The Monsterverse is expanding once again, and this time, it’s adding a familiar face to its already star-studded lineup.
Legendary Entertainment’s next installment in the Godzilla x Kong franchise has officially welcomed Stranger Things actor Matthew Modine to its cast. With production set to begin in April in Australia, excitement surrounding the mammoth franchise continues to build. But what role will Modine play, and what can fans expect from this latest chapter in the Monsterverse? Here’s everything we know so far.
Matthew Modine Joins the Monsterverse
Matthew Modine, best known for his roles in Full Metal Jacket and Netflix’s Stranger Things, has become the latest addition to the highly anticipated Godzilla x Kong sequel. The 64-year-old actor, who recently appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, is set to portray a general in this new monster movie.
His casting adds another layer of intrigue to the franchise, which continues to expand its roster of recognizable names. Joining Modine in this sequel are Kaitlyn Dever (No One Will Save You), Jack O’Connell (Unbroken), and Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods), along with returning cast member Dan Stevens, who played the eccentric monster veterinarian Trapper in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
But with Legendary keeping a tight lid on plot details, questions remain about how Modine’s character will fit into the larger Monsterverse story.
What We Know About The Plot
While official plot details are scarce, Legendary has teased that the new film will feature “several new human characters alongside the beloved and iconic Titans, Godzilla and Kong, as they face off against a cataclysmic world-ending threat.”
That setup suggests that the stakes are higher than ever. With The New Empire already raising the bar in terms of action and visual spectacle, this next chapter could introduce even bigger threats lurking beneath the surface—both literally and figuratively.
The fact that Modine is playing a general hints at a possible military involvement in the battle against these ancient Titans. Could he be leading an initiative to either control or eliminate one of the giant monsters? Or will he serve as an antagonist who misinterprets the Titans’ true role in Earth’s balance?
Who Else Is Involved?
The Godzilla x Kong sequel will be directed by Grant Sputore, best known for his work on the critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller I Am Mother. David Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) has penned the script, ensuring that the Monsterverse continues its blend of human intrigue and large-scale destruction.
The last installment, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, performed well both at the box office and among fans, reinforcing the staying power of Legendary’s Monsterverse. By adding fresh faces such as Modine to the franchise, the filmmakers appear to be doubling down on the mix of seasoned performers and new talent to keep the series engaging.
Production is slated to begin in Australia in April, setting the stage for another visually jaw-dropping entry into the Monsterverse.
Modine’s Recent Projects & Career Resurgence
Matthew Modine has experienced a late-career resurgence in recent years. After becoming widely known for his role as Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, he took on a series of projects that kept him in the spotlight.
His portrayal of Dr. Brenner, aka “Papa,” in Stranger Things introduced him to a new generation of fans, leading to key roles in high-profile projects such as Oppenheimer and Netflix’s political thriller Zero Day, where he stars alongside Robert De Niro.
Modine is also set to appear in Amazon’s The Better Sister with Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel, as well as The Protector alongside action star Milla Jovovich. His addition to the Monsterverse signals his continued interest in blockbuster-scale storytelling.
What This Means for the Monsterverse
As Godzilla x Kong expands its world, the inclusion of accomplished actors like Modine suggests that the franchise is taking its narrative elements seriously. While the series is known for its high-energy monster battles, the growing ensemble hints that complex human storylines may play a more pivotal role in this sequel.
With Kong and Godzilla now established as uneasy allies in the battle against larger threats, the human characters will once again be caught in the chaos. Modine’s involvement as a military figure indicates that the government or armed forces could play a significant role in shaping the events of this film—whether as protectors, aggressors, or something in between.
When Will We See the New Godzilla x Kong Movie?
Though an official release date has yet to be announced, given the April production start in Australia, a 2026 release seems likely. Legendary has continued to build upon its Monsterverse with success, and this film aims to keep the momentum going.
Fans will have to wait for more details on the plot, title, and first-look images, but Modine’s casting adds further anticipation to an already big-budget spectacle that promises more jaw-dropping action sequences and monstrous showdowns.
Final Thoughts
With Matthew Modine onboard, the next Godzilla x Kong installment is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the franchise. His role as a general could mean a significant military presence in the film, which may alter the future of the Monsterverse.
As Legendary keeps details under wraps, speculation will continue to build. Will Kong and Godzilla face a new threat from the depths of the Earth? And how will human characters, like Modine’s general, influence the Titan war?
Stay tuned—because with production kicking off soon, it won’t be long before more secrets are uncovered. One thing is certain: The battle of the Titans is far from over.