Sam Neill Enters the MonsterVerse
Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for his iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, is the latest star to join the upcoming installment in Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse. Neill’s casting brings a new layer of gravitas to the blockbuster universe that unites cinematic titans Godzilla and King Kong.
The upcoming film, which follows the global success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, is being helmed by I Am Mother director Grant Sputore. The screenplay is penned by Dave Callaham, whose credits include Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Wonder Woman 1984.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Alongside Neill, the new MonsterVerse chapter will feature Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart, Dopesick) as the film’s lead, with Jack O’Connell playing her brother. Delroy Lindo and Dan Stevens, who played the laid-back monster veterinarian “Trapper” in The New Empire, are also confirmed to return.
This dynamic cast will anchor the human side of the story, as the franchise promises a high-stakes battle involving iconic Titans facing what Legendary teases as a “cataclysmic world-ending threat.”
Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Continuing the Legacy of the MonsterVerse
Since the debut of Godzilla in 2014, Legendary’s MonsterVerse has evolved into a powerhouse franchise, grossing over $2.5 billion globally across films including Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). The franchise expanded into streaming with the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which is set to return for a second season.
The latest film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, released in 2024, was a financial triumph, earning $571 million worldwide, proving the enduring appeal of the cinematic monster saga.
Sam Neill’s Monster-Sized Resume
Known for his iconic run in the Jurassic Park films, Sam Neill brings decades of experience battling prehistoric and otherworldly threats. After reprising his beloved role in Jurassic World Dominion (2022), Neill continued to stay busy with high-profile projects. He recently starred in Peacock’s family drama Apples Never Fall, and will next appear in Netflix’s mystery series Untamed.
Represented by CAA and Authentic Talent & Literary Management, Neill adds his signature charm and dramatic weight to the already star-powered MonsterVerse.
What’s Next for the Titans?
While plot specifics remain tightly under wraps, Legendary has confirmed that the upcoming film will blend new human characters with the continued lore of Godzilla and Kong. With Sam Neill’s arrival and a rising ensemble of talent, fans can expect a fresh yet nostalgic expansion of the MonsterVerse, as humanity—and the Titans—prepare to face their greatest challenge yet.