Exclusive Secrets Revealed: Director Talks Godzilla Casting with Hollywood Icons Kurt Russell and Son Wyatt Russell

Summary

In Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, director and executive producer Matt Shakman reveals the thought process behind selecting Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell to portray a single character across different time periods.

In considering the cast for the production, two actors who were not related were initially considered. However, it was ultimately determined that the pair of Kurt and Wyatt were the most suitable option. Both actors not only possess their own unique talents, but also share a physical resemblance. This casting decision reflects the series' focus on developing strong characters, as the storyline set in the 1950s delves into humanity's initial and significant encounter with Godzilla.

Matt Shakman, the executive producer and director of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, discusses the casting choice of Kurt Russell and his son, Wyatt Russell, portraying the same character in the upcoming series. Scheduled to premiere on Apple TV Plus next month, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is set in the aftermath of 2014's Godzilla and follows two siblings who uncover secrets about the enigmatic organization known as Monarch. The narrative will feature the siblings crossing paths with Army officer Lee Shaw, portrayed by Kurt Russell in the present-day storyline and his son in a portion set in the 1950s.

As the release date for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters draws near, Shakman discusses with Collider the decision to cast real-life father and son, Kurt and Wyatt Russell, as the same character in different time periods. Without revealing too many details about the character of Lee Shaw, the director hints that the casting of Kurt and Wyatt Russell is a perfect fit for the show. Read Shakman's full comment below:

"Although it is common to consider different actors for such roles, we had the unique idea to offer Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell the opportunity to play the same character in two different time periods. While they have often been cast as father and son, this particular opportunity had never been presented to them before."

The concept was simply mind-blowing, a rare gem. We had two exceptional actors, each with their own remarkable talent, who also happened to have an uncanny physical resemblance because one was the father of the other. It was an idea that we couldn't resist pursuing wholeheartedly, and fortunately, they too were eager to be a part of it.

Moreover, the combination was a match made in heaven. Kurt Russell, who has been a star in all the movies that I have loved since childhood, was a perfect fit. The thought of Kurt Russell alongside Godzilla felt absolutely and undeniably right. Both occupy the same awe-inspiring realm. And then there's Wyatt, who effortlessly embodies the younger version of the same character. It was sheer serendipity, an unforeseen twist of fate that brought these elements together in such a harmonious way.

What To Expect From Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters

Following the success of Godzilla in 2014, the MonsterVerse has grown in various exciting ways. Apart from multiple sequels and an animated series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters aims to expand the franchise by delving into the world and backstory of the characters.

The casting choices for both Russells imply that the series will extensively explore different time periods, specifically focusing on Monarch's early activities in the decade following World War II. As established in Godzilla (2014), the nuclear testing conducted at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific in 1954 was actually an attempt to eliminate the iconic monster. It is likely that the show will delve into the events surrounding this significant turning point in the relationship between kaijus and humans.

The upcoming show, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, is connected to the other MonsterVerse movies but will primarily focus on one returning character. John Goodman's Bill Randa will reprise his role in a cameo appearance. The rest of the cast will consist of newcomers including Christopher Heyerdahl, Mari Yamamoto, Qyoko Kudo, Shota Tsuji, Josh Collins, Charlie Hewson, Joe Tippett, and Kiersey Clemons, among others. Fortunately, the wait to see the show is not too long as it will premiere on Apple TV Plus on November 17.