Godzilla x Kong's next super-sized showdown confirmed (but who will they face?)

When Gareth Edwards released his magically scaled reboot Godzilla in 2014, no one knew it would lead to a six-movie franchise and a compelling TV series on AppleTV+. Yet, that is precisely what has happened. And now, after much anticipation, a cryptic tweet from the MonsterVerse has confirmed that something new is coming.

As the franchise's official account confirms, the latest film in the Monarch collection is officially titled Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. Coming March 26, 2027 is a film directed by Grant Sputore (2019's I Am Mother) from a script by Dave Callaham (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Michael Lloyd Green (also from I Am Mother). And it's clear that Godzilla and Kong will have a new major crisis on their hands.

In the teaser - which officially confirms that the film is now in production - there is a muffled recording from the local news about "a number of Titan sightings all over the globe." Then, the harrowing warning with a threat level: SEVERE. But that number: (240) MON-ARCH. It's real!

"Thank you for calling the Monarch community support hotline, your global resource for Titan response and relief. Your help in reporting Titan sightings plays a critical role in keeping our world safe."

That's nice, but there is more to the marketing ploy. The recording allows the listener to receive texts from the MonsterVerse, and then "press 2 to report a Titan sighting." Just do it.

"All agents are currently busy. At the tone, please record your message. Assure that you are in a safe location before recording. In order for our support team to properly assist you, we ask that you provide as much detail as possible. Please share the location and time of your sighting, as well as physical attributes, utterances, or behavioral information about the Titan you wish to provide. Be advised, your report may be archived for Monarch personnel training, or broadcast in future briefings. Your call is very important to us, and we thank you for reporting this sighting. Stay safe and vigilant."

Something is coming to the MonsterVerse alright, but the question is: What?

Who is the Big Bad Kaiju in Godzilla x Kong: Supernova?

Acolytes of the Toho Universe know most of the villains that Godzilla has been forced to face in comics and Japanese film. Gruelling (and somewhat comical) titans like Hedorah, Anguirus, Rodan, Mothra, and the GOATs among monsters: King Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla.

The nuclear lizard has confronted a couple of those in the MonsterVerse, fought King Kong (and beat him down), blew fire down the gullet of King Ghidorah, knocked Rodan's flames out cold, unplugged Mechagodzilla (who desperately needs a comeback), pummeled a MUTO Queen, faced off against Skar King, and put Shimo on ice.

The trek into Hollow Earth hasn't been without its foibles. Actually, the last film bordered on schmaltzy and campy. Who knew Godzilla could even run?! When Godzilla Minus One arrived in theaters, it reminded everyone of the Kaiju audiences loved. He's fierce, brutal, and not to be jacked around. Like the one that began the MonsterVerse.

It's possible fans are going to get what they want as Supernova is a colossal tease of what could be coming. Here are three potential theories as to who might be coming to the franchise next.

Gigan

There are five eras in Kaiju lore: Shōwa Era (1954-1975), Heisei Era (1984-1995), Millennium Era (1999-2004), Reiwa Era (2016-Present), and American Era (2014-present). Of course, the "American Era" is the official name for the MonsterVerse. The Reiwa Era (meaning "new peace") is responsible for two of history's most captivating Godzilla movies: Shin Godzilla and the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One.

Yet, the Shōwa Era began as a political period in imperial Japan named after Empower Hirohito (Shōwa). His reign began in 1926 and ended upon his death in 1989. Amid the political turmoil and progressive growth from feudal to industrial Japan, Toho Studios was constructed around the idea of something destroying the country in which they lived. That "something" was a giant iguana stuck in the middle of a nuclear explosion.

Godzilla's early villains stemmed from the country, but in 1972, Toho brought an alien cyborg kaiju to the fold. It only took seconds for Gigan to become a fan-favorite - and he has remained so to this day. Initially, he was sent to Earth to fight alongside King Ghidorah to make the planet their footstool. Godzilla met them both in Tokyo and was the victor.

Due to popular demand, Toho brought Gigan back in Godzilla vs. Megalon (the triumphant first sighting of Jet Jaguar) and 30 years later in Godzilla: Final Wars. The thing about Gigan is he burns bright. He's from outer space. And he poses a significant threat to the beloved Kaiju. If Gigan returns to screens, there will be great joy in the MonsterVerse.

Space Godzilla

In the 1990s, an odd twist in Kaiju-land came to light—what if Gojira was from space? The Heisei Era, arguably the most innovative before current day, thought of ways Godzilla could actually be beaten. Devastating creatures that could oblierate any skyscraper in sight, just by doing knee-bends.

In this Heisei era (meaning "peace and prosperity"), these seven monsters did everything but allow for peace. Mothra, King Ghidorah, Biollante. Those three alone reinvigorated the franchise, but then came Space Godzilla. He was everything that Godzilla was, except even more. He was a genetically mutated clone of Godzilla.

Made for film in 1994, this cybernetic "Crystal King" had psionic powers that allowed him to form energy and use it in novel ways against his opponent. Of course, it was Godzilla's fault as he allowed some of his cells to get spawned in space. From that, we get a force of literal nature. And the first time they met, it didn't go so well for Godzilla. That's when MOGUERA was constructed—Mobile Operations Godzilla Universal Expert Robot Aero-type.

Together, they created a strength powerful enough to blind the light that came from Space Godzilla's crystals. "Blinding"... like a supernova.

Destoroyah

This is the final fight of the Heisei era, the "Big Boss" encounter with Destoroyah. If you haven't seen this final fight scene, watch it; it will all make sense. He destroys the oxygen where he walks, a sweet Easter Egg that tracks back to 1954 or the genesis of Toho. And look at what happens. DNA absorption. Energy-draining sources around him. And that back or chest beam, which appears from the heart of a volcano.

He's an amazing creation from back in the day and connected to the Oxygen Destroyer, which was the chemical weapon that killed Godzilla (sort of because movie reincarnation). It's the peak of nerd kaiju, and this very well could be the Supernova coming to the MonsterVerse.

Whatever the solar blast it will be, those three theories is enough to keep us awake at night.

The film gathers an ensemble cast featuring Kaitlyn Dever, Dan Stevens, Jack O'Connell, Delroy Lindo, Matthew Modine, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and Sam Neill. With the return of the franchise’s iconic titans, Godzilla and Kong, this third chapter in the duo's co-headlining era - and sixth in the overall franchise - is expected to delve deeper into their uneasy alliance as they face a new, cataclysmic force threatening both humanity and the monster hierarchy.

Supernova glares into theaters March 26, 2027.