Legendary Entertainment is in early talks to acquire Lionsgate Studios, which recently spun off from Starz, with potential collaborations on co-productions serving as a test for a possible merger. Lionsgate's shares surged following the news, and the deal could be part of Legendary's broader strategy to expand through industry acquisitions, supported by private equity investments. Both companies are major players in film and TV content, and the industry is seeing increased M&A activity.
Apple TV+ has renewed the series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" for a second season and confirmed multiple spinoffs as part of a new multi-series deal with Legendary Entertainment. The show has garnered global popularity, and the expansion of the franchise reflects Apple's commitment to the monster-verse. The renewal comes amidst a surge in Godzilla content, including the recent film "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." The second season will be executive produced by Chris Black, Matt Fraction, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Matt Shakman, Andrew Colville, Jen Roskind, Hiro Matsuoka, and Takemasa Arita. The first season is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ has renewed "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" for a second season and struck a multi-series deal with Legendary Entertainment, including spinoff series based on the franchise. The show tracks two siblings uncovering their family's connection to the secretive organization Monarch and delves into the world of monsters. The Monsterverse franchise, which began with the Godzilla film in 2014, has expanded into the TV series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" for Apple TV+, with the first season now streaming globally.
Apple TV+ has renewed "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" for a second season and struck a deal with Legendary Entertainment to develop multiple spinoff series set in the Monsterverse. The first season of "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" starred Kurt and Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, and others, and followed the story of two siblings uncovering their family's connection to the secretive organization Monarch. The renewal and spinoffs deal marks an expansion of the Legendary Monsterverse, which has seen success with films like "Godzilla" and "Kong: Skull Island."
Apple TV+ has announced the renewal of "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" for a second season, marking the first live-action series within Legendary Entertainment’s MonsterVerse. Additionally, the streaming service has secured a multi-series deal with Legendary for the development of multiple spin-off series based on the franchise. The first season of "Monarch" followed two step-siblings as they uncover secrets about the government agency Monarch and the Titans like Godzilla. The upcoming season is executive produced by showrunners and co-creators Chris Black and Matt Fraction, and is expected to expand on the established MonsterVerse mythology.
Apple TV+ has renewed "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" for a second season and announced multiple spinoff series based on the Monsterverse franchise in a new deal with Legendary Entertainment. The show, set in the same universe as Godzilla and Kong movies, follows two timelines and features a talented cast and creative team. The renewal and expansion of the Monsterverse franchise were announced by Apple TV+ as a part of their commitment to delivering more thrills and epic new journeys to viewers.
Legendary Entertainment has acquired the film rights to Annie Jacobsen's nonfiction book "Nuclear War: A Scenario" and is in talks with filmmaker Denis Villeneuve to potentially be involved as a producer, writer, or director. Villeneuve and Legendary are also working on a third movie in the Dune series, following the success of "Dune: Part Two." Villeneuve has multiple potential projects in the works, including a long-gestating Cleopatra feature and an adaptation of "Dune Messiah," with the timing contingent on getting the right screenplay.
Legendary Entertainment has optioned Annie Jacobsen's book "Nuclear War: A Scenario" for a potential collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve, following the success of Dune: Part Two. The book explores the potential consequences of a nuclear war and is based on exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts. Villeneuve is expected to adapt and/or direct the project, producing with his partner Tanya Lapointe. This deal comes after the success of Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, as Legendary continues to pursue ambitious projects.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" becomes Hollywood's top opening in China for 2024, earning $44.6 million in mainland Chinese cinemas and contributing to a nationwide box office total of $64.1 million. The film's performance marks the fourth largest by a Hollywood title in the post-pandemic era, with Imax reporting $7.5 million in earnings from its Chinese screens. Meanwhile, "Kung Fu Panda 4" falls to second place, and Chinese film "Viva La Vida" makes a strong return to cinemas. Overall, the year-to-date box office in China has reached $2.32 billion, showing a significant increase from the previous year.
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire" earns $194 million globally in its opening weekend, ranking as the third-highest-grossing movie of the year, while "Dune: Part Two" surpasses $600 million in global ticket sales. The monster mashup exceeded expectations with $114 million from international markets and $80 million in North America, led by strong performances in China, Mexico, and India. Meanwhile, "Dune: Part Two" continues to dominate as the biggest movie of the year, with $626.1 million globally, and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" reaches $965 million in global ticket sales after opening in Japan.
"Godzilla vs Kong" storms the international box office with a strong debut, generating $15.9M from 49 markets in its first two days overseas, with a notable opening day in China at an estimated $13.4M. The film also achieved the biggest opening day of the year in Latin America and the best ever for the Monsterverse in Cambodia. With impressive debuts in markets like Mexico and Australia, and positive audience reception in China, the film is off to a kingly start overseas, with more updates expected through the weekend.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" earns an impressive $10 million in Thursday previews despite mixed reviews, with projections of a $80-85 million international box office opening. The film, co-produced by Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, cost $135 million to make and is expected to be a hit, ensuring the continuation of the Monsterverse series. Directed by Adam Wingard, the movie features Kong and Godzilla teaming up to save Earth from a climate-threatening force.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" makes a strong start at the Chinese box office, earning $7 million by 3 p.m. local time and is forecasted to potentially reach $105 million. The film benefits from high social scores and is the fifth installment in the MonsterVerse series, delving deeper into the mysteries of the Hollow Earth and featuring an unholy alliance between Godzilla and Kong.
The streaming release of "Godzilla Minus One" is delayed due to an agreement between Toho and Legendary Entertainment, with the film likely not available for streaming until later April at the earliest, following the theatrical run of "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." This delay is to prevent competition between the two productions, and while fans may be disappointed by the wait, they will have to wait until after the release of "Godzilla x Kong" for "Godzilla Minus One" to become available for streaming.
Dune: Part Two opens domestically with an impressive $82.5M, showing strong presales and potential for sustained success, with younger audiences and repeat viewers contributing to its positive reception. The film's global Imax earnings also reflect its strong performance, hinting at a promising future for potential sequels.
