With Godzilla Vs. Kong quickly approaching on HBO Max, a new contender arises when it comes to building cinematic universes. Ever since the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, studios have been trying to create their own franchises that can span a variety of films and TV shows.
Plenty have tried, and plenty have failed. While Warner Brothers have some other contenders in the race still, with both the Wizarding World and the DC Universe, the MonsterVerse may actually be a sleeper candidate which no one could have predicted would rise like this. With the Godzilla Vs. Kong trailer already doing great numbers, the MonsterVerse could be considered to be a success; but can it surpass the MCU?
Can't Surpass MCU: Pre-Existing Material
Although the MonsterVerse is of course based upon lots of anime, comic books, TV shows, and both animated and live-action movies, the MCU has arguably an even larger set of source material to draw inspiration from.
With a never-ending supply of unique ideas, the MCU could really go in any direction. From the costumes to the villains and the origin stories, to the team-ups and big events, Marvel has a great deal more variation in its content as well, compared to what the MonsterVerse can take from.
MonsterVerse Is A Success: Bright Future
There's definitely a bright future for the MonsterVerse though if Godzilla Vs. Kong meets or surpasses expectations. There will likely be more of an appetite for both characters and a larger area to expand into, if audiences are along for the trip.
There's a lot of other monsters that could be folded into the MonsterVerse and there's even an opportunity for the franchise to create their own. What's more, the mythology has already been built up with even teases to places like Atlantis; there might be other narrative avenues to explore these major characters that are different to their past outings.
Can't Surpass MCU: Impact On Cinema
It's difficult to deny the impact that the MCU has already had on cinema. In fact, the industry, in general, has reacted and changed to the rise of the superhero genre. Outside of that though, the movies that Marvel has created have had a huge cultural effect.
Black Panther was a ground-breaking achievement for the studio, which put Black heroes at the forefront of cinema. Captain Marvel was a box office hit in its own right, inspiring young girls across the world. Avengers: Endgame even broke the record for the highest-grossing movie of all time. These are significant moments that might never be topped.
MonsterVerse Is A Success: Compelling Films
For the most part, all of the previous films in the MonsterVerse have been quite compelling. The first Godzilla, directed by Gareth Edwards, managed to balance the action and human elements well and had a great sense of scale. Some criticism was put forward that the movie could have included more of Godzilla himself though.
Despite this, audiences got an introduction to the new version of the character, some details on the Kaiju he faces, and a tease of what's to come. Each of the movies thus far has continued to build on that, will both compelling monsters and some human characters.
Can't Surpass MCU: Built Up Over Time
The reason that WandaVision can make the number of references to other MCU properties, is that the franchise has been built up over time. Jimmy Woo would have never have been able to pull of his card trick without Ant-Man And The Wasp. Wanda wouldn't be grieving without Avengers: Infinity War.
The MonsterVerse has not built up this level of content yet, for there to be a shared language and narrative threads throughout its many properties. It actually seems very unlikely that anyone could catch up to the MCU on that front.
MonsterVerse Is A Success: Memorable Characters
One of the things that the MonsterVerse will always have on its side is that it has a collection of truly iconic characters. Godzilla and King Kong both have huge international appeal. Both have also had a long cinematic history.
King Kong has had his own share of reboots, sequels, and remakes, but there is no fatigue linked with the character. The same can be said for Godzilla and of course supporting characters like Mothra, who audiences have grown to associate with the franchise as well.
Can't Surpass MCU: Box Office Success
While the cultural impact does mean that the MCU also does great box office numbers, the amount of money that these TV shows and movies have earned over its history is simply staggering. With the franchise in the top 10 of the highest-grossing of all time, Marvel has had quite the achievement in such a short amount of time.
The MCU has been on a rapid rise and it would take the MonsterVerse decades to be able to surpass it, despite the long legacy it has built up itself thanks to years of King Kong and Godzilla at the box office.
MonsterVerse Is A Success: Standing Out Amongst The Crowd
There have been countless attempts to create some kind of larger cinematic universe. The most famous flop is of course the Dark Universe that Sony tried to produce. There have even been failures with Marvel properties, when FOX tried to create a larger universe with characters like the X-Men and Fantastic Four.
With the use of the Multiverse, the MCU might bring in some of those other properties and grow its brand even larger. However, it is a testament to the MonsterVerse that it is nearly four films in and still going stronger than ever.
Can't Surpass MCU: The Future
The future of the MCU is only looking brighter. Thanks to the creation of a number of Disney+ shows, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is expanding into territories it has not gone to before. Its roster of characters is only going to grow as well.
The MCU is so far ahead of the competition, that the fact it has an even larger future means that it's probably impossible to surpass it. It would take a number of large missteps for the MCU to really be overtaken by another cinematic universe.
MonsterVerse Is A Success: Godzilla Vs. Kong Anticipation
The hype surrounding Godzilla Vs. Kong has certainly been surprising and can only mean good things for the future of the brand. Audiences are already joining the debate over who could win in this clash of the titans.
With the stage set, it's only a shame that the experience will not be hitting cinemas and will instead move to HBO Max. Nonetheless, the MonsterVerse is continuing to draw the attention it needs to maintain its success.