King Kong vs. Godzilla Movie Franchise Announced: Films to Introduce King Ghidorah & Other Classic Toho Monsters

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures finally announced the giant monster face-off every monster fan has been waiting for: King Kong vs. Godzilla. The two big entertainment companies have agreed to work together on a monster franchise, which will kick-off with the two monsters' epic battle.

According to ComicBook, there will be two films released prior to the big fight between the King of Apes and the reigning King of Monsters. The first film will reinvent the King Kong franchise with "Kong:Skull Island," which is set to hit theaters on March 10, 2017.

After "Skull Island," monster fans will once again see the ginormous King of Monsters on the screen in "Godzilla 2," which is expected to be released on June 8, 2018. The final showdown between the two monster royalties is slated for a 2020 release date, although the date has not been set in stone as of date.

Business Wire explains that the two monster films will be connected by Monarch, the organization seen in the first Godzilla movie which eventually awakened the King of the Monsters. The organization's mission will crossover to King Kong's storyline.

Monarch just might be the link between King Kong and Godzilla, considering the fact that the two monsters are not currently in the same timeline. Cinema Blend notes that "Skull Island" is set in the 1970s, when a team of explorers find the King of Apes in his home territory, an island full of dangerous possibilities.

On the other hand, "Godzilla 2" will follow the timeline of the first movie, which was set in the present day. Writers of both movies will have to put their heads together in order to figure out how King Kong can travel to the future for his big fight with Godzilla.

Another concerning issue Cinema Blend points out is the obvious size discrepancy between the two monsters. Godzilla is noticeably quite larger than King Kong. The writers will have to find a way to even the playing field.

Besides bringing the two King monsters together, introducing the Monarch organization will allow the two entertainment industries to introduce other monsters as well, states ComicBook. "Godzilla vs. Kong" could introduce a number of other monsters into the franchise, including fan favorites like Rodan, Mothra and even King Ghidorah.

"As a lifelong fan of these characters, I've always wanted to see the ultimate showdown, and today we're pleased to be announcing that and more," said Legendary CEO Thomas Tull during a press release. 

To which Kevin Tsujihara, the Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. added: "It's great to be able to revisit these characters and help create a franchise with so many creative possibilities for filmmakers."