Fans of the MonsterVerse will soon get a deeper look into the secret history of monster-hunting organization Monarch. Apple TV is moving forward with a new prequel series to Monarch: Legacy of Monsters that will be set during the turbulent era of the Cold War.
The new series will explore global tensions between the United States and Russia, set against the discovery of giant monsters. Actor Wyatt Russell is set to return to play the younger version of Army Colonel Lee Shaw, a role he originated in the first season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. His father, Kurt Russell, plays the older version of the same character.
According to industry reports, filming for the prequel is expected to begin in the summer of 2025 in Prague.
The New Series and Its Setting
The upcoming series will be a direct prequel to the events of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The story will be set during the Cold War, a period of intense geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted for much of the 20th century.
In this version of history, the global power struggle is complicated by the existence of Titans, the massive creatures that include Godzilla and Kong. The show will grapple with how the presence of these monsters changes the dynamics of fear, secrecy, and political suspicion between the two superpowers.
The project has reportedly been greenlit by Apple TV, with Joby Harold attached to serve as showrunner and executive producer. Harold, known for his work on Obi-Wan Kenobi, will produce alongside his wife and producing partner, Tory Tunnell, through their Safehouse Pictures company, which also helped produce the original series.
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A Familiar Face Returns
The report confirms that Wyatt Russell will reprise his role as the younger Lee Shaw. This ensures a strong narrative connection to the original series, where the character serves as a bridge between the past and present-day events.
The character of Lee Shaw was introduced as a former U.S. Army officer who becomes deeply involved with Monarch and the Randa family across different time periods. The first season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters featured a unique dual timeline narrative, with Wyatt Russell playing Shaw in the 1950s storylines, while his real-life father, Kurt Russell, portrayed the older version of the character in the 2015 timeline.
The prequel will allow for a deeper exploration of Shaw’s early career and his involvement with Monarch during a critical point in world history.
How It Fits in the Growing MonsterVerse
This new series is part of a significant expansion for Legendary’s MonsterVerse on Apple TV. The second season of the flagship series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, is scheduled to premiere on February 27, 2026.
The broader MonsterVerse also continues in theaters. The next major film, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is scheduled for release in 2027.
If the prequel series begins production as planned in the summer of 2025, industry observers suggest a release window in late 2027 or 2028. This would create a steady stream of new MonsterVerse content for fans, spanning both television and film.
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