful Life”? The film, which became a classic through constant television broadcasts due to an unintended entry into the public domain, seems more like a divine intervention than a simple bookkeeping error to me. This movie, with its enduring message, truly feels destined to be shared worldwide.

J: Jaws (1975)

The film “Jaws” had such an incredible impact at the box office that it significantly altered the way movies were produced and distributed in Hollywood – a fact that shouldn’t be held against it. In truth, it surpasses all the imitators of the subsequent decades in terms of depth, terror, grittiness, and intelligence. Essentially, it tells the tragic tale of a group of heavy drinkers who pursue and kill a shark for simply being extremely hungry. After “Jaws,” Steven Spielberg went on to create more grandiose films with larger budgets, star-studded casts, and advanced visual effects. However, nothing he’s made since matches the perfection of “Jaws.” Every frame, every edit, every musical cue, every dialogue, every close-up of Roy Scheider’s fearful face, is flawlessly executed.

K: The King of Comedy (1982)

If you found “Joker” entertaining and haven’t watched “The King of Comedy” yet, I strongly recommend giving it a try. The comic-book blockbuster by Todd Phillips bears a significant resemblance to Scorsese’s biting critique of celebrity culture, where Robert De Niro portrays Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring comedian. His desperate longing for the limelight becomes indistinguishable from his desire to be famous or notorious. Essentially, “The King of Comedy,” produced in 1982, feels surprisingly contemporary today.

L: L.A. Confidential (1997)

Are we now at multiple layers of reminiscence dissection with “L.A. Confidential”? The film, set in the 1950s, carries the essence of “Chinatown” from the 1970s, and was produced in the late 1990s when it was still feasible to make a large-scale crime drama with few big names (Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger being the exceptions) that didn’t revolve around superheroes, video games, or franchises. Similar to its source novel by James Ellroy, “L.A. Confidential” shatters the notion that the 1950s were a simpler, more blissful era in sunny Los Angeles. As one character points out, this idyllic image has been marketed to us; the reality had mostly remained hidden until Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson uncovered it.

M: Metropolis (1927)

It’s essential to include at least one silent film on a list like this, and among all silent films, my favorite is “Metropolis” directed by Fritz Lang. This groundbreaking science-fiction masterpiece portrays the struggle between the classes in a futuristic city. Over the years, multiple versions of the movie have been released, each one distinct from the others. Regardless of the version, Lang demonstrated the power of a camera and an active imagination – all without any sound.

N: No Country For Old Men (2007)

In their filmography, the Coen brothers have created many masterpieces, but perhaps none are as powerful as No Country for Old Men when it comes to themes they’ve consistently explored throughout their career: The empty and devastating chase for wealth above all else in life. An ordinary man (Josh Brolin) discovers the remnants of a botched drug deal and seizes millions, triggering a sequence of events that leads to a series of unnecessary and brutal deaths. Skillfully directed (and adapted from the Cormac McCarthy novel) by the Coens, No Country portrays a world as cold, arbitrary, and ruthless as the flip of a coin.

O: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Regardless of its central theme involving notorious murders, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is arguably Quentin Tarantino’s most charming film in years, if not ever. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt deliver outstanding performances as a duo of friends living in 1960s LA. DiCaprio portrays a struggling TV star attempting to resurrect his career, while Pitt plays his calm stuntman and chauffeur. The movie explores the closing era of the 1960s, the waning film industry, and perhaps even the twilight of Tarantino’s cinematic journey.

P: Playtime (1967)

Few cinematic experiences can rival watching Jacques Tati’s witty masterpiece, “Playtime,” in a 70mm screening. On home video, Tati’s visual comedy doesn’t quite have the same impact; many of its jokes are so intricate that they’re best appreciated on a large theater screen to spot them. The movie has minimal narrative; instead, it offers a satirical commentary on the absurdities of contemporary life in all its peculiarities and madness. As we look back 55 years later, our world seems even more farcical, making “Playtime” one of the most forward-thinking pieces of art from the last century.

Q: The Quiet Man (1952)

As a cinephile with a penchant for Westerns, John Ford’s filmography might lead you to expect a gritty tale of the frontier. However, if you haven’t seen The Quiet Man, prepare to be delightfully surprised. This production veers more toward romantic comedy territory, showcasing some of the most breathtaking Technicolor cinematography I’ve ever witnessed. Winton Hoch, the brilliant cinematographer behind the lens, rightly received an Oscar for his exceptional work on this film.

John Wayne steps into the role of an Irish-American boxer who finds himself back in Ireland and smitten with a fiery redhead named Mary Kate, portrayed by the captivating Maureen O’Hara. The plot thickens when Victor McLaglen enters as Mary Kate’s protective brother, instigating a heated dispute over her dowry that culminates in an amusing and endlessly repeated physical altercation between Wayne and McLaglen.

While the portrayal of Ireland may not be historically accurate, The Quiet Man offers an unparalleled cinematic experience, one you won’t forget anytime soon.

