Kurt and Wyatt Russell's Collaboration on 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters': A Comprehensive Look
Kurt and Wyatt Russell team up on Apple TV+'s 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' as different versions of the same character, showcasing their impressive onscreen chemistry Explore their shared characteristics, the evolution of their relationship from student to master, and the seamless continuity of their characters Don't miss out on this wonderful experience!
Kurt and Wyatt Russell, who are father and son in real life, both play the same character in Apple TV+'s new Godzilla series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
Portraying the character of Lee Shaw at different stages of life was a challenge that both were excited to tackle. "We've been offered similar roles before, where we play father and son," Wyatt shared with CBS Mornings in November 2023. He added, "But this was a unique opportunity, especially because it was Godzilla. It was a big project and we wanted to make it as great as possible."
The son of Kurt and actress Goldie Hawn, Wyatt expressed that he didn’t feel pressured to live up to his famous parents. He explained that the way they raised their children did not include expectations to fill their shoes. Wyatt is the youngest of the couple's blended family of kids, which also includes Oliver Hudson, Kate Hudson, and Boston Russell. He emphasized the importance of doing what you can do best and giving it your all, rather than trying to live up to someone else's expectations.
New episodes of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premiere Fridays on Apple TV+. Scroll down to read everything Kurt and Wyatt have said about working together:
Impressing Your Parent
During a November 2023 interview with USA Today, Kurt expressed his admiration for Wyatt's demeanor, describing him as a skilled communicator who makes everyone feel heard and comfortable. Kurt also noted Wyatt's exceptional on-set skills, stating "I've seen him. He's really good."
Shared Characteristics
Wyatt explained to USA Today that he is aware of certain mannerisms that are unique to his father and that he has considered emphasizing them on camera. However, he also acknowledges that his father has evolved over the years, and it was important for him to portray the character's growth and development in the film.
Kurt Russell in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” AppleTV+
‘Setting the Tone’
In an interview with USA Today, Kurt emphasized the significance of Wyatt establishing the tone for their character in order to avoid slipping into the typical father-son dynamic. He expressed, "We had a lot of fun discussing and developing the character to ensure that we were portraying the same individual in the film."
The Student Becomes the Master
"I found myself unexpectedly on his set, observing him at times. Here is someone I have known for the majority of my life - or so I thought - and now as I watch him, I no longer see him as a person. Instead, I see him as a master of characterization," Kurt exclaimed during a shared interview on CBS Mornings, praising Wyatt's performance.
Character Continuity
Reprising the role presented a few obstacles, as Wyatt revealed to Entertainment Tonight in November 2023 that he and his father had to "collaborate closely" with each other. "It was mostly pre-production work since we wouldn't be filming on set together. So, we had to be completely in sync," he explained.
Wyatt Russell in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” AppleTV+
Wyatt echoed similar sentiments while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in that same month. He expressed, "One of the most enjoyable aspects was collaborating on the pre-production process with my father," he confided to host Jimmy Kimmel. "It wasn't about improvisation on set. Every detail had to be carefully planned and ensured that the scenes were portrayed in the way they were intended. This way, when events unfold in the future, the character remains consistent."
Deal of the Day
33 Best Extended Cyber Week Deals on Amazon
View Deal
A ‘Wonderful Experience’
"We're quite professional, I think," Wyatt told Entertainment Tonight about working with Kurt, whom he described as "the most wonderful experience." He continued, "He's the most generous actor, he really listens to everyone. I believe he's probably more assertive in his mind than he appears. Off-camera, we're both very much alike, very insistent on getting things right. That's when we can debate and that's the creative process."
For his part, Kurt added that he saw the show as "a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Wyatt."
