Apple TV+’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is breaking barriers in the TV landscape by successfully adapting the iconic Godzilla for a small-screen budget. This feat highlights the remarkable evolution in visual effects and narrative storytelling, setting new standards in the industry.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters takes a bold step away from the traditional monster movie approach, instead opting for character-driven narratives that explore human drama during catastrophic events. This shift embodies the new age of storytelling that champions character depth without compromising visual spectacle.
Tasked with the exciting challenge of bringing Godzilla to the small screen, VFX supervisor Sean Konrad implemented innovative strategies. He believed in the importance of composition and clarity for visual storytelling, adopting techniques drawn from past Godzilla films, ensuring the essence of the monster was retained despite the change in medium.
“And so a lot of the same stuff that we were doing for ‘Godzilla’ 2014 applies here. We need to make sure the images are clear. We need to make sure the compositions are strong. And then, on top of that, this is a human drama, and we need to tell it from the human point of view. And so we need to make our characters part of that action as much as possible.”
The series’ technical proficiency extends to its creative details, with Rising Sun’s team pouring intricate details into Godzilla’s design, particularly in scenes set in the 1950s. This level of detail honors Godzilla’s rich cinematic history, echoing their commitment to upholding the monster’s legacy while translating it to a new format.
Executive Producer Matt Fraction’s vision for the series was to create a 10-hour serial, underscoring the importance of character development in television writing. This focus is a significant departure from the traditional monster movie blueprint and emphasizes immersive narratives involving its human characters.
Godzilla and Generations: A Fresh Perspective in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Showrunner Chris Black and Director Matt Shakman mirror Fraction’s sentiments, accentuating how the series delineates a multi-generational family drama in the presence of Godzilla. Their narrative selection offers a novel perspective on the MonsterVerse, allowing audiences to experience a more intimate and grounded viewpoint on the unfolding events.
“These characters are majestic in a way. They fill us with wonder and awe, and wonder is such a word that I love as a filmmaker because I think it’s not just something good. It can also be terrifying, but it fills you with awe. And I think we need that in our lives. I think we do look for mystery. We do look for things that are larger than our lives. And I think Godzilla has always been there.”
Tory Tunnell, another executive producer, insists that the series remains accessible to new audiences who can engage with the Godzilla universe without any prerequisite knowledge of the franchise, making it a truly inclusive experience. This approach resonates with evolving television trends, where series are designed to cater to a broad audience spectrum, including both long-time fans and novices.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters exemplifies more than just the possibilities of contemporary TV production. It is a narrative and visual tour de force. Balancing the awe-inspiring aura of Godzilla with an intriguing human story, the series sets a new benchmark for genre storytelling. It encapsulates how television series are effortlessly blurring lines between cinematic spectacle and intimate storytelling.
Get ready to experience this visual spectacle yourself as Monarch: Legacy of Monsters launches on Apple TV+ on November 17, 2023.
For more must-watch TV shows and movies, make sure to browse HITPLAY, your ultimate curated collection of award-winning entertainment.
