Godzilla x Kong Sequel: Why Adam Wingard Won’t Return to Direct

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Godzilla x Kong Sequel: Why Adam Wingard Won’t Return to Direct

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Adam Wingard will not direct the Godzilla x Kong sequel.

Wingard, who directed Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, will not be returning for a third film due to timing issues with his schedule. THR cites that the split is “amicable” and the door “remains open” for Wingard to direct a future installment.

Why Did Adam Wingard Depart From the Godzilla x Kong Sequel?

In May 2024, Wingard signed on to direct Onslaught for A24. Wingard will co-write the original action film with his frequent collaborator, Simon Barrett. Principal photography is expected to begin later this fall.

Wingard teased his ideas for a Godzilla x Kong sequel during The New Empire press tour. However, Onslaught would come first before returning to the Monsterverse franchise.

Unfortunately for Wingard, Legendary is moving quickly on another Godzilla x Kong installment due to the success of The New Empire. This past month, Legendary hired Dave Callaham (Shang Chi and the Legend of the Rings) to write a Godzilla x Kong follow-up. Shortly after the announcement, the parting of ways between Wingard and Legendary became official.

No plot details about Callaham’s film were revealed in the report.

Wingard’s two MonsterVerse installments have combined to gross over $1 billion. The most recent installment, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, defied expectations with a $80 million opening weekend at the domestic box office in March, the second highest of 2024. Directed by Wingard, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire stars Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen.