Apple TV is expanding the cinematic Monsterverse universe with an exciting new prequel series that will delve into the formative years of one of the franchise’s most compelling characters. The untitled series will center on Colonel Lee Shaw as a young American operative, portrayed by actor Wyatt Russell, who also plays the character in the current series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. In that show, the legendary Kurt Russell portrays Shaw during his later years, creating a compelling multi-generational narrative across the Monsterverse timeline.
The creative vision for this ambitious spinoff has been entrusted to Joby Harold, an accomplished storyteller who previously served as showrunner on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and writer on the critically acclaimed Star Wars series Obi-Wan Kenobi. Harold will oversee the project through his production company Safehouse Pictures under a broader overall deal with Legendary Entertainment. As part of this partnership, Harold has also been designated to oversee the entire Monsterverse franchise for Apple TV, positioning him as the creative steward for both new and established storylines featuring the franchise’s iconic Titans.
The prequel narrative is set during a pivotal moment in history, placing Shaw in 1984 as an American operative engaged in a covert mission behind enemy lines. His objective is particularly high-stakes: to prevent the Soviet Union from unleashing a catastrophic new Titan capable of destroying the United States and fundamentally altering the course of the Cold War. This historical backdrop provides rich storytelling opportunities for exploring Shaw’s character development and his crucial role within the secretive Monarch organization that serves as the central element of the Monsterverse.
Harold expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a statement, saying, “I could not feel more privileged to be a part of building out this wildly iconic universe. Apple and Legendary have been exemplary partners throughout this process, and we will continue to bring these Titans of cinematic history to audiences with the reverence they deserve.” Jason Clodfelter, president and managing director at Legendary Television, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Harold’s exceptional qualifications: “Joby is a remarkable storyteller with a deep understanding of what makes the Monsterverse resonate with fans globally. We’re thrilled to bring him and Safehouse Pictures into a broader partnership alongside Apple, marking an exciting new era for the franchise.”
The timing of this prequel series is strategically significant. By setting the story in 1984, the narrative exists later in the timeline than the young Shaw sequences that appeared in the first season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, allowing for more expansive exploration of Shaw’s character, the origins and operations of the Monarch organization, and the broader history of humanity’s encounters with Titans. This narrative placement also creates an opportunity to bridge the generational gap between Wyatt Russell’s portrayal of young Shaw and Kurt Russell’s interpretation of the character in his later years, potentially offering audiences deeper insight into the transformative experiences that shaped Shaw throughout his life.
The production team behind this venture represents a convergence of established and emerging talent. The series will be executive produced by Harold and Tory Tunnell through Safehouse Pictures, alongside Wyatt Russell, Chris Black, Kyle Bradstreet, Alex Boden, and Max Borenstein, with Andy Goddard also serving as executive producer. The production side includes Kei Banno, Brian Rogers, and Kenji Okuhira. The project also benefits from oversight by Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita representing Toho Co., Ltd., the original owner and rights holder of the Godzilla character, which was licensed to Legendary for the Monsterverse productions.
Harold’s appointment as showrunner and Monsterverse overseer reflects his impressive track record in the entertainment industry. His writing and producing credits include major tentpole franchises and acclaimed projects such as Edge of Tomorrow, the John Wick franchise, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and The Flash. His work on Obi-Wan Kenobi garnered five Emmy nominations and achieved record-breaking viewership numbers for the streaming service, demonstrating his capability to deliver both critical acclaim and audience engagement.
The expansion of the Monsterverse on Apple TV comes at a particularly dynamic moment for the franchise. Season 1 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is currently available in its entirety on the streaming platform, while the highly anticipated Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on February 27. The original series ended with older Shaw making a sacrifice that left his fate ambiguous, though it has since been confirmed that he will return in the upcoming season. The finale also included a significant cameo appearance by Kong and established a larger narrative role for the iconic Titan in Season 2.
Beyond the television expansion, the Monsterverse continues to evolve on the theatrical front. The next cinematic installment in the franchise, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is scheduled for release on March 26, 2027, directed by Grant Sputore and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kaitlyn Dever, Dan Stevens, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Matthew Modine, Sam Neill, and Alycia Debnam-Carey. This multi-platform expansion demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to delivering Monsterverse stories across both streaming and theatrical mediums.
