The Mystery Surrounding Elizabeth Olsen's Godzilla Character

Neither Elizabeth Olsen nor Aaron Taylor-Johnson returned to the MonsterVerse after their appearance in Godzilla 2014. But what happened to the Brodys? It's surprising that it wasn't until 2014 that producers finally succeeded in making an American Godzilla movie. This came after the disappointment of Roland Emmerich's '90s version, causing the King of the Monsters to take a break. Now, Godzilla seems more popular than ever, with TV series like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Toho's Godzilla Minus One in 2023.

In 2024, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will show him teaming up with his former foe. The recent Godzilla/Kong movies have a more cartoonish feel compared to the serious tone of Gareth Edward's Godzilla, which started it all. In this film, Godzilla was portrayed as a powerful force of nature, almost indifferent to humanity's struggles - making him even more terrifying. In Godzilla 2014, Aaron Taylor-Johnson played soldier Ford Brody, who fought against the MUTOs while trying to reunite with his family.

Elizabeth Olsen’s Godzilla Character Never Appeared In Another MonsterVerse Movie

The Brodys have yet to return to the MonsterVerse

(Aaron-Taylor-Johnson-as-Ford-Brody)-&-(Elizabeth-Olsen-as-Elle-Brody)-&-(Bryan-Cranston-as-Joe-Brody)-from--Godzilla-(2014)-1 - The Brodys have yet to return to the MonsterVerse - Elizabeth Olsen’s Godzilla Character Never Appeared In Another MonsterVerse Movie

Custome Image by Yailin Chacon.

Ford's wife Elle Brody (played by Elizabeth Olsen) in Godzilla was portrayed as a nurse, giving viewers a close-up perspective of the devastation caused by the titans. Unfortunately, Olsen's character didn't have much to do in the film besides reacting in awe to the events unfolding. The story culminated in a heartwarming moment when Elle, Ford, and their son Sam (portrayed by Carson Bolde) reunited at the end of Godzilla 2014. While the movie had stunning visuals and set the stage for future installments, the lack of character development in the main leads was a notable drawback.

Ford was considered a dull main character, and many critics pointed out the sudden death of his father Joseph (played by Bryan Cranston) as a major issue in Godzilla's reviews. Joseph had a significant role in the beginning of the movie, especially since Cranston had just finished his acclaimed performance in Breaking Bad.

The trailers for Godzilla hinted at Cranston having a larger role, and his acting added genuine emotion to the film. However, once Joseph's character is killed off, both Ford and Elle seemed less interesting. This may explain why neither Taylor-Johnson nor Olsen have returned for future Godzilla movies, at least not yet.

Everything We Know About Ford & Elle Brody After Godzilla 2014

Ford Brody got a big namecheck in King of the Monsters

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen in Godzilla - Ford Brody got a big namecheck in King of the Monsters - Everything We Know About Ford & Elle Brody After Godzilla 2014

It seemed pretty certain that the Brodys wouldn't be back for Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019. Director Michael Dougherty explained in an interview with SlashFilm that he never intended to bring them back, feeling that their story had already been told. He found it more interesting to focus on scientists rather than soldiers for the sequel.

I found the characters Serizawa and Graham, along with the Monarch scientists, more intriguing than the main adventure in the first film. I prefer the idea of scientists studying creatures rather than soldiers fighting them. It adds a layer of complexity and depth to have scientists as heroes instead of the usual focus on soldiers or superheroes. I was eager to see a story where the scientists embark on the adventure together.

In the sequel, Dougherty makes a valid point about the Brody family following Godzilla. Ford, the main character, spends the entire movie trying to reunite with his family but gets caught up in the battle against the kaijus. He ultimately risks his life by destroying a MUTO nest in the final showdown between Godzilla and the MUTOs.

After losing both parents to the kaiju chaos and barely surviving to reunite with his family, Ford decided to take Elle and Sam and live a peaceful life in seclusion. It's understandable why he would choose to stay away from the ongoing fights.

Although the Brodys are not directly mentioned in any MonsterVerse movie sequels, there is a battleship named the USS Brody in King of the Monsters. This was a tribute to Ford for his bravery in San Francisco, showing that he was recognized as a hero after the MUTO attack.

Will Elizabeth Olsen & Aaron Taylor-Johnson Ever Return To The MonsterVerse?

What does the future hold for the Brody family?

Godzilla coming out of the water in the 2014 movie - What does the future hold for the Brody family? - Will Elizabeth Olsen & Aaron Taylor-Johnson Ever Return To The MonsterVerse?

The MonsterVerse movies have moved on from the Brodys, and it seems unlikely that they will make a return. This could also be the case for the actors involved. In a 2023 Variety interview with Taylor-Johnson, the actor shared that despite his roles in Godzilla and Avengers: Age of Ultron, he didn't particularly enjoy them and chose to prioritize his family instead. Although he has since taken on big budget projects like Bullet Train and Kraven the Hunter in 2024, it might be a challenge to convince him to return for a Godzilla sequel.

A year after appearing as a married couple in Godzilla, Taylor-Johnson and Olsen portrayed siblings in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Elizabeth Olsen has not spoken negatively about her role in Godzilla. However, in 2023, she mentioned that after many years in the MCU, she wanted to take a break and focus on smaller projects. This could mean avoiding big blockbusters for a while, which may exclude her from returning to the Godzilla (or MonsterVerse) franchise in the near future. It seems unlikely that the Brodys will be back in the MonsterVerse anytime soon.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes, SlashFilm, Michael Dougherty's X/Twitter, Variety, Variety YouTube

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an insightful look into the fate of the Brody family in the MonsterVerse. Despite their absence from subsequent installments, Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson's characters left a lasting impact on the franchise. The decision to shift the focus to scientists in later films is understandable, as it opens up new narrative possibilities. However, it would be intriguing to see the Brodys' return, perhaps as mentors or advisors to the younger generation of scientists.

The article also delves into the personal choices of the actors involved. Taylor-Johnson's decision to prioritize family over blockbusters is relatable, and Olsen's desire for smaller projects is indicative of a growing trend among actors seeking more creative freedom. While their return to the MonsterVerse may be unlikely, their contributions to the franchise will continue to be remembered.