R: Ran (1985)

Among all films directed by the renowned Akira Kurosawa, “Ran” stands out as my top pick. This film was made towards the end of his career and unlike many of his other classics, it’s a color movie. I adore it because its innovative use of color, particularly in the vibrant costumes of the characters, serves as an exceptional concluding note to each cinematic scene – a technique that is rarely seen, with perhaps “The Quiet Man” being one of the few exceptions.

S: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Exploring another must-see genre, I present to you the classic musical: “Singin’ in the Rain,” directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. This masterpiece offers captivating melodies, imaginative dance routines, tender romance, iconic numbers like “Make ‘Em Laugh” and the enchanting “Broadway Melody” sequence – it’s hard to find fault with any of it! Recently revisiting this gem with my kids, who couldn’t contain their excitement as Donald O’Connor danced around, left me falling for it all over again. What an incredible sensation!

T: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Around the turn of the millennium, I watched “2001: A Space Odyssey.” At that time, I found it excessive, dull, and pompous. In retrospect, I realize how misguided my thoughts were back then – I was ignorant, unsophisticated, and narrow-minded. Over the past decade or so, I’ve rewatched this film numerous times, and with each viewing, I find myself more captivated by its far-reaching vision. Much like “Playtime,” it has grown on me even more after seeing it in a large theater setting. In 2018, an “unrestored” print of the film, overseen by Christopher Nolan, was released. Whether or not this version remained faithful to Stanley Kubrick’s original intentions, watching it in 70mm format made for an incredibly immersive experience. (The humor in the zero-gravity toilet scene is even more amusing when viewed on a big screen.) This film transcends description; its true grandeur can only be fully appreciated in a cinema, where it undoubtedly fulfills its tagline as “the ultimate trip.

U: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that finding movies starting with ‘U’ is like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, there’s one exception that deserves a spot on any all-time classics list: Jacques Demy’s “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.” This visually stunning musical is both heartwarming and heart-rending. I had the privilege of watching Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo portray lovers separated by war, fate, and life’s cruel twists. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend you give it a watch tonight. But remember to keep some tissues handy, because you might need them!

V: Videodrome (1983)

In the movie “Videodrome”, a questionable television station owner (James Woods) stumbles upon an underhanded broadcast titled “Videodrome” filled with extreme sexuality and brutality. Captivated, he airs it on his network. As he attempts to discover the source of this enigmatic program, he is pulled further and further into a reality where television surpasses mere entertainment; it becomes a religion and potentially the essence of existence itself. The film “Videodrome”, directed by David Cronenberg, remains relevant as a thought-provoking critique on our modern TV culture that has left us mentally numb.

W: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Few movies capture the essence of childhood dreams as vividly as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” with its promises of endless sweets, river chocolate, and elevators flying high. Clocking in at 100 minutes, it may not be the briefest children’s film, but its pace is swift; when the Golden Ticket winners enter Willy Wonka’s enchanted factory, there’s hardly a moment’s rest until Willy Wonka and Charlie break through the roof of the chocolate factory, embarking on their lifelong journey. (It’s debatable whether all the other children will live blissfully ever after, as it seems Willy may have had some questionable methods for dealing with them, but this only enhances the film’s darkly amusing appeal.)

X: X2 (2003)

In a somewhat surprising yet pivotal turn, X2 might rank as the least enjoyable film on this list, but it holds significant importance as one of the most influential superhero movies of the 21st century. The first X-Men and Spider-Man films demonstrated the ability to capture comic magic on screen. However, X2 took it a step further by not only replicating the essence of comic books but surpassing them in spectacular sequences such as Nightcrawler’s White House infiltration, where his signature teleporting was brought to life in seamless motion, far more captivating than static panels on a page. The climactic dam burst in X2 can be seen as the metaphorical start of the Hollywood Superhero Rush, marking a shift that forever altered the landscape of superhero cinema. After X2, nothing was the same.

Y: Yojimbo (1961)

Akira Kurosawa’s film, “Yojimbo,” serves as a rich source of inspiration for numerous movies that followed. The storyline, featuring a wandering samurai who inadvertently causes conflict between two rival gangs, has been reinterpreted and reimagined in various genres such as Westerns and gangster films, consistently proving effective. Moreover, the protagonist portrayed by Toshiro Mifune, known as Sanjuro, became a symbol of this genre and served as the blueprint for countless other gritty screen warriors. If you come across an action hero cooler than Sanjuro, I can likely show you a character who was directly inspired by him.

Z: Zodiac (2007)

In “Zodiac”, director David Fincher masterfully navigated the genre of expansive true-crime dramas. The film, starring an impressive ensemble including Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr., delves into years of fruitless pursuit of a serial killer terrorizing San Francisco in the late 1960s. While “Zodiac” is an excellent portrayal of police investigations, it transcends as a timeless exploration of obsession. Each lead character becomes entangled (and in certain cases, devastated) by their relentless pursuit to unravel a mystery with no apparent solution.

2025-04-16 16:56