Leaked images of action figures from Godzilla vs. Kong reveal major changes to Mechagodzilla. The toy leak is what spoiled Mechagodzilla's inclusion in the movie. In Godzilla vs. Kong, Mechagodzilla will become the fifth Toho kaiju to join the MonsterVerse, after Godzilla, King Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra.
It would seem that Mechagodzilla will act as an antagonist in Godzilla vs. Kong, a film which will bring back three Godzilla: King of the Monsters cast members and pit the new alpha of the Titans against the King of Skull Island. As Godzilla and Kong face off in a "spectacular battle for the ages", Monarch will face their own challenge. Monarch scientists will investigate the origin of the Titans and deal with a human conspiracy that threatens to put an end to all Titans on Earth. Mechagodzilla may be the instrument of this conspiracy.
The Mechagodzilla action figure seen in the images from the convention in Hong Kong provide a preview of what to expect from the robotic kaiju. Interestingly, he differs a great deal from previous versions of the character. The biggest change, and perhaps one that was made for a practical reason, is his arms. Mechagodzilla has particularly long arms, along with large claw-like hands which look like they were designed for grabbing. Other alterations include red spikes down his back, and slightly longer legs.
Some of these changes could have an impact on Mechagodzilla's ability to fight, and that's what make them important. As seen in movies like 1974's Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla and 2001's Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, the robotic kaiju's strength has always been his arsenal of long-range weapons, like laser canons and homing missiles. Most of the damage Mechagodzilla generally does to Godzilla is done from a distance. When Godzilla gets close is when Mechagodzilla tends to lose his advantage. Mechagodzilla's short tail and the length of his arms don't do him any favors when up against Godzilla, who has a reputation for being unforgiving in close combat.
The update to Mechagodzilla's design can help even the odds a bit when he clashes with the King of the Monsters in Godzilla vs. Kong. The long, orangutan-like arms can be useful for pushing Godzilla back and keeping him at bay, and his longer legs can increase his mobility, making it easier for him to dodge blows or create some distance if necessary. These updates are good for Mechagodzilla, considering that he'll need all the upgrades he can get if Godzilla vs. Kong is going to amount to a team-up between the two titular Titans.
