The director’s commentary for Godzilla vs. Kong alters the perspective on the fight between the two titular Titans – and not in a way that’s been welcomed by Kong fans. The home video release for the movie includes a commentary track from Godzilla vs. Kong director Adam Wingard, in which he offers his thoughts on various aspects of the film, including what was going on in Godzilla’s mind during the fight.
When Godzilla vs. Kong was released in March, it was understood that the two monsters share an ancient and bitter rivalry that goes all the way back to their ancestors. Godzilla and Kong’s species were warring with each other in the hidden Hollow Earth world several millennia ago. It was believed by the movie’s human characters, particularly Rebecca Hall’s Ilene Andrews, that this would motivate Godzilla into pursuing a battle with Kong. Plus, there’s the notion that Godzilla, being the reigning King of the Monsters, would see Kong as a threat. It was because of these reasons that Ilene and Monarch were hesitant to let Kong leave Skull Island. They feared that if Godzilla’s rival came anywhere near his territory, a showdown would commence. They weren’t wrong of course, but based on the director’s commentary, it looks like the reasons for their fighting aren’t what audiences originally thought.
Throughout the commentary, Wingard makes a number of remarks about the fight. According to the director, Godzilla was driven less by the old rivalry with Kong’s ancestors and more by his interest in fighting other giant monsters. Wingard explained that Godzilla was merely “toying” with Kong for his own entertainment. In other words, Godzilla was barely exerting himself for most of the fight, as he didn’t have any doubts about winning. As Wingard says, Godzilla was “having fun”. However, that changed at the end of the second round. It was when Godzilla took a shot to the face with the axe that the Titan lost his temper and went all-out on Kong.
It’s worth noting that Wingard’s comments make sense in the context of the film. Godzilla taking enjoyment from the fight was hinted at by Godzilla vs. Kong's “laugh” scene, which was a result of the shot he landed on Kong’s back with his atomic breath. Also, there is a sense in certain scenes in the first two fights where it’s demonstrated that Godzilla is much stronger than Kong physically. Godzilla easily overwhelming him in the third fight further backs up Wingard’s position. The problem though is that this interpretation significantly diminishes Kong’s performance.
Kong fans have expressed great dissatisfaction with Wingard’s take – and perhaps understandably so. What Wingard says about Godzilla vs. Kong proves that the fight was never close. Godzilla maintained control through most of the fight, and when that started to slip, he ended it. It’s a thought that certainly pleases those in Godzilla’s corner, but creates disappointment among the fans who felt that even though he lost, the highly intelligent Kong at least gave Godzilla all he could handle. Apparently, that’s not what happened at all.