Next year, Legendary and Universal Pictures will unleash the Pacific Rim sequel, Pacific Rim Uprising to audiences and the year after that Legendary and Warner Brothets will release Godzilla 2 King of the Monsters and then Godzilla vs. Kong in 2020. Since the first Pacific Rim released in 2013 fans have been comparing the two cinematic universes and have been debating on whether or not the two should ever eventually cross over.
For years, the notion was shut down by those behind Pacific Rim because their original intentions for Pacific Rim were to create a completely new and self-sustaining universe which they could build on over time. The creators of Pacific Rim worked hard to keep the film out of the shadows of other high-profile monster movies such as Godzilla. However it would seem interest in such a cross-over has been ignited within Pacific Rim Uprising's director Steven DeKnight.
Speaking to Collider, DeKnight mentioned that this cross-over has been discussed and is a theoretical possibility. Theoretical, being the key word here:
I won’t say there’s an Easter Egg but there’s been a lot of discussion about that possibility [of crossing over]. Look I think it would be fantastic to have the Pacific Rim universe join Legendary’s Monster Universe, it seems like a natural step. And part of the big overall plan after the third movie we’ve talked about is that could happen, it’s always a possibility. It’s by far not a certainty; it’s merely theoretical at this point, but as a fan myself I would love to see that happen.
Now, before we jump to conclusions and assume DeKnight's interest means a cross-over is secured (which MANY news outlets are claiming) we need to look at the hurdles such a cross-over would face.
For one, Toho might not be for it. Remember, there were massive stipulations associated with Legendary, Warner Brothers and Godzilla rights holders Toho to bring Godzilla back to Hollywood. After Godzilla vs. Kong, if Legendary and Warner Bros. wish to continue the Monsterverse they will need to renegotiate a new deal with Toho - a deal which relies on the commercial and ciritcal success of the next two Godzilla movies.
Also, if such a cross-over was to take place, it would require Universal Pictures and Warner Brothers creating a distribution deal of their own, if not establishing a buy-out.
Not to mention, the timelines of the Monsterverse and Pacific Rim universe do not line up at all. A retelling or reboot of Godzilla within a cross-over universe would be required, especially depending on how the trilogy ends with Godzilla vs. Kong in 2020.
Those few points mentioned above plus Pacific Rim Uprising's box office performance and critical reactions will heavily weigh on the liklihood of this cross-over ever coming to fruition.
There are just so many factors at play with such a massive potential cross-over it seems extremely unlikely that the stars will allign in a way to grant such a fan service project. But for the sake of debate, let us know what you think about this possibility in the comments section.
If you are a fan of Godzilla, Toho and the Monsterverse and are looking for a welcoming online community to share your passion and engage with other die-hard Godzilla fans, look no further! Join in the Godzilla Movies forum - a dedicated community of Godzilla movie and Monsterverse fans!
Get G-ed Up!
With the upcoming release of Adam Wingard's Godzilla vs. Kong, now is a great time to pick your Titan and represent Godzilla or Kong! Check out some products below and click here for even more options!
This article was written By Chris and published on 2017-10-20 17:37:39
More about upcoming Godzilla projects
Godzilla vs. Kong was the sequel to Michael Dougherty's Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters and was the fourth and final installment in the Monsterverse movie quadrilogy. Now, the Monsterverse takes a new direction - into TV! On January 20th, 2022 Legendary announced a new live-action Godzilla Monsterverse TV Series which will stream on Apple TV Plus network! Be sure to check Godzilla-Movies often for the latest news and info on the Monsterverse TV Series and all things Toho Godzilla as well!
Stay up to date with the latest news on all things Godzilla, Toho and the Monsterverse also by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter and Instagram! Also, consider subscribing your email to our blog for instant notifications of when new posts are made!